NBA players react to Tim Duncan announcing retirement

NBA players paid tribute to the San Antonio Spurs star.

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San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan announced that he is retiring after 19 NBA seasons on Monday.

Over his remarkable career, Duncan was twice named NBA MVP, went to 15 All-Star games and helped the Spurs win five championships.

The news is not completely unexpected, as reports emerged after the Spurs were eliminated from the playoffs that the 40-year-old planned to step away from the game. On Monday, a number of current and former NBA players took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Duncan. 

Timmy D you know how I feel about you, what you did for me and for the entire NBA. Thank you for an amazing career! #BestPFEver #Legend

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 11, 2016

Congrats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 11, 2016

Sometimes all you NEED to say is THANK YOU........To the BEST EXAMPLE of a Leader, Brother, Friend. Looking forward to the Phase Homie!

— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) July 11, 2016

Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD

— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 11, 2016

At the end of the day, Tim Duncan played the game the way it was meant to be played. One of the all-time greats. #ThankYouTD

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) July 11, 2016

For many and different reasons thank you Mr. Tim Duncan. Always led by example, will miss you on… https://t.co/01juTgMWjB

— Marc Gasol (@MarcGasol) July 11, 2016

Timmy D. Say it ain't so!!! Greatest power forward ever!

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) July 11, 2016

Tim Duncan #Legend

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) July 11, 2016

Damn, low key we lost Kobe & Timmy D in the same season..

— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 11, 2016

Wow man one of the best teammates I've ever had and the best PF of all time has just retired #21 #TD #GOAT https://t.co/8jhFDK1kC6

— Austin Daye (@Adaye5) July 11, 2016

Nineteen seasons. Five rings. One team. #ThankYouTDhttps://t.co/2OgTEHyD4i

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 11, 2016

#ThankYouTD, for everything.https://t.co/tsjN4go8Rk

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 11, 2016

Duncan averaged 20.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over his career. He spent his entire career in San Antonio, which drafted him with the first pick of the 1997 NBA draft out of Wake Forest. 

Duncan is a three–time NBA Finals MVP.