Tim Duncan Discovers His Cure For Aging

Mar 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) dribbles against Houston Rockets power forward Greg Smith (4) during the second half at the Toyota Center. The Rockets won 96-95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Fundamental this season has shown another level to his game. Many at his age would be taking a step back, not producing at a high energy.  Not Tim Duncan.  Duncan agreed to field two questions with USA Today Sports, Sam Amick.

The questions involved are of course about his health and how he can still play at such a high level.  “What drives you at this point in your career?”

“It’s a lot of different stuff, but honestly I just feel healthy right now.” Duncan told USA TODAY Sports during what evolved into a five-question session. “I feel like I have my legs underneath me for the first time in a while. My knee pain is way down, and I just feel good on the floor.”

You can see it when he is on the floor.  He has an extra step, he does not seem winded at times as he did a year ago.  He looks refreshed.  You would not think that he was nursing a sore knee with how he is performing this year.

The Spurs, led by a 36-year-old with more than 1,300 games under his belt who has somehow managed to be the best big man in the game again.

Duncan later in the article goes on and talks about how he didn’t know what to expect for the coming years.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect about these years,” Duncan said when asked if he ever felt like the end was near in recent years. “My game has changed, and my role is different on this team. It’s kind of reverted a little bit over the last however many games, and I’m being called on a little more.

He has proven down the stretch that he is one to go to.  Against the Los Angeles Clippers, Duncan hit a shot that many of Spurs fans

Mar 29, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) reacts after a shot during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at the AT

have seen in his career.  A falling away jump shot while getting fouled and being overcome with emotion.

His feeling right now with his body.

“I feel good now,” Duncan said. “I just hope I can feel this healthy for another 10, 11, 12 games until we start the playoffs. If I can feel like this, and keep my knee feeling the way it does, I’ll be excited about it.”

Head Coach Gregg Poppovich, who is possibly on his way to being named Coach of the Year, chimed in on Duncan.

“He doesn’t surprise me or amaze me every year,” Popovich told USA TODAY Sports. “I think fans are (surprised), because listen — if you see him walk, that one leg doesn’t even straighten out (because of knee injuries). Obviously he doesn’t have the athleticism he used to have. But the guy is uniquely intelligent as far as knowing what his strengths and weaknesses are.

This all comes down to how in the world he does this.  In the offseason, Duncan has a steadfast regimen that includes a strict diet he developed in recent years and off-the-floor training — from boxing to swimming, throwing tires, and running in the sand — that keeps him motivated and engaged.

There you have it.  His offseason regime and sticking to it, is the source to his accomplishments this season.  And if you still don’t think it has something to do with his play.  In the 2010-2011, 2011-2012 season Duncan averaged 14.3 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.  This season, he is averaging 17.6 points per game, 10 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

Reasons why this guy will be a first time ballot Hall of Famer.