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San Antonio Spurs: What was Tim Duncan’s best season?

By Rob Wolkenbrod
SAN ANTONIO - DECEMBER 3: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with official Scott Foster #48 during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the SBC Center on December 3, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. The Lakers won 90-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO - DECEMBER 3: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with official Scott Foster #48 during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the SBC Center on December 3, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. The Lakers won 90-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Tim Duncan did plenty for the San Antonio Spurs, but what was his best season in his 19 years?

Tim Duncan will go down as possibly the greatest member of the San Antonio Spurs in franchise history. He played all 19 seasons there from the day the organization selected him No. 1 overall in the 1997 NBA Draft to the day he retired in the summer of 2016.

Duncan had fantastic years with the Spurs. His first eight seasons saw averages of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, three of which resulted in NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005), with the other two in 2007 and 2014.

With all the great years Duncan had, however, what was the best of them all? If it’s determined by Win Shares, then it comes down to the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons.

In 2001-02, Duncan had 17.8 Win Shares, which was the best in the NBA — 10.7 of them came on the offensive end. This was also the top season of his career in points (25.5) on a team that had an aging David Robinson, a rookie Tony Parker, and Steve Smith as the third-leading scorer at just over 11 points per game.

Duncan’s final numbers were 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds (led the league in total rebounds), 3.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. It didn’t lead to a championship like the next year, however.

In 2002-03, the Big Fundamental had 16.5 Win Shares, which also led the NBA. 9.5 of them were on the offensive end.

This season had him total 12.9 rebounds per game, a career high. The 3.9 assists per game was another top total for his 19 years, along with the 2.9 blocks. Duncan finished with 23.3 points per game. These numbers were built upon in the 2003 NBA playoffs and won the Spurs the championship.

Must Read: 25 forgotten players that were on the Spurs

These two seasons look like Duncan’s statistical best’s. However, the top one is up for debate. What was the best output for any of his 19 seasons in the NBA?

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