Tim Duncan Named Assistant Coach for San Antonio Spurs

Former Wake Forest and San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan has been named as an assistant coach on Gregg Popovich’s staff, according to a news release today by the Spurs.

The release also announced the addition of Will Hardy to the staff.

Popovich commented, “It is only fitting, that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant, that he returns the favor.”

Duncan helped lead the Spurs to five NBA titles as a player, and now will look to make an impact as a coach on the sidelines.

While he hasn’t been in an official role, Duncan has spent plenty of time around the team for the last three years since retiring in 2016. His role will likely be as a mentor to the big men.

Popovich lost two of top assistants this offseason in Ettore Messina and Ime Udoka, which created the space for Duncan and Hardy. Becky Hammon, who will likely serve as assistant head coach, and Chip Engelland, the long-time shooting coach, will remain on the staff.

While many Wake fans may be interested in having Duncan come back to Wake Forest as a coach, his loyalty to Pop will likely keep him with the Spurs at least until Pop’s retirement, and possibly much longer.

Congratulations to Tim on his new job. Spurs games will become a must-watch again for Wake fans.