Tim Duncan won his first Most Valuable Player award in 2002, although it was marred by controversy. That year, the Maurice Podoloff trophy was in close competition. Duncan garnered 57 first-place votes and 954 points, while Kidd had 45 first-place votes and 897 points. New Jersey Nets coach Byron Scott and Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers felt the wrong player won the award. Either way, Duncan clarified his plans had there been any error.
“I’m not going to give it back,” he said after receiving the trophy from Commissioner David Stern via the Washington Post. “But if someone else won it, I wouldn’t dispute it.”
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It was unfortunate that Duncan had to experience that controversy at the time. However, he deserved the accolade, considering it was the best performance of his career. Timmy averaged 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocked shots that season.
Why Timmy failed to dress formally for the ceremony
It was understandable that Duncan was unaware that he should be in formal attire to receive the trophy, as this was his first time winning the award. Instead, he came wearing a red T-shirt, denim shorts, and sandals.
Spurs teammate Steve Smith was present at the ceremony and tried to reason with the 6-foot-11 player. That hardly helped as Duncan never changed clothes and proceeded to receive the MVP award.
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“To me, I was surprised to see a guy accept the MVP award in that outfit that looked like you were about to go outside and cut the grass,” Smith said at the time.
Duncan’s outfit hardly mattered, here’s why
As unusual as his attire was at the time, it would be best to note that past MVP winners got individual awards during games. Hence, the one that should be questioned was the timing of the MVP awarding rather than criticizing Duncan for his choice of clothing.
Also, it was Tim’s way of showing that he was a modest person with a low-key sense of fashion. He prioritized comfort over style, which is why his laid-back clothing distinguished him from other players who wore flashier wardrobes.
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Winning his first MVP award was also a key moment in the passing of the torch in San Antonio. David Robinson was at the twilight of his career and the top pick of the 1997 Draft was next in line.
Robinson knew that Timmy would be taking over as the team’s top dog as early as 1997. The Admiral had no qualms about stepping aside and stressed that winning was what mattered.
“It’s not tough when you want to win,” Robinson said. “You realize what your limitations are.”
In the 2002-03 season, Duncan won the regular MVP award once more with another year of stellar play. But that season was made more special.
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Not only did Timmy win his second MVP award, but he also helped the Spurs win its second NBA championship over the Nets. It was also a fitting gift to Robinson, ending his career with a second championship ring.
It was the peak of Duncan’s career in the early 2000s, a reason why he was a prominent figure in the MVP race. He went on to win three more championships with the Spurs (2005, 2007 and 2014), capping a successful career and earning a spot among the greatest ever to play the game.
Related: “It wasn’t the same adrenaline rush as it was being a player” – Tim Duncan on why he didn’t try harder to become the next head coach for the Spurs
