In 1998, San Antonio’s Tim Duncan was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after receiving 113 of a possible 116 votes. Duncan, the first selection in the 1997 NBA Draft, averaged 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 blocked shots while shooting .549 (706-for-1,287) from the field in 39.1 minutes per game. Known for his fundamental skills, perfect footwork, and basketball IQ, Duncan led the Spurs to five NBA championships. A 3x NBA Finals MVP, Duncan helped the Spurs win their first title in franchise history in 1999. One of the youngest Finals MVP, Duncan was only 22 when he averaged 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in the 1999 NBA Finals. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 4-1. Duncan’s other accolades include 15x All-NBA Team selections, 15x NBA All-Defensive Team selections, 2x NBA MVP, and 15x NBA All-Star. Duncan retired in 2016 having spent his entire 19 season career with the Spurs. Duncan was selected to be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame class of 2020 and his no. 21 was retired by the San Antonio Spurs.
Today in Sports History: April 27
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