After 12 consecutive All-Star appearances, Tim Duncan , all of a sudden, wasn't included in the 2012 All-Star game. While some believed that he was outvoted by younger big men in the league, Duncan publicly stated that he'd rather use the time to rest.
The following year, Duncan was very open to doing the same thing again. He would gladly take a break and reassured everybody that he wouldn't be offended if he didn't make it to the Western Conference All-Star lineup.
For San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who was also the coach of the West All-Stars that year, Duncan should be on the roster. However, The Big Fundamental wasn't on the same page as his longtime coach and was totally fine with not being part of the NBA's annual festivity once again.
"I will not be campaigning," Duncan reacted to Popovich pushing for his All-Star selection. "I haven't heard what Pop's been saying, but I guess I've got to talk to him. I wouldn't complain if I'm not on the (All-Star) roster. I want to play well and want to feel good about what I'm doing on the court, but I am not going to be unhappy if I don't make it."
Duncan was known for his remarkable humility and simplicity as a player. Some people even perceived him as boring or bland, but Timmy never remained unfazed. That being said, it's no surprise that not playing in the All-Star game was not a big deal for Duncan. Moreover, he insisted that he discovered how much fun it was to take a break during the All-Star weekend.
"I enjoyed it tremendously," the two-time league MVP candidly stated at the time.
However, Duncan was eventually prompted to take part in the 2013 All-Star game. His performance during the game speaks volumes about how disinterested he was to be there, logging only two points, three rebounds in eight minutes.
Throughout his legendary NBA career, Duncan was undeniably one of the most dominant big men in the league. He consistently performed well, and it's worth noting that he never had a losing season with the Spurs.
Despite being arguably the greatest power forward of his time, Timmy remained humble and modest. There was never an account of Duncan boasting about his accomplishments or bragging about being better than other players.
Season after season, Duncan was just focused on winning the championship. He was never big on extracurricular activities such as the All-Star weekend. Eventually, some people began to wonder why Duncan had always been the same in terms of his attitude and mentality. As expected, Duncan came up with yet another simple answer.
"It sounds somewhat arrogant, but I don't really want to change. I like who I am; I like how I do things," Duncan told Sports Illustrated in 2012. "I try to be that way."
Two years after his underwhelming and, safe to say, unwanted All-Star game appearance in 2013, Duncan was voted All-Star once again at age 38. He was the oldest player in the game, and it turned out to be the final All-Star of his legendary career.
In retrospect, the All-Star selections weren't what made Duncan legendary as a player. Instead, he is revered by many for his humility and notable nonchalance.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
