After Ginobili finished, it was the turn of the last person—and the one most important to Duncan—Popovich.
"Choosing him back then was such a 'difficult' decision, difficult enough that even the cats and dogs in your homes could have made it."
Popovich's very first sentence displayed his old-man humor.
That line also brought back many memories for the crowd. Back then, Popovich and the "Red Auerbach" had competed to tank for Duncan.
In the end, the goddess of fortune favored San Antonio, creating the Spurs' more than two decades of dominance.
"He loves carrot cake. I can't even remember how many times I brought him cake. I brought it for nearly twenty years. It was really 'annoying.'"
Popovich also shared a little secret between himself and Duncan during the rest of his speech.
That secret fully reflected their relationship. They were like master and disciple, yet also like father and son.
"I don't want to talk about scoring, rebounds, or any of those statistics. I just want to say that he made everyone better. I'm grateful that he gave me the chance to coach this team, because with him here, I was able to lead this team in my own way.
"He is the most sincere and steady person I have ever met. He remained the same for more than a decade. I want to tell Tim's parents, who have already passed away, that Tim is still the same as when he first came here. He has not changed."
Popovich's final words were deeply moving as well.
Duncan's eyes reddened without him realizing it. Perhaps he was not good at expressing emotion with words, but the bond between the two no longer needed words to describe it.
When Popovich finished his final sentence, the arena erupted in prolonged applause and