Bless me, Father, for I have sinned…

Tonight, the Suns host the San Antonio Spurs which undoubtedly conjures up a myriad of horrible memories in every sense of the word. Rather than talk about the history of the two teams, how they are rivals, and how much different things could’ve been…

I’ve chosen to enter the Confessional.

A while back, I wrote an article for Dime Magazine about the 5 players I love to hate, but would want them on my team. As I’m sure you can guess, the list was comprised of mostly Spurs, Lakers, and Mavericks players. On that list, was a name that will surprise no one – Tim Duncan.

However, I have a confession – I actually like the guy. /shields own face from flying hatred

I’ve continually put up a front that I can’t stand the guy. I suppose that’s true sometimes, but in the overall scheme of things…I admit it – I like Tim Duncan.

I’m a pretty honest person. I’m not shy in my love for the WNBA, or for Matt Barnes, or for the Dark Knight. Truthfully, I could care less if anybody judges me for liking things since I’m all about the philosophy of ‘to each his own’. But professing an actual respect for Tim Duncan was, admittedly, hard for me to do. This was the person that drilled that three pointer to bury the Suns in the playoffs. This was the person who tore apart the Suns defense every time we played him. This was the person who destroyed any hope of a Suns championship in multiple years. This was a guy who looked like at the ref like he just shot a puppy after every call on him.

Bless me Father…I just can’t bring myself to hate the guy.

Believe me, everything in me wants to. It goes against any and all fibers of my being. I really don’t why I have this ailment or affliction. I don’t have this same problem with Manu Ginobli. Or Tony Parker. Or Roger Mason Jr. Or Dirk Nowitzki. Or Jose Barea. Or Jason Terry. Or any Lakers player ever. But with Tim Duncan, I just…can’t…hate the guy.

Maybe it’s because in a world where players pound on their chest after making a routine lay-up, Duncan doesn’t do those things – I respect that. I respect that he generally has a low-key demeanor. Sure, he complains about every call but if we’re honest with ourselves, so do a good portion of Suns players.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t root for the guy. I don’t want him to win. I don’t want him to do well. I just don’t hate him like I do other Spurs players. I respect that he does his job and has never demanded the ball or needed “more touches” to be effective. If he gets 10 points or 40 points, he’s happy as long as the Spurs win. I respect that. He’s like Nash in that regard.

Did I really just compare Duncan to Nash? What the hell is wrong with me?

Maybe I’m just consumed with the holiday spirit. Yeah…that’s what it is…it has to be.

Right?

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