National Basketball Association

Financial scam won't affect Tim Duncan's decision on returning

Published Jun. 18, 2015 9:43 a.m. ET

foxsports

By David Kenyon

Veteran power forward Tim Duncan has accrued nearly $225 million during his 18-year NBA career, but an ex-financial adviser allegedly misused a portion of Duncan’s income.

According to Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg.com, the complaint notes “[Charles] Banks hid his own interest in investment opportunities recommended to the 15-time All-Star” and caused a loss of more than $20 million.

Per Soshnick, Duncan — who is mulling retirement at age-39 — said the lawsuit will not affect his decision to either return or retire:

“Luckily I had a long career and made good money. This is a big chunk, but it’s not going to change my life in any way. It’s not going to make any decisions for me.”

For starters, it’s comforting to hear of a professional athletes who made hundreds of millions of dollars — plus any endorsements — doesn’t needa final year to pad his bank account.

But on a basketball level, it’s reassuring for San Antonio, a team with financial troubles of its own this summer. According to HoopsHype, the Spurs have $34 million in cap space, but they also have nine free agents.

San Antonio must re-sign Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, as well as Duncan and Manu Ginobili if either player decides to return for another year. The front office probably hopes Duncan will take a hometown discount, and Soshnick’s report suggests Duncan would be able to take another paycut.

The question, however, is if he’s willing.

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