For Tim Duncan, the NBA lockout last season may have been a huge blessing. If he was on the court keeping busy and playing for the San Antonio Spurs, he might have kept putting his plans to open up "BlackJack Speed Shop," his own car and customization shop.
Duncan opened up about his new business venture and spoke a bit about his new shop, including on one of the reasons why he decided to open it up (h/t SlamOnline.com).
I kind of got a preview of my life after basketball [during the lockout]. I was like, Man, I’m gonna be pretty bored if I don’t start setting something up now.
All that he's known has been basketball for the majority of his time. He's had to keep busy during each season and then train for the upcoming one after the playoffs were done, so he's been able to find something to do.
Now closer to the end of his career, he's decided to take some business risks that may be filled with opportunities.
Spurs fans thinking about Duncan retiring from the game is a difficult one to imagine since he's been the cornerstone of the franchise since he got drafted.
With Duncan making his presence known in ways than basketball in San Antonio, it may be a softer blow to his faithful fans knowing he won't be making any future plans of relocating and staying close to the people who've appreciated his contributions to the team and city.