Duncan can assemble his own team

[MFFL]

Here's the link

NBA CONFIDENTIAL
Magic still have plans to pursue Duncan
Tim Povtak
February 4, 2002

Both the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic are making sure they have plenty of salary cap space for the summer of 2003, expecting to make a real play for San Antonio center Tim Duncan when he can become a free agent again.

But they aren't the only ones.

The Spurs are doing the same thing -- but for different reasons.

While the Heat and the Magic will be among only a handful of teams capable of offering Duncan a maximum salaried contract, the Spurs expect to keep him by offering something else.

They don't need to clear space for him because he will be their own free agent. They are clearing major room so Duncan virtually can pick his own team.

And the options should be attractive.

The Spurs, who just played Miami and Orlando this weekend, have only one contract besides Duncan's today -- rookie Tony Parker -- for that 2003-2004 season. It's like giving Duncan a chance to fill out the lineup card.

Although this summer the free agents pickings will be slim, the summer of 2003 should offer point guard Jason Kidd, forward Jermaine O'Neal, forward Antonio McDyess and center Raef LaFranz as available free agents.

The Magic, who tried and just missed landing Duncan in the summer of 2000, hope to get him the second time with big money and the lure of playing alongside Tracy McGrady, and a remade point guard named Grant Hill.

Duncan already is one of the game's top five players. He went into Sunday's game averaging 25.4 points, 13 rebounds and 2.76 blocked shots -- a serious candidate for Most Valuable Player honors. And at age 25, he is going to get better.

"His game is only going to improve from where he is now," said Magic Coach Doc Rivers. "In a couple years, Shaq will be gone, and Tim Duncan will be out there all by himself. He's just now coming into the age where maturity, toughness, knowledge of the game, and athleticsm all comes together."

Although neither the Magic nor Duncan would talk Sunday about his future in free agency, it's obviously on the minds of many around the league. Future salary-cap plans have been in the works for years.

It's one reason earlier this season the Magic traded away Bo Outlaw and his long-term contract. It's another reason they aren't jumping at a trade for Golden State's Marc Jackson. It's another reason why they have only a few contracts beyond next season.

[Murphy3]

one thing..i don't know how much duncan's game improves.. i think what you see right now is about what you're gonna get for the next several years..
he might improve slightly..however, i think he's pretty much maximizing his skills.