RC Buford on Tim Duncan

Why don’t you start with Tim Duncan? When you saw him go down against Golden State and saw the way he landed, what went through your mind?

R.C. Buford: It’s never good when Tim hits the ground. He has a tendency to put us into due trauma when that does happen. But he’s looked good coming back this week and we’re anticipating good health soon.

Jim Rome: So what’s his timetable? Exactly what’s that for his return?

R.C. Buford: Hopefully by the end of the week, we’ll have a better idea. But he’s looking good in his workouts now. He’s yet to go through any activities with our team. But we should have a chance to see where he is tomorrow.

Jim Rome: Talk about the No. 1 seed. Is that going to impact how and when you bring him back?

R.C. Buford: Nah. Fortunately, we’ve got eager players and a cautious coach. And I think Pop’s history to to really work through the best interest of the players and challenge to them to really be ready.

Jim Rome: So will Duncan be expected to be at 100 percent when the post season starts?   

R.C. Buford: We’ll see how that goes, but we anticipate him being able to go through practice, able to go through games sooner than that. Hopefully sooner than the post season.

Jim Rome: I posed that question because Tony Parker said: “‘Look, we could still get that No. 1 seed without him, but we’re not going to make a deep run without him in the post season.”  Would  you anticipate having to go into the post season without him (Duncan)? And how dire would it be if he’s not 100 percent?

R.C. Buford: Well, I think it’s obvious that although we’ve had a very good year to date and we’ve played pretty well in the last four games. The last four games show the importance of Tim to our program. So, if we go into the post season and Tim isn’t healthy, it doesn’t bode well for us. But we anticipate him back sooner than that.

Jim Rome: Take a big picture look at Tim Duncan for a minute. When you look at this, you’ll see a Hall of Famer. And you’ll probably never see a more unselfish guy than Tim Duncan. Especially for a star at that level. You’ll never have to wake up one morning and saying “I want a trade” or “I want a new contract.” For you to do the job that you’ve done, how much easier is it making, knowing you have that guy in that position?

R.C. Buford: Well, it’s the reason why we are who we are and where we are. Quite frankly, Tim is the most important piece. What he’s brought to our organization and the relationship he’s had with Pop. The ability he’s gives us to coach him hard allows Pop to build a program where he can coach anybody. And it allows us to know the players that fit around us.