This is Duncan's show -- Admiral or no Admiral.

DOES THIS MEAN GOODBYE?
The Admiral's farewell tour should be a show, but the Spurs will keep an eye on Tim Duncan to see if he's going, too. His decision -- highly anticipated for three years -- will be contingent on the Spurs having a future, which depends on TD's staying put (isn't it ironic?). Emanuel Ginobili and Speedy Claxton improve the backcourt, but the Spurs still rise or fall on inside play. Smooth sailing, Mr. Robinson. The 'hood won't be the same without you.

STARTING FIVE
Let's see ... The Admiral has played in a franchise-record 923 NBA games and has started all but two of them. Guess he's starting in the middle.

Midwest Division

1. Mavericks

2. Spurs

3. T-Wolves

4. Jazz

5. Rockets

6. Grizzlies

7. Nuggets

Scouting Report Index

Tim Duncan, PF: Yeah, but why can't he hit a three every now and again?
Bruce Bowen, SF: Does dirty work on D and, as a bonus, hits the occasional three
David Robinson, C: The league's class act, from start to finish
Steve Smith, SG: 11.6 ppg was lowest of his career; AWOL in playoffs
Tony Parker, PG: The Statue of Liberty, and now this. Merci, France

BENCH
Rookie Ginobili could challenge Smith. New guys Kevin Willis and Claxton join holdovers Danny Ferry and Malik Rose.

GLOBAL VIEW
Duncan (Virgin Islands) is 1 of 5
all-time with career 22 ppg/12 rpg.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
How long will Duncan put up with the lack of athleticism around him?

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.