Tim Duncan was benched after going 1-for-8 from the field on Thursday against the Rockets, finishing with four points with one rebound, one assist, and one block in 15 minutes. Owners know the falloff has to happen at some point, but let's wait until half the league isn't out of shape before getting on Duncan's case. Are we concerned about his value? We have been since last year, but owners drafting him as a reverse-psychology injury risk pick will want to wait at least until he posts a few good lines before getting out of the Duncan business.

Tim Duncan is concerned about the depth of the Spurs' rotation, particularly in a condensed schedule. "We need some guys to step up, a lot of guys," Duncan said. "We're going to need some of our bench to find their way and find their rhythm and help us out a lot." Duncan will start alongside DeJuan Blair in the frontcourt, with only Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter behind them (unless you count the make-good contracts of Frank Hassell and Luke Zeller).

Tim Duncan had 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block on 7-of-10 shooting in Wednesday's preseason finale. He'll miss some back-to-backs this year, but should be a quality big man to own in fantasy. And he should be available after the studs are off the board, making him a potential value buy.

Gregg Popovich said that the Spurs' No. 1 personnel goal is to add another center to the roster. San Antonio has an obvious lack of true centers, especially given the likely retirement of Antonio McDyess and the slow development of Tiago Splitter. The Spurs' main problem is that they're in the luxury tax and can only offer "a deal starting at $3 million." That limits them to guys like Alexis Ajinca and injured Kyrylo Fesenko, so expect them to roll with their current personnel -- DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner, Splitter and Duncan.

Tim Duncan said recently that he isn't yet considering when he'll retire. "I haven't gotten to that bridge," Duncan said. "I don't even see that bridge yet. When I get there, then I'll cross it." He relentlessly worked on his physique and conditioning during the lockout and came back in "incredible" shape, according to coach Gregg Popovich. Fantasy owners should temper their enthusiasm by remembering that last year he averaged a career-low 13.5 points and 8.9 rebounds in a career-low 28 minutes per game.

Spurs GM R.C. Buford was arrested for DWI on Friday, after he crashed his car into a fence near downtown San Antonio. Buford has since posted bond and it fortunately doesn't sound like anyone was injured in the incident.

Tim Duncan was spotted doing windsprints at a local high school track, as a piece by beat writer Jeff McDonald discusses the strength and conditioning program awaiting him when basketball resumes. This clearly isn't news, but rather an excuse to talk about real fantasy basketball. That Duncan appears to be putting in work can only be a good sign, and heading into a theoretic season -- The Big Fundamental could have a split personality on draft day. In advanced leagues he may actually be undervalued by those averse to his injury risk, but in the rest of leagues somebody will probably draft him early.

Spurs assistant Don Newman has declined an offer to become the Suns 'defensive coordinator'. The Spurs defense has been a well-oiled machine for years, though age and injuries have taken a toll -- they held opponents to the 12th-lowest FG% last season (45.6%). Gregg Popovich is eager to regain his team's elite defensive posture, and the addition of Kawhi Leonard is a solid step.

Tim Duncan is not expected to opt out of his final year with the Spurs, a source tells the Express-News.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich indicated that he's not ready to quit coaching, even after Tim Duncan retires. "You do it as long as you go to training camp and the juices are flowing," said Popovich. "And I know I'm like that because I was bouncing off the walls for weeks ... So, I'm pretty far away from wanting to sit back and have a pinot noir and watch a Robert Mitchum movie." This is great news for fans of the Spurs and the NBA.