Today in NBA Sneaker History: Tim Duncan Handles Heat in adidas TS Commander LT PE

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Is there any active player in the NBA that has aged as gracefully as Tim Duncan? In his 17th professional season, the towering center continues to be a force in the paint and one of San Antonio's key contributors.

This year, the Spurs have managed to remain one of the west's top teams to beat at 24-7, and tonight they'll end 2013 with a home game against the Brooklyn Nets, another team that relies on battle-hardened vets like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Don't be surprised if 37-year-old Tim Duncan ends up outperforming these guys along with some of the league's younger stars.

Four years ago today, on December 31, 2009, Tim Duncan and the Spurs hosted a pre-LeBron Miami Heat. Duncan was up to his usual tricks, dropping 23 points, 10 boards, and 3 assists on the Heat for a double-double. San Antonio would go on to blow out Miami 108-78 as they racked up their fourth straight win.

Tim Duncan's been with adidas for the majority of his career, and in 2009, the Three Stripes got a little adventurous as they laced Duncan in this skeleton-inspired TS Commander LT PE. This skeletal style was actually designed to coincide with Halloween, but Tim Duncan must have been a fan of the unique look, because he wore them well beyond the spooky holiday.

RELATED: SPOTTED: Tim Duncan Scores 31 points and 18 Rebounds in the adidas Flight Path

RELATED:
Today in Performance Sneaker History: Tim Duncan Leads Spurs to McDonald's Championship in the Nike Flightposite One