Understated Tim Duncan has said virtually nothing publicly since his retirement after 19 NBA season was announced in a simple press release issued by the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.But on Wednesday, Duncan offered his first public words on the subject in an open letter that appeared on the Spurs' website."If asked to write a script for my career 19 years ago, there is no way I would've been able to dream up this journey," Duncan wrote. "I stand here at the end of this ride and look back in awe of what I've experienced.Duncan combined with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich to win 1,001 games, more than any other player-coach combination in history, and made the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons.But the success takes a back seat to the people he met along the way."The wins and losses will be remembered, but what I'll remember most are the people," Duncan added. "The fans inside the arena and out, the staff and coaches who pushed me and held me together, the teammates (and even opponents) who will be lifelong friends, sharing my ups and downs with family and close friends, and, most importantly, the snapshots of my kids growing up and reveling in watching Dad work. That is what I will cherish the most."Duncan averaged 19 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in what is all but certain to be a Hall of Fame career. The 15-time All-Star won five championships, three NBA Finals MVP Awards and two regular season MVP Awards,"Thank you to the city of San Antonio for the love and support over these years," Duncan concluded. "Thank you to the fans all over the world. Much Love Always, Tim"