Tim Duncan is believed to be leaning toward a return for his 19th season with the San Antonio Spurs, according to one person familiar with him.

“I would be very surprised if he retired,” said Antonio Daniels, Duncan’s friend and former teammate with the Spurs. “As long as he’s staying at a level where he feels like he’s relevant and competing, I can’t see it.”

Duncan averaged 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and nearly two blocks this season. He had 27 points and 11 rebounds in the Spurs' loss in Game 7 in the first round.

“I continue to be amazed by Tim Duncan,” Gregg Popovich said. “He was our most consistent player in the playoffs, at 39. He needed a little more help, and I feel badly he didn’t get it. It wasn’t for a lack of trying.

“To watch him is pretty spectacular, in itself.”