close on my career — and I know it is — I appreciate it more.\'

MIAMI - Tim Duncan offered a rare acknowledgement: Hes thinking about the end of his career. Eric Weddle Jersey . No, the San Antonio star didnt announce retirement plans during an off day at the NBA Finals on Wednesday. But a player who has almost always declined the chance to discuss his own legacy after 17 seasons in the NBA — all with the Spurs — Duncan provided a glimpse of whats going through his mind as his career is clearly much closer to the end than the beginning. "I think in the last couple years Ive really kind of taken a step back and stopped and enjoyed what the journey means," Duncan said on the eve of Game 4 of these NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, a series that the Spurs lead 2-1. "I think, as it comes to a close on my career — and I know it is — I appreciate it more." The 38-year-old Duncan has been superb so far in this series, averaging 17.7 points on nearly 65 per cent shooting from the floor. If the Spurs win the championship, it would be Duncans fifth crown. Only 13 players in NBA history have ever been part of more championship series than that. And if Spurs coach Gregg Popovich knows Duncans exit plans — this year, next year, or otherwise — hes not tipping his hand. "It will probably be the third quarter of some game on the road some year, and hell feel like hes not as significant and hell walk into the locker room," Popovich said earlier in this series. Before the start of this rematch finals against Miami, Duncan — who has an option for next season at just over $10 million, an absolute bargain by NBA standards for someone at his level of production — said hes not thinking about retirement and doesnt even "care about any of that stuff." On Wednesday, he acknowledged that hes savoring these finals, since nothing about the future is ever guaranteed. "I appreciate every game more," Duncan said. "I appreciate every accomplishment, and everything that we get to go through and every experience, knowing that it might be the last time I do it." LaDainian Tomlinson Jersey . The World Group first round series will now continue Monday with Spain leading 1-0. Earlier Sunday, Czech Klara Zakopalova led the second singles match against Maria Torro-Flor 6-3, 2-0. Doug Flutie Jersey . -- Kyle Blanks homered in his home debut at the Coliseum and Derek Norris capped Oaklands five-homer day with a grand slam and the Athletics snapped a season-long four-game losing streak with a 10-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday.ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have added a fullback to their offence. Detroit signed Jed Collins to a one-year contract Wednesday. He started 26 of 47 games the previous three seasons for the New Orleans Saints. Collins reunites with Lions offensive co-ordinator Joe Lombardi, who was previously an assistant coach in New Orleans. Lombardi plans to use a fullbacck, a position Detroit had phased out under former coach Jim Schwartz. Malcom Floyd Jersey. Collins started eight games last season for the Saints and had 15 carries for 45 yards rushing and a touchdown along with 14 receptions for 54 yards. In Collins career, he has 19 rushing attempts for 49 yards and three touchdowns and 39 receptions for 174 yards and four scores. cheap jerseys ' ' '