Tim Duncan Returns For 19th Season

San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan is returning for a 19th NBA season.  He tells the "San Antonio Express-News" that he "will be on the court next year."

There had been speculation the 39-year-old would retire after the Spurs lost to the Clippers in seven games in the first round of the playoffs this year.

Duncan averaged 13.9 points, three assists and two blocks, earning Third Team All-NBA and second team All-Defense honors.

The Wake Forest product accompanied the Spurs on a recruiting trip to meet with free-agent forward LaMarcus Aldridge on Wednesday.  (Metro Networks Inc.)