It was an emotional farewell to ex San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan who, after a 19 year stint with the Texas team, had his number 21 jersey retired.

Spurs retire Tim Duncan's jersey

During his career with the spurs he lead them to 5 championships before calling it a day at the end of last season and was honoured with a touching ceremony prior to their game with New Orleans on Sunday.

Tim Duncan played his entire 19-year career  with the San Antonio Spurs and is regarded as one of the NBA's greatest power forwards of all time.

Tim Duncan honoured after 19-year career with the Spurs

An former Rookie of the Year as, a two time MVP, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, a 10-time All-NBA first team a 15-time NBA All-Star and the only player to be selected to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams in all of his first 13 seasons. He is also a five-time NBA champion. But what makes him special to his team-mates is his humble personality.

One man who also has special memories of Duncan is Manu Ginobili. Back in 2006 during the first round of the play-offs against the Sacramento Kings the Argentinian made an error which would cost them in game three as they went on to loose 4-2. An error that stayed with him and effected his confidence until Duncan was able to pick him up.

But the ceremony went from took an emotional turn when the Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich express his gratitude to the big man who he had been working with for nearly two decades.

Although fans may not see Duncan wearing the jersey on the court, his name and success will be well always be remembered.