SAN ANTONIO – The music was loud enough for Tim Duncan to hear as he strolled through the Spurs’ practice facility. But he had no idea the sounds were courtesy of Lonnie Walker.



Lyrics from rappers Tupac Shakur, Big L and Rakim filtered through the speakers as Duncan approached Walker. Throughout the last few weeks, Duncan, a future Hall of Famer had become accustomed to hearing Walker play “mumble rap,” a term used to describe the newer artists on the hip-hop scene who focus on the repetition of words and melody more than lyricism.



Duncan approved of this unique playlist. And he wasted no time telling Walker that he should be listening to more stuff like this, more old-school hip-hop. Once Walker informed Duncan that he was the one providing the music Duncan heard earlier, the Spurs’ legend didn’t believe him.



“No,” said Walker recalling Duncan’s response. “This isn’t your playlist.