Lost in the noisy, nostalgic and nonsensical Kobe Bryant farewell tour is the handiwork of a silent, selfless star nearing his curtain call.
Of course, nobody expects Tim Duncan to leave the game any other way but slip out unsuspectedly through a side door.
He is under contract with the San Antonio Spurs through 2016-17, but at 39, he could leave after this season ends.
Tough to plan a going-away a party for him.
This is quintessential Duncan: It would surprise no one if he calls it quits one day next summer from an island resort and disappears for good, having dodged all the hoops hoopla.