(CRAFT)[A PROBLEM YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH]

We were about to move on from the first round of the 1999 playoffs. I remember asking Shaq if he was ready. “For what?” he questioned.

“This boy we’re seeing in the next round,” I replied.

“Robinson?”

“Nah, the other one.”

“He’s soft,” said Shaq.

“I’ve been watching him all year,” I responded, “and he’s a problem that you’re going to have to deal with.”

Shaq sort of waved it off. By the time the Spurs were finished sweeping us, Tim Duncan had averaged something like 30 points. He was already on my radar, but after that series? Wow. I realized San Antonio would be a threat we’d have to deal with for all of eternity.