A Look Back at the World When Allen, Duncan Debuted

Nearly 20 years after entering the NBA, Ray Allen and Tim Duncan are still going strong as top-caliber players in the midst of a Finals battle. Their age seems irrelevant when it comes time to contend for a championship, and it’s easy to forget just how long these Future Hall of Famers have been leaving it all on the court.

The reality is, though, a lot has changed since they entered the league in the 90s. To appreciate the longevity of their careers, take a look back at when Allen made his NBA debut on November 1, 1996 and Duncan on October 31, 1997.

Reigning NBA MVP
Allen debut: Michael Jordan
Duncan debut: Karl Malone

Defending NBA Champions
Allen: Chicago Bulls
Duncan: Chicago Bulls

Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year
Allen: Damon Stoudamire
Duncan: Allen Iverson

Gregg Popovich
Allen: Spurs executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager
Duncan: Spurs head coach

LeBron James
Allen: 11 years old
Duncan: 12 years old

Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins
Allen: 1 year old
Duncan: 2 years old

Sports Illustrated Cover Story
Allen: “Tiger!”
Duncan: “Coach Larry Bird”

No. 1 Billboard Hot 100
Allen: Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix) by Los Del Rio
Duncan: Candle In The Wind 1997 by Elton John

Hot in Theaters
Allen: Romeo + Juliet
Duncan: I Know What You Did Last Summer

Popular Video Games
Allen: Resident Evil
Duncan: Grand Theft Auto

Motor Trend Car of the Year
Allen: Dodge Caravan
Duncan: Chevy Malibu

Average Cost of a Gallon of Gas
Allen: $1.26
Duncan: $1.20