Tim Duncan has finally been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN NBA host Rachel Nichols sparked controversy this past week following a highly panned interview with San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan.

This week marks Duncan’s enshrinement into the NBA Hall of Fame, and as a result, he made himself available for media interviews.

One such interview took place with Nichols.

For the most part, it was fairly standard.

However, things took a turn when Nichols found a way to work Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James into the conversation. People didn’t like that very much.

In particular, Nichols referenced a quick conversation between Duncan and James at the end of the former’s career.

“After the final game, you said ‘this is going to be your league, appreciate you giving us a year,’ what was that moment like?” she asked Duncan.

Fans reacted immediately.

Duncan generally steers clear of doing media – and this is probably a good example of why.

Either he will do a standard interview that will turn into a whole thing, or someone will come out and randomly question him about his sexuality. Lose-lose.

Duncan is one of the greatest players of all time. When he gets to talking, he drops some real gems – like why he never trashed talked anyone.

Sadly, his interview with Nichols didn’t produce any quality content of that nature.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout