The San Antonio Spurs will retire the number 21 jersey of franchise icon Tim Duncan on December 18.

A special post-game ceremony honouring Duncan, who brought his career to an end in July, is scheduled to take place following the match against the New Orleans Pelicans at the AT&T Center, where his number will be raised to the rafters.

The first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Duncan led a 19-year decorated career in San Antonio that included five championships, two MVP awards and 15 All-Star nods.

He will become the eighth Spurs player in history to receive the honour, joining Bruce Bowen (12), Sean Elliott (32), George Gervin (44), Avery Johnson (6), Johnny Moore (00), David Robinson (50) and James Silas (13).