Both his blocking and rebounding are a result of his relentless pursuit of the ball while exploiting his opponents weaknesses. David could shoot from close range while doubled-teamed just as readily as he could drop in an 18-foot jumper.
But it’s the variety of shots he used that was so impressive. The Admiral went for 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks. On Thursday, February 17, 1994, the Spurs hosted the Detroit Pistons at the Alamodome. Although most clips showcase his blocking and dunking, you need not go further than his monumental quadruple-double game to see the extent of his talent. The Admiral cultivated an atmosphere of greatness that continues.Ī quick trip to YouTube reveals how powerful he was. And Robinson brought the best out in his teammates. Night after night, Robinson turned defense into offense and Spurs fans were treated to highlight reel performances. A seven footer slashing and setting guys up? It took his opponents off guard and altered the role of the center.ĭefensively, The Admiral could block a shot at the rim, slap the ball to Johnson, and then run the court to a put back poster-worthy slam dunk - r egularly.
His speed provided for an additional avenue of attack: leaving the lane for him to drive the lane or pass to an open teammate. Offensively, Robinson spread the defense. Quickness, agility, and accuracy made The Admiral lethal at both ends of the court. Up until this period, big men typically played with their backs to the basket, but David could turn and face his opponent, set himself, and explode with effortless speed. Robinson’s athleticism was revolutionary. He led the NBA in rebounding in 1991, blocks in 1992, and scoring in 1994. Robinson won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and NBA Most Valuable Player in 1995 while racking up yearly All-Star performances, All-NBA honors, and All-Defensive Team selections. The Spurs swept the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs before falling in the second round to the Portland Trailblazers in a Game 7 overtime thrillfest. The Admiral also made the All-Star team, and earned All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors. For his role, Robinson earned the Rookie of the Year award. In his first season, the Spurs had the single greatest turnaround in NBA history: 35 game improvement. The road was not always smooth and the view was not always pretty.īut once he hit the hardwood, Robinson lived up to his potential. It would take two years to get The Admiral to San Antonio, and then another decade until the first championship. When David Robinson entered the 1987 NBA draft, the Spurs saw their future. A bevy of losing seasons, low attendance, inconsistent coaching and managing left the Silver and Black with little to look forward to. His contributions elevate and exceed anything anyone could have predicted before he joined the Silver & Black.īy 1987, the Spurs looked to be a thing of the past.
If that wasn’t enough, Robinson became a fixture of San Antonio.
#TIM DUNCAN DAVID ROBINSON PROFESSIONAL#
He is one of those rare superstar players who devoted his entire professional career to one team. In many ways, Robinson foreshadowed all that took place in the new millennium. It is one of the ten jerseys to be retired by the San Antonio Spurs celebrating one of their greatest players. Inspired by his hero Ralph Sampson, David Robinson wore #50 both as a Navy Midshipman and in the NBA as a Spur. As we look back on the Silver & Black, we recognize the top 50 players in Spurs history. Always noted for development as well as being ahead of the curve on scouting international players, the Spurs way has made the franchise one of the most successful of all time. The keys to those qualities lie in their players. One trademark of the San Antonio Spurs has been their culture and their consistency. There have been many highs and a few lows. And he helped us become the model franchise over a 25-year period.This year the Spurs are celebrating their 50th season in San Antonio. “He helped us achieve the long-term goals that we set, winning championships. He helped me as an individual to grow up and be a better a player.
“But I can say that Tim is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Obviously, having owners like Red McCombs and Peter Holt was fantastic and coaches like Larry Brown and Pop were phenomenal. “Tim was maybe the best thing that happened to me in my whole career. Playing together was the best thing for both of us. When somebody like that comes in, they can only enhance what you’re doing. Robinson on Tim Duncan: "Tim is probably the best thing that ever happened to me in my career. In an interview with HoopsHype’s Alex Kennedy, Robinson credited Duncan for helping him win championships and allowing him to “grow up and be a better a player.” Spurs legend David Robinson says Tim Duncan was “probably the best thing that ever happened to me” during his career.
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