Second-greatest player in the history of each NBA franchise
San Antonio Spurs: David Robinson
Greatest Player: Tim Duncan
The San Antonio Spurs weren’t always the model of consistency the public knows them as today. Back in 1987, they were coming off a 28-win season, which granted them the No. 1 overall pick and the right of first refusal on a prospect named David Robinson.
San Antonio would select Robinson but would have to wait another two years for The Admiral to complete his Navy service. Upon arrival, Robinson proved well worth the wait, fostering a 35-win improvement to get the Spurs back into the playoffs, winning Rookie of the Year in the process.
From there, Robinson became a statistical marvel. From 1989-96, he made all seven All-Star Games while averaging 25.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals a night.
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At various points during these prime years, Robinson led the league in scoring, rebounding and blocks. He has an MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy as well as a 70-point game and quadruple-double.
He couldn’t get the Spurs farther than the conference finals on his own, but the arrival of Tim Duncan — due largely to Robinson’s absence in 1996-97 that resulted in the top pick — helped Robinson contributed on the grandest stage.
He averaged 13.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game combined in1999 and 2003, helping San Antonio to its first two championships before calling it a Hall of Fame career.