The Best San Antonio Spurs of All Time
A list of the best San Antonio Spurs of all time. The Spurs are one of the four ABA franchises to successfully transition into the NBA. San Antonio has had one of the greatest runs in modern basketball history. Beginning in 1989 after a few years of misery, the team's first overall pick in 1987, David Robinson, started playing for the team after his two-year naval commitment was completed. From the start, Robinson was one of the greatest centers in the NBA. The team went on a long successful run with "The Admiral" steering the ship. Along with Sean Elliott, one of the best Spurs ever, San Antonio began its golden era.
In 1997, after a down year where Robinson missed nearly the entire season with a knee injury, the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan, one of the best players of his generation. Duncan proved to be exactly what the Spurs needed. The team won four NBA titles with Duncan on the team, which cemented his status as one of the greatest players ever. When Robinson retired, new stars emerged. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are vital cogs to the Spurs engine, and are two of the biggest legends in San Antonio Spurs history. Throughout the team's greatest period, it has been the model franchise in terms of stability and its ability to consistently draft great players. This is how the team drafted Parker, who is one of the best point guards in team history.
This is a list of the best San Antonio Spurs of all time. If you think someone is missing, feel free to add him to this list. Vote or rerank this list of the greatest San Antonio Spurs of all time how you think it should look.- 1Power forward
Fondly referred to as "The Big Fundamental," Tim Duncan delivered a sense of quiet, commanding excellence during his entire 19-year tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. With an uncanny ability to dominate the low post, while exhibiting unrivaled leadership, he formed the backbone of five championship teams in three different decades. Duncan's stoicism, penchant for clutch plays, and relentless pursuit of victory continue to impact the sport today, with his legacy firmly established as one of the all-time greats in not just Spurs history, but NBA history.
- 2Center
Entering the NBA as "The Admiral," David Robinson quickly emerged as a superior dual-threat, dazzling fans with his explosive athleticism and powerful shot-blocking prowess. His thundering dunks and awe-inspiring blocks set an unprecedented stage for the Spurs' ascent into championship contention, ultimately culminating in two glorious titles alongside Tim Duncan. Robinson's consistent excellence and devotion to service off the court provided a strong foundation for the team's subsequent successes, leaving an indelible mark on the storied franchise.
- 3Shooting guard
Long before the modern-day Spurs dynasty unfolded, it was "The Iceman," George Gervin, who first put the team on the map with his silky-smooth scoring ability and swagger. Through his finger rolls, blistering shooting touch, and magnetic personality, Gervin laid the groundwork for what would eventually become one of the league's most successful franchises. His cool demeanor and scoring prowess continue to resonate with fans today, highlighting his status as a true Spurs legend.
- 4Point guard
Charging onto the scene like a young bull in a china shop, Tony Parker immediately forged a reputation as a tenacious and fearless point guard, slicing through defenses with his lightning-quick speed and surgical precision. Over time, his game evolved, adapting gracefully to the shifting NBA landscape while maintaining an unflappable competitiveness that drove the Spurs to four championships. Parker's crafty playmaking and iconic teardrop floater will endure in the annals of Spurs' history, reflecting his enormous impact on the franchise and on the league as a whole.
- 5Shooting guard
Bursting onto the NBA scene with flair, passion, and an unrelenting drive to win, Manu Ginóbili became an integral piece of the Spurs' championship fabric. With his thrillingly unpredictable Eurostep and an innate knack for creating clutch plays, he helped propel the team to four titles while capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Ginóbili's fiery style of play and unwavering loyalty to the Spurs organization will forever be remembered as cornerstones of his brilliant career.
- 6Small forward
Ascending from relative obscurity to superstardom, Kawhi Leonard became the epitome of a silent assassin, dominating both ends of the court with uncanny efficiency and tenacity. As one of the premier two-way players in the NBA, Leonard's relentless pursuit of greatness, culminating in a championship and Finals MVP, left an indelible mark on the Spurs' history. Though his tenure with the team may have ended tumultuously, Leonard's impact on the sport and the franchise cannot be understated.
