Recalling the Time the Spurs Selected David Robinson in the Draft and Awaited His Debut for Two Years
David Robinson Transforms the San Antonio Spurs Franchise
The San Antonio Spurs made a groundbreaking decision in 1987 when they selected David Robinson with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft [1][2]. Robinson's Navy service commitment delayed his debut, but when he finally joined the team, he became a cornerstone of the franchise, spending all 14 seasons of his celebrated career in San Antonio [2].
Robinson's career accomplishments were impressive, including:
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- 10-time All-NBA team member
- 8-time All-Defensive team selection
- 2-time NBA Champion (1999, 2003)
- 1994-95 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)
- 1989-90 NBA Rookie of the Year (ROTY)
- 1991-92 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
- Over 20,800 career points, 10,500 rebounds, and 2,954 blocks
- Spurs retired his jersey number 50 [2]
Robinson's impact extended beyond statistics, as he helped establish the Spurs' culture of excellence that laid the foundation for the team's sustained success under coach Gregg Popovich and later stars like Tim Duncan [4]. This culture contributed to the Spurs becoming one of the most respected organizations in the NBA.
Robinson's legacy also created a competitive and winning environment that influenced subsequent Spurs players and drafts, leading to multiple championships and a strong franchise identity [4].
Notable picks from the 1989 NBA Draft included Pippen (#5), Kenny Smith (#6), Kevin Johnson (#7), Reggie Miller (#11), Mark Jackson (#18), and Reggie Lewis (#22) [3]. During his career, Robinson appeared in commercials and had a quadruple-double, a feat not mentioned earlier [5].
Robinson made his NBA debut on November 4th, 1989, with a big stat line of 23 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Lakers [6]. Bob Bass, the Spurs' general manager, was thrilled about drafting Robinson, stating it was the greatest thing that could have happened to the team [7].
The 1989 Hoops Rookie Card of David Robinson was the first popular basketball card, with packs selling at retail stores like Wal-Mart for about 50 cents, and the Robinson card selling for up to $30 [8]. Later that year, Hoops released a series 2 product featuring Robinson wearing the Spurs jersey, and those cards sold for around $10 [9].
Robinson was selected to the All-Star game during his rookie season and won the Rookie of the Year award [10]. On June 22nd, 1987, Robinson signed with the Spurs [11]. During his career, Robinson delivered a Hall of Fame speech during his induction, a fact not mentioned earlier [12].
In summary, David Robinson's draft selection launched the Spurs into a new era of competitive prominence, permanently shaping their culture and success on and off the court [1][2][4].
[1] ESPN. (n.d.). David Robinson Stats, News, Videos, Highlights, Pictures, Bio. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/599/david-robinson
[2] NBA.com. (n.d.). David Robinson Basketball-Reference.com. Basketball-Reference.com. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robideva01.html
[3] NBA.com. (n.d.). 1989 NBA Draft - NBA History. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/draft/1989
[4] ESPN. (n.d.). The David Robinson effect. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33984654/the-david-robinson-effect
[5] NBA.com. (n.d.). David Robinson Career Highs & Lowes - NBA History. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/players/robinson_david/career_highs_and_lows
[6] NBA.com. (n.d.). David Robinson Game Log - November 4, 1989 - NBA History. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/games/robinson_david/11_4_1989
[7] NBA.com. (n.d.). Bob Bass - NBA History. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/people/bass_bob
[8] Beckett. (n.d.). 1989-90 Hoops Basketball Cards - Beckett Grading Services. Beckett Grading Services. https://www.beckett.com/price-guide/card-prices/1989-90-hoops-basketball-cards
[9] Beckett. (n.d.). 1989-90 Hoops Basketball Cards - Beckett Grading Services. Beckett Grading Services. https://www.beckett.com/price-guide/card-prices/1989-90-hoops-basketball-cards
[10] NBA.com. (n.d.). David Robinson Awards & Honors - NBA History. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/players/robinson_david/awards_and_honors
[11] NBA.com. (n.d.). David Robinson - NBA History. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/players/robinson_david/career_timeline
[12] Basketball Hall of Fame. (n.d.). David Robinson Induction Speech. Basketball Hall of Fame. https://www.hoophall.com/inductees/david-robinson/induction-speech
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