Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The 'Admiral' a worthy Hall Of Famer


David Robinson donned a Spurs uniform in 1989. In his rookie year, he averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, leading his team to 56 wins and to the biggest one-season turnaround in league history that makes him the unanimous choice as NBA Rookie of the Year. He would later earn the moniker the 'Admiral' in part because of his 2 year service in the U.S. Navy and mainly because of his style of play.

During his NBA career, Robinson has established himself as one of the best big men to ever play the game, he consistently posted solid offensive numbers and was known as a defensive stopper with excellent shot-blocking ability. On top of that he is also well known as a role model who gives generously to his community, qualities that are admirable...

In 1997 Robinson's chance of winning a championship improved greatly, when the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan. They were quickly dubbed the 'Twin Towers' as he and Duncan dominated under the basket on both ends of the floor. Even with the team's regained success, Robinson struggled personally with his changing role. For the first time in his NBA career, he was asked to step aside from the center focus of the team to support Duncan as the team's new go-to man. For a guy who has won numerous individual awards that includes Season MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, that's a hard thing to do...

But pride didn't get in the way, despite a decline in his playing time and numbers, Robinson accepted his new place and became Duncan's mentor, for which he earned the praise of the sports press and fans alike. This humbleness and embrace of role is still very evident of today's Spurs. And with the team's success in mind, he would finally win his first NBA championship in 1999 and then another in 2003.

Fittingly this month, Robinson will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame along with Michael Jordan and John Stockton a recognition he truly deserves...

4 comments:

Jason said...

Robinson is such a class act. It's great that he'll be inducted into the HOF with MJ and Stockton.

Unknown said...

I agree Jason, the guy is great on and off the court!

Anonymous said...

It's a late comment, but just the same congratulations to David Robinson for being inducted into the HOF...

Unknown said...

Anonymous, thanks for the comment David Robinson has been a great part of the Spurs organization my hat's off to him...