"It was one of those lifetime fulfillment things" - David Robinson recalls the feeling of winning the 1999 NBA Finals
David Robinson was among the NBA’s best centers during the 1990s, cementing himself on the same level as Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing. 'The Admiral' played for the San Antonio Spurs, a team that kept battling for the top spot in the Western Conference but could not get over the hump.
That changed when Robinson got injured in the 1996/97 season, which led to the Spurs’ struggles. That disastrous season led to them getting the first overall pick, which was used to select Tim Duncan, a star player David loved playing with.
It was the game-changing move the organization needed, eventually leading to San Antonio's 1999 championship under head coach Gregg Popovich.
“It was one of those lifetime fulfillment things; you never know if you’re gonna get there. Then all of a sudden, you get there, and it was the sweetest thing,” Robinson said on the Spurs’ Docuseries. “There were so many challenges, and to be back in that situation in New York City and have the opportunity to climb that hill and get over that hump.”
Robinson waited a long time to earn that championship
'The Admiral' was drafted in 1987 with the number one overall pick but did not play for the first two seasons of his eligibility due to naval service. When he started playing in the NBA in 1989, Robinson was excellent from the jump, averaging 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game.
It was a phenomenal rookie year, which made him part of the All-Star team, the All-NBA Third Team, the Rookie of the Year, and the All-Defensive Team. It led to David instantly becoming one of the best players in the league.
Robinson led the squad to substantial success through the years but needed help to advance past the Conference Finals. 'The Admiral' won the 1994/95 MVP award, but the Spurs kept getting bounced out in the semifinals or the Conference Finals. David and his longtime teammates Sean Elliott and Avery Johnson stuck with the team despite these tough times and were rewarded in 1999.
“To me, this is a journey that just goes to show that hard work and persistence pays off, baby. I love these guys, and I tell you what, one thing I learned was to trust the Lord, he blessed me and he blessed this team,” Robinson said after they won the title.
Robinson and the Spurs kept succeeding
The 1999 title was not the end for San Antonio because the organization would continue being a consistent contender for the next two decades. Robinson would win another championship in 2003, ending his career on the highest note possible and giving Duncan the undisputed star player role.
After 2003, the Spurs continued building on the winning culture that David and his teammates had established. Duncan, alongside Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, led SA to three more championships in 2005, 2007, and 2013.
