The San Antonio Spurs had to wait a couple of years before they could see what David Robinson could do for the franchise in 1989. Although he was drafted in 1987, he first had to complete a two-year tour of duty in the Navy.
San Antonio was in dire need of help, considering they struggled to make a decent playoff run. From 1984 to 1989, the Spurs were only able to advance three times. However, the team never got past the first round of the Western Conference playoffs those years.
Patience will pay off
Aware of it, Robinson vowed that he was worth the wait. He used those two years to prepare himself mentally, especially once it was time for him to make his NBA debut. When that time came, "The Admiral" made a bold vow.
"I'll get it done. I'm the type of person who if somebody says I can't do something, I'll guarantee you I'll get it done," Robinson stated via NYT in 1989.
D-Rob would not disappoint once he started buckling down to work with the Spurs. He had an immediate impact on the franchise, leading to them as far as the Western Conference semifinals that season.
Robinson unsurprisingly won the 1990 Rookie of the Year award with his performance. In his first season in the pros, David averaged credible numbers of 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 blocks, and 2.5 assists in 82 regular season games. Despite those impressive numbers, the 7-foot-1 center explained that this would not hinder him from upping his game.
"I'll keep striving for more. I don't care how good I get, I'll never be happy with my game. When I'm finished playing, hopefully I'll be satisfied with what I've done," the 1986 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year quipped.
Hard work pays off for D-Rob
Robinson stayed true to his word and improved with each season he played. With his dominance, it was hardly surprising to see David draw a lot of attention, something he admitted was a bit embarrassing in his early years in the pros.
"All the attention I've received is, well, embarrassing because I'm still trying to make my place in the league," the Spurs center said.
That humble nature of the Florida native was another trait that endeared him to basketball fans. For him, it was all about work, and he quietly did that in San Antonio. His efforts paid off for the Spurs, helping the team win two NBA crowns (1999 and 2003).
In addition, he won the 1995 MVP award, which headlined a long list of individual accolades. Robinson made his mark in the NBA and is widely considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history, fulfulling the vow he made during his debut season.
Related: Rasheed Wallace on why David Robinson was tougher to guard than Hakeem Olajuwon: "The only thing he didn't do is shoot the three"
Local San Antonio, TX
Most Popular
Comments / 0