San Antonio Spurs: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century

The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, especially in the 21st century. From dominating the league with Tim Duncan in the early 2000s to building around new talents like Victor Wembanyama today, they've always had someone leading the way. Across championships and rebuilds, each season had a standout player who defined that year for the Spurs. Let’s dive into who took the spotlight each season and kept San Antonio competitive through all these years.

2000-01 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 22.2 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

Tim Duncan was the heart and soul of the San Antonio Spurs during the 2000-01 season. As one of the most consistent and dominant players in the league, Duncan led the Spurs to a 58-24 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking made him one of the most feared big men in the league.

Duncan's performances were nothing short of elite, as he regularly put up monster double-doubles, and his defensive presence made the Spurs one of the toughest teams to score against. This season solidified his reputation as the best power forward in the game and set the stage for his continued dominance in the coming years. Despite falling short in the playoffs, Duncan's impact was undeniable, earning him another First-Team All-NBA selection.

2001-02 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 25.5 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA MVP, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

The 2001-02 season was another stellar year for Tim Duncan, and this time he took home his first MVP award. Duncan led the Spurs with career-high averages in scoring and rebounding, proving himself to be an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor. His leadership and consistency carried San Antonio to a 58-24 record, making them one of the top teams in the Western Conference yet again.

Duncan’s footwork in the post, combined with his defensive mastery, made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Whether he was scoring in the paint, grabbing crucial rebounds, or protecting the rim with his shot-blocking, Duncan did it all. His first MVP was well-deserved, as he cemented his status as one of the best players in the league.

2002-03 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 23.3 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.9 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA MVP, NBA Champion, Finals MVP, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

The 2002-03 season was arguably one of the best of Tim Duncan’s career, as he led the San Antonio Spurs to their second NBA championship. Duncan was unstoppable throughout the regular season, averaging nearly 24 points and 13 rebounds per game while also winning his second consecutive MVP award. The Spurs finished the regular season with a 60-22 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference.

In the playoffs, Duncan elevated his game even further. He dominated in the Finals against the New Jersey Nets, averaging a near triple-double in the series, and was named Finals MVP for his efforts. This season cemented Duncan’s legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

2003-04 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 22.3 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

The Spurs couldn’t repeat as champions in 2003-04, but Tim Duncan continued to be their dominant force on both ends of the floor. Duncan led the Spurs to a 57-25 record, good for third in the Western Conference. Despite their strong regular season, San Antonio was eliminated in a tough seven-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Even though they fell short in the playoffs, Duncan’s contributions were still outstanding. His ability to control the paint and protect the rim kept San Antonio as one of the top defensive teams in the league. His leadership and consistency remained the key to the Spurs’ success, and he once again earned First-Team All-NBA honors.

2004-05 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 20.3 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA Champion, Finals MVP, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

In the 2004-05 season, Tim Duncan once again led the Spurs to the promised land, winning his third NBA title. Although his scoring numbers dipped slightly, Duncan’s defensive presence and leadership were crucial to the team’s success. The Spurs finished the regular season with a 59-23 record and battled through a tough Western Conference playoff bracket.

In the Finals, Duncan and the Spurs faced the Detroit Pistons in a seven-game series that became an instant classic. Duncan was named Finals MVP after a dominant Game 7 performance, solidifying his status as the heart of the franchise and one of the all-time greats in NBA history.

2005-06 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 18.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.0 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Second Team, All-Defensive Second Team, All-Star

The 2005-06 season wasn’t Duncan’s most prolific in terms of individual stats, but he remained the best player on a Spurs team that won 63 games, the best record in the franchise’s history at the time. San Antonio entered the playoffs as the top seed but suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals in seven games.

While his scoring dipped compared to previous seasons, Duncan continued to anchor the Spurs defensively and was a consistent force on the boards. His leadership and experience helped keep San Antonio at the top of the Western Conference, even though they couldn’t make another deep playoff run.

2006-07 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 20.0 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA Champion, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

The 2006-07 season was yet another championship campaign for Tim Duncan and the Spurs. Duncan’s leadership and presence on both ends of the court were pivotal as the Spurs finished with a 58-24 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, Duncan was dominant as usual, helping the Spurs cruise through the Western Conference and sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

Duncan’s Finals performance, while quieter in the box score compared to his earlier championship runs, was still crucial, as his defense and rebounding allowed San Antonio to control the pace and dismantle the Cavs. This season marked Duncan’s fourth championship, solidifying his place as one of the best winners in NBA history.

2007-08 Season - Manu Ginobili

Stats: 19.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: Sixth Man of the Year, All-NBA Third Team, All-Star

Manu Ginobili had the best season of his career in 2007-08, coming off the bench and lighting up opponents with his signature flair. Ginobili’s energy, scoring ability, and playmaking were vital to the Spurs’ 56-26 record and their run to the Western Conference Finals. His versatility allowed him to impact games as both a starter and the leader of the second unit, making him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Though the Spurs fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals, Ginobili’s influence on both ends of the floor was undeniable. His ability to score from all three levels, combined with his craftiness in the passing lanes, made him the Spurs’ most impactful player that year. Winning the Sixth Man of the Year award was the perfect recognition for Ginobili, who was much more than just a role player.

2008-09 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 19.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Second Team, All-Defensive Second Team, All-Star

The 2008-09 season saw Tim Duncan continue to lead the Spurs, though his numbers slightly dipped due to injuries and the wear and tear of years of playoff runs. The Spurs still managed a solid 54-28 record, but their playoff hopes ended earlier than usual with a first-round exit against the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite the disappointing finish, Duncan’s impact was still clear. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, even as his athleticism waned, made him one of the most reliable big men in the league. Though the Spurs struggled to advance in the postseason, Duncan remained their best player and a key figure in keeping the team competitive.

2009-10 Season - Tim Duncan

Stats: 17.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Third Team, All-Defensive Second Team, All-Star

By the 2009-10 season, Tim Duncan’s stats were beginning to show signs of his aging, but he remained the most important player for the Spurs. San Antonio finished the season with a 50-32 record, and despite being the seventh seed, they pulled off an upset in the first round, eliminating the second-seeded Dallas Mavericks before falling to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Duncan’s leadership and experience kept the Spurs in the playoff mix, even as they began transitioning to a more balanced team that would eventually hand over more responsibility to younger stars like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Duncan’s consistency, however, was still unmatched.

2010-11 Season - Manu Ginobili

Stats: 17.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Third Team, All-Star

Manu Ginobili was once again the driving force behind the Spurs during the 2010-11 season. Despite being 33 years old, Ginobili’s craftiness and competitive fire kept him at the top of his game. He led San Antonio to a 61-21 record, the best in the Western Conference. His ability to score, create for others, and provide a defensive spark made him the most important player on the team that year.

Unfortunately, the Spurs were stunned in the first round of the playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies, a shocking upset for the top seed. Despite the early exit, Ginobili’s contributions throughout the regular season were essential to the Spurs’ success, and his leadership on and off the court continued to elevate those around him.

2011-12 Season - Tony Parker

Stats: 18.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Second Team, All-Star

Tony Parker took over as the primary leader of the Spurs in the 2011-12 season. With Tim Duncan’s role slightly reduced, Parker’s ability to run the offense and make key plays was crucial to San Antonio’s 50-16 record in a lockout-shortened season. Parker’s playmaking and ability to get into the paint made him the Spurs’ most dynamic offensive weapon.

San Antonio made it to the Western Conference Finals, but they were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games. Despite falling short of the Finals, Parker’s excellent season kept the Spurs among the league’s elite teams, and he firmly established himself as one of the top point guards in the NBA.

2012-13 Season - Tony Parker

Stats: 20.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Second Team, All-Star

Tony Parker had arguably the best season of his career in 2012-13, leading the Spurs to a 58-24 record and another deep playoff run. His scoring and playmaking were at their peak, as he carried much of the offensive load for San Antonio. Parker’s leadership helped guide the Spurs back to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Miami Heat in an epic seven-game series.

Though the Spurs came heartbreakingly close to winning the title, Parker’s performance throughout the playoffs, including his clutch moments in the Finals, was unforgettable. His quickness, court vision, and ability to hit timely shots kept the Spurs in the championship hunt all season long.

Related: Golden State Warriors: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century

2013-14 Season - Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 12.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA Champion, Finals MVP

Kawhi Leonard’s rise to stardom came full circle in the 2013-14 season. While his regular-season stats weren’t eye-popping, his impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable. The Spurs finished with a 62-20 record, the best in the NBA, and Kawhi’s defensive prowess and timely scoring played a huge part in their success.

In the Finals, Leonard took over, locking down LeBron James and leading the Spurs to a dominant five-game series win over the Miami Heat. Leonard’s Finals MVP performance announced his arrival as the future of the franchise, as he was the most important player during that championship run.

2014-15 Season - Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 16.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defensive First Team

Kawhi Leonard continued to grow into his role as the Spurs’ top player during the 2014-15 season. His defensive dominance earned him his first Defensive Player of the Year award, as he became a nightmare for opponents on the perimeter. The Spurs finished the season 55-27, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games, as this was Tim Duncan’s final showing in the league.

Even though the team didn’t go far in the postseason, Leonard’s all-around game was on full display, and his increasing offensive role showed that the Spurs were now fully transitioning into the Kawhi era with Duncan’s retirement.

2015-16 Season - Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 21.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Achievements And Awards: NBA Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star

The 2015-16 season was Kawhi Leonard’s breakout as a full-fledged superstar. He became the Spurs’ go-to scorer while maintaining his elite defensive level, winning his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award. With the free agency signing of LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs finished with an incredible 67-15 record, the second-best in the league behind the Golden State Warriors.

However, the Spurs’ playoff run was cut short, as they were eliminated in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the disappointment, Leonard’s individual growth was undeniable, and he solidified himself as one of the best two-way players in the league.

2016-17 Season - Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 25.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star, MVP Finalist

Kawhi Leonard reached another level in the 2016-17 season, posting career-highs in scoring and becoming the Spurs’ unquestioned leader. San Antonio finished the season with a 61-21 record, good for second in the Western Conference. Leonard's offensive game took a leap as he added more mid-range shots and three-pointers to his arsenal, while his defensive dominance continued.

The Spurs made it to the Western Conference Finals, but Leonard's unfortunate ankle injury in Game 1 against the Warriors ended their chances. Despite the injury, Leonard’s season was a testament to his two-way greatness, and he finished third in MVP voting, solidifying his place as one of the top players in the league.

2017-18 Season - LaMarcus Aldridge

Stats: 23.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Second Team, All-Star

With Kawhi Leonard missing nearly the entire season due to injury, LaMarcus Aldridge stepped up as the Spurs’ top player in 2017-18. Aldridge returned to his dominant form, leading the team in scoring and rebounding as San Antonio finished with a 47-35 record. His ability to score in the post and stretch the floor with mid-range jumpers kept the Spurs competitive in a tough Western Conference.

The Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, but Aldridge’s leadership and consistency throughout the season were vital for a team in transition. His resurgence earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and showed that he could still be a go-to player.

2018-19 Season - LaMarcus Aldridge

Stats: 21.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

LaMarcus Aldridge remained the focal point for the Spurs in the 2018-19 season after the blockbuster trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for DeMar DeRozan . Aldridge continued to put up strong numbers as the leader of the team with DeRozan right behind him. San Antonio finished with a 48-34 record, good enough to secure a playoff spot in a highly competitive Western Conference. Aldridge’s inside scoring and reliable mid-range game were key to the Spurs' success.

The Spurs took the Denver Nuggets to seven games in the first round but ultimately fell short. Aldridge’s steady play was once again central to the Spurs, who started to transition into the post-Kawhi era, and his All-Star selection highlighted his continued value to the team.

2019-20 Season - DeMar DeRozan

Stats: 22.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

In the 2019-20 season, DeMar DeRozan became the Spurs’ main star. With Aldridge dealing with injuries, DeRozan took on more playmaking responsibilities while still being the team's leading scorer. His ability to create shots for himself and others helped the Spurs remain competitive, but they finished with a 32-39 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in 22 years.

DeRozan’s consistent scoring and playmaking were highlights of the season, but the Spurs’ aging roster and the loss of Kawhi Leonard in previous seasons began to show, signaling a potential rebuild for the franchise.

2020-21 Season - DeMar DeRozan

Stats: 21.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

DeMar DeRozan continued as the Spurs' leader during the 2020-21 season. His scoring and playmaking were crucial, as he adapted to being more of a facilitator for his teammates. San Antonio finished the season with a 33-39 record, making it to the play-in tournament, but they were eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

With the team’s struggles, DeRozan’s ability to get buckets and involve his teammates kept the Spurs competitive. However, the writing was on the wall that the team needed to look toward a younger core as DeRozan's contract was set to expire.

2021-22 Season - Dejounte Murray

Stats: 21.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

Dejounte Murray had a breakout season in 2021-22, becoming the Spurs' new franchise leader after the departure of DeMar DeRozan. Murray posted career-highs across the board, earning his first All-Star selection and leading the NBA in steals per game. The Spurs finished with a 34-48 record and once again made it to the play-in tournament but were eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans.

Murray’s emergence as a two-way star gave the Spurs a glimmer of hope for the future, as his all-around game and leadership took a big step forward. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him the most complete player on the team.

2022-23 Season - Keldon Johnson

Stats: 22.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Keldon Johnson became the Spurs' top scorer in the 2022-23 season after Dejounte Murray was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Johnson embraced the role of the go-to guy, posting career-high numbers in points per game. However, San Antonio struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 22-60 record as they began a full-on rebuild.

Although a tough season, Johnson’s growth as a player was a bright spot. His ability to score inside and out, combined with his toughness, showed that he could be a key piece for the Spurs moving forward.

2024-25 Season - Victor Wembanyama

Stats: 21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: Unanimous Rookie of the Year, All-Defensive Second Team, 2nd in Defensive Player of the Year Voting

Victor Wembanyama made an immediate impact during his rookie season, confirming his status as the most dominant rookie in a while. His defensive presence was unmatched, as he finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Wembanyama’s ability to stretch the floor offensively and dominate the paint defensively earned him unanimous Rookie of the Year honors.

As he begins his second season, Wembanyama is surrounded by a more experienced Spurs roster that includes veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes . With this added support, Wembanyama is expected to improve his efficiency and continue to dominate both ends of the floor. He’s already being considered a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award and is poised to make his first All-Star appearance.

Related: Los Angeles Lakers: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century