David Robinson
David Maurice Robinson (born August 6, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player and United States Navy officer who spent his entire 14-season National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the San Antonio Spurs from 1989 to 2003.[1][2] Known as "The Admiral" for his naval service, Robinson was selected as the first overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, but delayed his professional debut to fulfill a two-year military commitment as a civil engineering officer.[3][4][5] A dominant center renowned for his defensive prowess and scoring ability, Robinson earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1990, the league's Most Valuable Player award in 1995, ten All-Star selections, and led the NBA in scoring during the 1993–94 season; he contributed to the Spurs' NBA championships in 1999 and 2003 alongside Tim Duncan.[2][5][6] Robinson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and represented the United States in three Olympic Games, securing a bronze medal in 1988 and gold medals in 1992 and 1996 as part of the "Dream Team" squads.[6][3]Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
David Maurice Robinson was born on August 6, 1965, in Key West, Florida, as the second child of Ambrose and Freda Robinson.[7][8] Ambrose Robinson worked as a sonar technician in the U.S. Navy, which necessitated frequent relocations for the family during Robinson's early years, exposing him to various environments across military bases.[9][7] The Robinsons instilled core values including honesty, a strong emphasis on education, and the responsible use of abilities in raising David and his siblings.[10] As a child, Robinson displayed early talents beyond athletics, such as learning to play the piano by ear and enrolling in advanced computer classes, reflecting his family's focus on intellectual development.[3] The family's nomadic lifestyle due to naval service shaped Robinson's formative experiences, though he did not initially pursue basketball intensively, instead participating in a range of activities typical of military dependents.[11] By high school, the family had settled in Manassas, Virginia, where Robinson attended Osbourn Park High School.[12]United States Naval Academy
Robinson matriculated at the United States Naval Academy in 1983, having scored 1320 on the SAT after graduating from Osbourn Park High School.[13] He majored in mathematics, reflecting his strong aptitude in quantitative subjects, and maintained the academic rigor required of midshipmen while balancing athletic commitments.[2] The Academy's demanding curriculum, which emphasizes leadership, engineering, and naval sciences, prepared Robinson for his subsequent military service, though his exceptional height growth—from 6 feet 4 inches as a freshman to 7 feet 1 inch by his senior year—later influenced his naval assignments.[4] Robinson's tenure at the Academy was marked by his transformation into a dominant college basketball player, earning him recognition as the most accomplished athlete in USNA history.[12] As a freshman in the 1983–84 season, he averaged 7.6 points per game, but by his senior year in 1986–87, he led the nation in scoring and rebounding, averaging 23.6 points and 14.9 rebounds per game while blocking 4.5 shots.[4] His performance propelled the Navy Midshipmen to an 82–21 record over his final three seasons, including two NCAA Tournament appearances, and he was selected as a first-team All-American in 1987 after second-team honors in 1986.[12] [14] In 1987, Robinson capped his collegiate career by winning both the Naismith College Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Awards, becoming the first player from a service academy to receive such distinctions.[15] [16] He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree on May 27, 1987, commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, and was drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs, though he deferred his professional basketball entry to fulfill his service obligation.[12] His Academy experience instilled discipline and service ethos that he later credited for shaping his character beyond athletics.[16]Military Service
Commissioning and Naval Duties
Robinson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987 and was commissioned as an ensign in the Civil Engineering Corps of the United States Navy.[17][18] His height of 7 feet 1 inch rendered him ineligible for assignment to ships, submarines, or aircraft, prompting the Navy in January 1987 to limit his active-duty service to two years via a special waiver, after which he transferred to the Naval Reserve.[19][16] Robinson's naval duties centered on shore-based civil engineering roles, with the majority of his active service as resident officer-in-charge of construction projects at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, where he oversaw infrastructure development supporting submarine operations.[16][12] This assignment aligned with the Navy's need to accommodate his physical constraints while fulfilling his service obligation.[17] He completed his two-year active-duty commitment on May 17, 1989, marking the end of his mandatory naval service and enabling his transition to professional basketball.[20] Throughout this period, Robinson maintained physical fitness standards and occasionally participated in morale-boosting activities, such as exhibition basketball games for naval personnel, though his primary focus remained engineering oversight duties.[16]Fulfillment of Service Obligation
Upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1987, David Robinson was commissioned as an ensign in the Civil Engineer Corps of the U.S. Navy, with an initial active-duty service obligation of five years as required for academy graduates.[5] Due to his exceptional height of 7 feet 1 inch, which rendered him unsuitable for assignment to submarines or certain shipboard roles, the Navy invoked a stipulation allowing officers unable to perform sea duty to fulfill their commitment through two years of shore-based service instead.[21] Robinson was stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, where he performed civil engineering duties, including facilities maintenance and construction oversight.[5] In addition to these responsibilities, he coached local basketball teams, participated in Navy recruiting efforts, and engaged in public affairs activities, such as media appearances that highlighted his dual roles as an officer and athlete.[17] These ancillary tasks leveraged his prominence from Naval Academy basketball but did not alter the core engineering focus of his assignment.[16] By July 1989, after completing the adjusted two-year active-duty period, Robinson received his honorable discharge from active service, enabling him to sign with the San Antonio Spurs and begin his NBA career.[22] This arrangement complied with Navy regulations while accommodating the logistical challenges posed by his physical stature, though it drew some contemporary scrutiny regarding the equity of shortened commitments for high-profile personnel.[20]College Basketball Career
Performance at the Naval Academy
Robinson enrolled at the United States Naval Academy in 1983 and quickly emerged as a dominant force in college basketball despite initial limitations as a raw athlete transitioning from high school. As a freshman in the 1983–84 season, he averaged 7.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, contributing to a Navy team that finished 16–14 overall.[23] His sophomore year in 1984–85 saw marked improvement, with averages of 17.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, helping Navy achieve a 26–5 record and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to Louisiana State.[23][24] By his junior season in 1985–86, Robinson's performance elevated Navy to one of its best campaigns, posting a 28–5 record and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating Tulsa in the first round. He averaged 22.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game, earning consensus second-team All-American honors and leading the nation in rebounding percentage at 23.4%.[25][14] In his senior year of 1986–87, Robinson peaked with averages of 28.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game across 40 contests, culminating in a 50-point outburst in the NCAA Tournament first-round loss to Michigan, the highest scoring output in his college career.[15][26] That season, he received the Naismith College Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Award as the nation's top player, along with consensus first-team All-American selection.[15][14] Over his four-year career from 1983 to 1987, Robinson appeared in 127 games, accumulating 2,699 points (21.0 per game), 1,314 rebounds (10.3 per game), and 516 blocks (4.1 per game), establishing him as the most accomplished player in Naval Academy basketball history.[14] His presence transformed Navy's program, yielding 82 wins in his final three seasons and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, though the Midshipmen never advanced beyond the second round due to matchups against stronger programs.[12] Robinson also earned three-time All-Colonial Athletic Association honors and led the league in scoring, rebounding, and blocks during his junior and senior years.[14]| Season | Games | PPG | RPG | BPG | Team Record | NCAA Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983–84 (Fr.) | 29 | 7.6 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 16–14 | None |
| 1984–85 (So.) | 31 | 17.4 | 9.6 | 3.9 | 26–5 | First round |
| 1985–86 (Jr.) | 33 | 22.7 | 13.0 | 4.5 | 28–5 | Second round |
| 1986–87 (Sr.) | 40 | 28.2 | 11.8 | 4.5 | 28–7 | First round |
Key Achievements and Records
During his tenure at the United States Naval Academy from 1983 to 1987, David Robinson established himself as one of the premier college basketball players, earning the Naismith College Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Awards in 1987 for leading the nation in rebounding (with 13.8 rebounds per game as a senior) and blocked shots (4.5 per game).[14][6] He also received the Rupp Trophy that year as national player of the year.[27] Robinson was a consensus All-America selection, earning first-team honors in 1987 and second-team in 1986, while securing Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year accolades three consecutive years from 1985 to 1987.[14] His defensive prowess included leading the NCAA in blocked shots both as a junior in 1986 and senior in 1987.[6] At Navy, Robinson set or shares 30 school records, including career marks in points (2,699), rebounds (1,314), and blocks (516), averaging 21.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game across 127 appearances.[28][14] He notched a single-game school record of 14 blocks in one contest and tallied a career-high 50 points in his final college outing on March 12, 1987, against Brigham Young in the NIT first round.[29][2] Robinson elevated Navy's program, contributing to 82 victories over his final three seasons, including a 30-5 mark and Colonial Athletic Association regular-season and tournament titles in 1985-86, though the Midshipmen never advanced to the NCAA Tournament.[12][30]NBA Professional Career
Draft Selection and Rookie Season
The San Antonio Spurs selected David Robinson with the first overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft, held on June 22, 1987, in New York City.[31] Due to his prior commitment to complete naval service following graduation from the United States Naval Academy, Robinson deferred entry into the league, serving two years of active duty as arranged by the Navy to fulfill his five-year obligation in a reduced capacity.[32][5] NBA regulations permitted him to re-enter the draft upon completion of service, but he honored his agreement with the Spurs and joined the team prior to the 1989–90 season.[33] In his NBA debut on November 3, 1989, against the Houston Rockets, Robinson recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks.[34] Over the course of the 1989–90 regular season, he appeared in all 82 games, starting each one, and averaged 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and a league-leading 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 53.9% from the field.[1][35] His dominant performance transformed the Spurs' defense and interior scoring, contributing to a 31-win improvement from the prior season's 21–61 record to 56–26, though the team fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Portland Trail Blazers.[36] Robinson's rookie campaign earned him unanimous selection as the NBA Rookie of the Year, the All-Rookie First Team, and his first All-Star appearance, marking him as one of the league's premier big men from the outset.[35][36] His statistical output, particularly in blocks and rebounding, underscored his athletic prowess and shot-blocking ability, setting the stage for a decade of elite production.[1]Rise to Stardom and Individual Accolades (1989–1994)
David Robinson debuted for the San Antonio Spurs on November 4, 1989, following fulfillment of his U.S. Navy service. In his 1989–90 rookie season, he appeared in all 82 games, averaging 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.9 blocks per game.[1] These performances earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award, selection to the All-NBA Third Team, All-Defensive Second Team, and his first NBA All-Star appearance.[1] Robinson's impact immediately elevated the Spurs, who surged from a 21–61 record in 1988–89 to 56–26, clinching the Midwest Division title and advancing to the playoffs.[37][38] The 1990–91 season saw Robinson maintain elite production, averaging 25.6 points and a league-leading 13.0 rebounds per game across 82 contests, complemented by 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.9 blocks.[1] He received All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors, while the Spurs posted a 55–27 record, again reaching the postseason.[1][39] In 1991–92, limited to 68 games by injury, Robinson still dominated defensively with league-leading 4.5 blocks per game alongside 23.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 steals.[1] This defensive prowess secured him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, All-NBA First Team recognition, All-Defensive First Team, and another All-Star nod, despite the Spurs' 47–35 mark.[1][40] Robinson's 1992–93 campaign featured 82 games of 23.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game, earning All-Star, All-NBA Third Team, and All-Defensive Second Team selections as the Spurs improved to 49–33.[1][41] Culminating the period, in 1993–94, Robinson exploded offensively with a league-leading 29.8 points per game over 80 games, adding 10.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.3 blocks.[1] He garnered All-Star honors, All-NBA Second Team, and All-Defensive Second Team accolades, powering the Spurs to a 55–27 finish.[1][42]MVP Season, Injuries, and Playoff Struggles (1994–1998)
In the 1994–95 season, David Robinson earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award after leading the San Antonio Spurs to a league-best 62–20 record, the highest win total in franchise history at the time.[43] He averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and a league-leading 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 53.0% from the field across 81 appearances.[44] Despite this dominance, the Spurs fell 4–2 to the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals, where center Hakeem Olajuwon neutralized Robinson's impact in key games.[2] The following 1995–96 season saw Robinson maintain elite production with averages of 25.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.5 blocks over 80 games, helping the Spurs secure a 59–23 mark and the No. 2 seed in the West.[1] However, they suffered a first-round upset loss to the No. 7 Utah Jazz, 3–2, hampered by Robinson's relative ineffectiveness against the Jazz's physical frontcourt led by Karl Malone.[2] Robinson's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 1996–97 due to injuries; a preseason back issue sidelined him for the first 18 games, and after returning briefly, he fractured his left foot on December 25, 1996, limiting him to just six total appearances with averages of 18.7 points and 9.7 rebounds.[45] The Spurs collapsed to a 20–62 record without their anchor, missing the playoffs entirely and securing the No. 1 draft pick used to select Tim Duncan.[2] By 1997–98, Robinson had recovered, playing 73 games alongside rookie Duncan and posting 21.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game, contributing to a 56–26 finish and the West's No. 2 seed.[1] In the postseason, the Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 3–1 in the first round but lost 4–1 to the Utah Jazz in the conference semifinals, where Robinson averaged 18.0 points and 10.3 rebounds but struggled against Utah's veteran core in a series marked by defensive battles.[2]| Season | Games Played | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | Team Record | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 | 81 | 27.6 | 10.8 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 62–20 | Lost WCSF (4–2 vs. HOU)[1] |
| 1995–96 | 80 | 25.0 | 12.2 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 59–23 | Lost First Round (3–2 vs. UTA)[1] |
| 1996–97 | 6 | 18.7 | 9.7 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 20–62 | Did not qualify[1] |
| 1997–98 | 73 | 21.6 | 10.0 | 2.7 | 2.1 | 56–26 | Lost WCSF (4–1 vs. UTA)[1] |
Arrival of Tim Duncan and First Championship (1998–1999)
The 1998–99 NBA season was shortened to 50 games per team following a lockout that lasted from July 1998 until January 20, 1999, with play resuming on February 5.[46] The San Antonio Spurs, bolstered by the frontcourt tandem of David Robinson and Tim Duncan—who had arrived via the first overall draft pick in 1997—posted a 37–13 record, the best in the league and a franchise high for winning percentage.[47] Robinson, who had battled back injuries in prior years limiting him to just six games in 1996–97, played in 49 regular-season contests, registering averages of 15.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 52.9% from the field.[48][1] His defensive presence complemented Duncan's rookie-season development into a dominant force, allowing Robinson to conserve energy for key moments and focus on rim protection, contributing to the Spurs' league-leading defensive rating.[47] In the playoffs, the Spurs asserted dominance in the Western Conference, sweeping the eighth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves 3–0 in the first round, the fifth-seeded [Los Angeles Lakers](/page/Los Angeles_Lakers) 4–0 in the semifinals, and the fourth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers 4–0 in the conference finals.[49] Advancing to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks—the first eighth seed to reach that stage—the Spurs prevailed 4–1, securing the franchise's inaugural championship with a narrow 78–77 win in Game 5 on June 25, 1999.[50] Robinson averaged 15.6 points and 10.3 rebounds across 17 playoff games, providing veteran leadership and crucial interior defense alongside Duncan, who earned Finals MVP honors with 27.4 points and 14.0 rebounds per game.[51][50] This title marked Robinson's first after 12 seasons of individual excellence but repeated playoff disappointments, validating the impact of the Duncan-Robinson pairing often dubbed the "Twin Towers."[52]
Second Championship and Twilight Years (1999–2003)
Following the 1999 NBA Championship, David Robinson and Tim Duncan continued to form the core of the San Antonio Spurs' contending roster, with Robinson providing defensive presence and leadership despite emerging physical decline. In the 1999–2000 season, Robinson averaged 17.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in 70 regular-season appearances, contributing to the Spurs' 53–29 record and third-place finish in the Western Conference.[1] [53] The Spurs advanced past the Phoenix Suns 3–1 in the first round but lost 4–1 to the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference semifinals. The 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasons saw the Spurs achieve 58–24 records each, reflecting sustained excellence under coach Gregg Popovich, though playoff exits followed: a Western Conference Finals sweep by the Lakers in 2001 and a second-round defeat to the Lakers in 2002.[53] Robinson's production waned amid injuries and age—he turned 36 in 2001—averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds in 2000–01 over 73 games, and 9.7 points with 8.3 rebounds in 42 injury-limited games during 2001–02.[1] His role shifted toward complementary support for Duncan's dominance, emphasizing rebounding and shot-blocking. Entering the 2002–03 season at age 37, Robinson embraced a reduced offensive load, averaging 8.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 67 games as the Spurs posted a league-best 60–22 record.[1] [53] In the playoffs, San Antonio dispatched the Suns (4–2), Lakers (4–2), and Mavericks (4–2) before defeating the New Jersey Nets 4–2 in the NBA Finals, securing Robinson's second championship on June 15, 2003, with an 88–77 Game 6 victory.[54] In the Finals, Robinson averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds across six games, including 13 points and 17 rebounds in the clincher, where he drew three charges.[54] Tim Duncan earned Finals MVP honors for his series averages of 24.2 points and 17.0 rebounds.[54] This triumph marked the capstone of Robinson's career, after which he retired, concluding 14 NBA seasons entirely with the Spurs.[1]
Retirement Decision
On May 24, 2002, David Robinson publicly announced his decision to retire from the NBA following the conclusion of the 2002–03 season with the San Antonio Spurs.[55] The announcement allowed the team ample time to prepare for the transition, including potential roster adjustments, as Robinson emphasized the importance of strategic planning for the franchise's future.[56] Robinson attributed his retirement primarily to family considerations and a sense of divine calling toward new endeavors. He described consulting his wife and sons in the decision-making process, noting that his eldest son encouraged him to step away given his extensive achievements, including two NBA championships, a league MVP award, and 10 All-Star selections. After 13 years of his wife largely managing family duties amid his demanding career, Robinson sought to prioritize time with his children and support his spouse more directly. He also expressed a faith-driven motivation to shift focus toward education initiatives, such as expanding the Carver Academy in San Antonio, and to engage in teaching and preaching God's word, stating he felt the Lord had prepared him for these pursuits beyond basketball.[56][57] Physically, Robinson reported feeling strong entering his final season, having recovered from prior back injuries, though some observers later speculated that cumulative wear from 14 NBA seasons contributed to his timing.[56] The 2002–03 campaign culminated in the Spurs' second championship on June 15, 2003, against the New Jersey Nets, enabling Robinson to retire as a winner after averaging 8.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in the playoffs.[58]Playing Style and Physical Profile
David Robinson measured 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) in height and weighed 235 pounds (107 kg) during his NBA tenure, possessing a 7-foot-6-inch wingspan that enhanced his defensive reach.[1] [59] His physique was marked by exceptional athleticism, including rare speed and agility for a center, allowing him to sprint past guards on fast breaks and recover quickly on defense.[60] Robinson's strength enabled him to dominate through physicality while maintaining finesse, adapting to the league's rugged 1990s playstyle after initial struggles.[61] Robinson's playing style emphasized versatility as a two-way force, excelling in shot-blocking with his length and quickness to disrupt opponents in the post and on the perimeter.[62] He anchored defenses by securing rebounds and altering shots, often recovering to block attempts deemed unreachable, while contributing steals through nimble footwork.[63] Offensively, he scored efficiently inside via post moves, mid-range jumpers, and transition plays, leveraging his left-handed shooting and ability to handle the ball for a big man.[64] His all-around game included precise passing from the high post, making him a complete center capable of impacting every phase of play.[65]Career Statistics and Records
Regular Season Averages and Totals
David Robinson appeared in 987 regular-season games across 14 NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs from 1989–90 to 2002–03, compiling career averages of 34.7 minutes, 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.0 blocks per game on 51.8% field goal shooting and 73.7% free-throw accuracy.[1] His per-season averages peaked in scoring during the 1993–94 campaign at 29.8 points per game, while his rebounding high came in 1990–91 at 13.0 per game and blocks led the league multiple times, including 4.5 per game in 1991–92.[1] Career totals reached 20,790 points, 10,497 rebounds, 2,231 assists, 1,388 steals, and 2,954 blocks, reflecting his dominance as a two-way center despite missing time for military service early in his career and a back injury in 1996–97.[1] The following table summarizes his regular-season per-game averages:| Season | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–90 | 82 | 36.6 | 24.3 | 12.0 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 3.9 | .531 | .732 |
| 1990–91 | 82 | 37.7 | 25.6 | 13.0 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 3.9 | .552 | .762 |
| 1991–92 | 68 | 37.7 | 23.2 | 12.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 4.5 | .551 | .701 |
| 1992–93 | 82 | 39.2 | 23.4 | 11.7 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 3.2 | .501 | .732 |
| 1993–94 | 80 | 40.5 | 29.8 | 10.7 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 3.3 | .507 | .749 |
| 1994–95 | 81 | 38.0 | 27.6 | 10.8 | 2.9 | 1.7 | 3.2 | .530 | .774 |
| 1995–96 | 82 | 36.8 | 25.0 | 12.2 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 3.3 | .516 | .761 |
| 1996–97 | 6 | 24.5 | 17.7 | 8.5 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.0 | .500 | .654 |
| 1997–98 | 73 | 33.7 | 21.6 | 10.6 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 2.6 | .511 | .735 |
| 1998–99 | 49 | 31.7 | 15.8 | 10.0 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 2.4 | .509 | .658 |
| 1999–00 | 80 | 32.0 | 17.8 | 9.6 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 2.3 | .512 | .726 |
| 2000–01 | 80 | 29.6 | 14.4 | 8.6 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2.5 | .486 | .747 |
| 2001–02 | 78 | 29.5 | 12.2 | 8.3 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.8 | .507 | .681 |
| 2002–03 | 64 | 26.2 | 8.5 | 7.9 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 | .469 | .710 |
| Career | 987 | 34.7 | 21.1 | 10.6 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 3.0 | .518 | .737[1] |
Playoff Performances
David Robinson participated in 12 NBA playoffs over his 14-season career, appearing in 123 games and contributing to 17 series wins and 10 losses for the San Antonio Spurs. His playoff averages were 18.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, reflecting solid but slightly diminished scoring efficiency compared to his regular-season marks.[66][67] Prior to Tim Duncan's arrival, Robinson led the Spurs to several postseason appearances, though the team struggled to advance beyond early rounds or faltered in high-stakes matchups. In the 1990 playoffs, the Spurs lost in the first round to the Los Angeles Lakers in three games, with Robinson averaging 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds across the series.[68] The 1993 first-round exit against the Phoenix Suns saw him post 20.0 points and 13.6 rebounds per game in a five-game defeat.[69] The most notable pre-Duncan run came in 1995, when the Spurs reached the Western Conference Finals after sweeping the Denver Nuggets and defeating the Lakers in five games; however, they fell 4-2 to the Houston Rockets, where Robinson averaged 23.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists but shot only 44.9% from the field amid Hakeem Olajuwon's dominant 35.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.[70][71] Injuries limited deeper success in subsequent years, including a first-round loss to the Suns in 1998 after his return from back issues.[68] The arrival of Duncan transformed the Spurs' postseason fortunes, culminating in championships in 1999 and 2003. In the 1999 playoffs, Robinson averaged 15.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 17 games, helping the Spurs sweep the Minnesota Timberwolves, [Los Angeles Lakers](/page/Los Angeles_Lakers), and Portland Trail Blazers before defeating the New York Knicks 4-1 in the Finals; his contributions included strong interior defense alongside Duncan, though Duncan earned Finals MVP honors with 27.4 points and 14.0 rebounds per game.[72][73] By 2003, at age 37 and in a reduced offensive role, Robinson averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds across 23 games, providing veteran leadership and rim protection during series wins over the Phoenix Suns (4-2), Lakers (4-2), and Dallas Mavericks (4-2), en route to a 4-2 Finals victory over the New Jersey Nets.[74][73] In Game 6 of the 2003 Finals on June 15, 2003, he recorded 13 points, 17 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 charges drawn in 27 minutes, sealing his second title in his final NBA game.[75][76]| Playoff Year | Games Played | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | Series Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–90 | 10 | 15.5 | 10.0 | 2.0 | 2.3 | First round loss (0-3 vs. Lakers)[68] |
| 1994–95 | 15 | 23.5 | 12.4 | 3.1 | 3.0 | WCF loss (2-4 vs. Rockets)[70] |
| 1998–99 | 17 | 15.6 | 9.9 | 2.5 | 2.4 | NBA Champions (16-1 overall)[72] |
| 2002–03 | 23 | 7.8 | 6.6 | 0.9 | 1.2 | NBA Champions (15-7 overall)[74] |