Each Team’s All-NBA First Team- A 30 Part Series: Part 5- The San Antonio Spurs

G- Tony Parker: 2001-Present

The Spurs have been the NBA’s most consistent franchise since the start of the 21st century and that is largely thanks to Tony Parker, who alongside Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Greg Popovich have been the consistent faces of the franchise. Parker emerged as a significant contributor following his second season in the NBA, becoming one of the best and most dynamic point guards in the NBA.

Parker has played in six All-Star games, been named to four All-NBA Teams (3x Second Team, 1x Third Team), and was MVP of the 2007 NBA finals.

Parker is second in games played and minutes played, and first in assists on the Spurs’ All-Time statistical leader board.

A four time champion- Parker will not only go down as one of the best Spurs’ of all-time, but also one of the best international players of all-time.

G- Manu Ginobili: 2002- Present

Similarly to Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili transformed from a late round pick to a budding superstar. Ginobili has spent his entire career with the Spurs, winning the sixth man of the year award in 2008 and making the All-Star team twice. Ginobili was also named to the All-NBA Third Team twice.

Ginobili has done everything the Spurs have asked of him. From taking multiple pay cuts to sacrificing a starting position, Ginobili is the living example of what it means to be a San Antonio Spurs’ player. He’s the team’s all-time leader in steals and three pointers made.

Without Ginobili the Spurs’ consistent winning nature would not have been possible. His prolific shooting ability, tenacious defending, and incredible durability have all contributed to Ginobili’s hall of fame career.

F- George Gervin: 1976–1985

George Gervin was the original face of the San Antonio Spurs. Before David Robinson was drafted, Gervin was the most notable player to ever play for the Spurs. His prolific scoring ability (he led the NBA in scoring four times) made the “ice-man” one of the most exciting players to watch. From his sweet finger-roll finish to his high-volume mid-range game, Gervin was a truly unique player of his era.

He’s second on the Spurs’ all-time scoring list, and ranks in the top five in almost every other major statistical category. Gervin made nine All-Star games as a member of the Spurs and was named to seven All-NBA Teams (5x First Team, 2x Second Team).

F- Tim Duncan: 1997–2016

Over the last month, what hasn’t been said about the greatness of Tim Duncan? A five-time champion, two-time MVP, 15-time All-Star, three-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time league MVP, 15 appearances on one of the three All-NBA Teams (10x First Team, 3x Second Team, 2x Third Team), one of only three players to win more than 1,000 NBA regular season games, and so much more. Duncan is one of the ten greatest players to ever play the game.

Duncan spent his entire NBA career with the Spurs and was the definition of consistency, qualifying for the playoffs in every season he played, winning 50 games in all but one season (the lockout shortened 50 game season in 1999), averaging a double-double for 13 consecutive seasons, and consistently keeping a calm-collective demeanor on and off the court.

Duncan was the perfect Spur. From the moment he was drafted to his final day as an NBA player, he carried himself with an unselfish demeanor, caring about one thing and one thing only: Winning basketball games.

Upon being drafted in 1997, Duncan immediately elevated the Spurs from a perennial playoff team a championship contender, winning his first title in just his second season.

He’s the Spurs’ all-time leader in games played, minutes played, points scored, rebounds, blocks, and field goals made.

C- David Robinson: 1989–2003

Before Duncan, but after Gervin was David “The Admiral” Robinson. After an outstanding collegiate career at Navy, Robinson dominated the NBA. He spent his entire career with the Spurs, and although he didn’t win an NBA championship until Duncan’s arrival, Robinson was truly a special player- one of the 30 best to ever play the game.

Robinson is third behind Gervin and Duncan respectively in points scored, and second behind only Duncan in rebounds and blocks. His 1994–1995 MVP season is arguably the best in Spurs’ single season history, averaging an amazing 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game. His PER was an immaculate 29.1.

During his 14-year NBA career, Robinson appeared in 10 All-Star games and on 10 All-NBA Teams (4x First Team, 2x Second Team, 4x Third Team).