For a guy who grew up playing multiple sports but never dominating any, David Robinson is having the time of his life as a pro. In his first NBA season, he’s the league’s best rookie, the San Antonio Spurs’ top player, and — most surprising to him — one of the three best centers in the game.
And that’s without even mentioning his $26 million contract over eight years, his superstar status in his new Texas home, or his growing belief that he could one day win NBA MVP honors.
That’s heady stuff for someone who once dreamed of becoming a scientist or engineer rather than a doctor of dunks and defense. Robinson grew up not particularly loving basketball and chose a path as a Naval officer, fully aware that pro sports dreams seemed out of reach.
The bowling debate that Robinson settled
Robinson’s teammates have been giving him grief all season about his bowling skills. He claims he once averaged a solid 180, but the Spurs couldn’t picture a 7-footer throwing strikes consistently. So one night in Sacramento, four teammates watched him warm up with a 125 — and then roll a 188 without his custom-drilled ball. His hands are so big he couldn’t use his thumb properly.
“Now they want a rematch,” Robinson said with a grin. “I told ’em, ‘When are you going to learn?’”
The Spurs should have known better. Robinson has been rolling all season, exceeding expectations from everyone, including himself, his coach, and his teammates.
A bright spot in a changing NBA
In a pivotal year for the league — with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retiring and the game shifting toward power forwards, versatile players, and Michael Jordan — Robinson has been its biggest success story. The idea of building around a dominant center seemed outdated, but the Spurs bet big on him anyway.
Drafted in 1987 as college player of the year at the Naval Academy, Robinson sat out two years for military service while San Antonio rebuilt the roster around him. The franchise was struggling badly in attendance and wins. If the gamble failed, the team faced serious trouble.
Robinson entered the NBA with doubts about his intensity and hype, especially after Team USA struggles. But he’s silenced the critics, establishing himself alongside stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing.
Through mid-April, he ranked 10th in scoring (24.4 ppg), second in rebounding (11.9), third in blocks (3.9), and shot 53.3 percent. He’s on track for strong MVP consideration.
Transforming the Spurs franchise
The impact goes beyond stats. Attendance jumped from under 8,500 to a record 14,595 per game. The Spurs, a young team with multiple rookies and second-year players, sit at 51-26 and are chasing big turnaround records while battling for the division lead.
Coach Larry Brown has pushed Robinson hard, demanding more as he sees the potential. Robinson welcomes it, staying mellow and focused thanks to his Navy background.
Off the court, he’s the same engaging, intelligent presence — carrying a keyboard on road trips, solving tough logic puzzles, and shooting in the mid-80s in golf. He’s comfortable with the spotlight, making time for fans and media while keeping basketball in perspective.
Robinson’s journey — from reluctant high school player to Naval Academy star to NBA force — shows patience and growth. As the Spurs build around their new anchor, the future looks bright for a dominant big man in San Antonio once again.