3 Best San Antonio Spurs Draft Picks

Since joining the league in 1976, the San Antonio Spurs have become one of the perennial contenders in the NBA. The Spurs only missed eight playoff campaigns, and they are the fifth-winningest NBA team franchise in history, with five titles in six NBA Finals appearances. Because of this incredible winning culture, they are one of the constant favorites in NBA championship odds.

One of the biggest factors for this sustained success of the franchise is its ability to draft incredible young talent in the draft. These players turned into superstars, and they guided the team to multiple titles and lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy repeatedly. Here are the three best San Antonio draft picks in team history:

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan is arguably the greatest player in franchise history for the Spurs and considered one of the best power forwards to ever play in the NBA. He was selected as the first overall pick in 1997 after his stellar collegiate career with Wake Forest. “The Big Fundamental” was paired with David Robinson to form San Antonio’s twin towers.

Tim Duncan’s TOP 10 career plays!#20HoopClass Enshrinement: Saturday – 5:30pm/et on ESPNpic.twitter.com/liqT0cDw9p

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 14, 2021

The 6-foot-11 forward took home the 1998 Rookie of the Year award after averaging a double-double of 21.1 points and 11.9 rebounds during his first season. Afterwards, he piled up the accolades. Some of his notable achievements were becoming a five-time NBA champion, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, a two-time league MVP, and a 15-time NBA All-Star for the Spurs.

David Robinson

Another big man, who was also a first overall pick in 1987. The 7-foot-1 center became an unstoppable force inside the paint with his build and stature. In his first year in the league, he averaged 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks to secure the Rookie of the Year honor in 1989.

On this day in 1994… David Robinson scored a career-high and Spurs franchise-record 71 points to clinch the scoring title in the last game of the season! #NBA75 #NBA pic.twitter.com/XHthixOOu0

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 24, 2022

Like Duncan, Robinson also collected multiple awards and achievements, like the 1995 League MVP award, the 1992 Defensive Player of the Year honor, and 10 trips to the NBA All-Star Game. His most significant contribution to the San Antonio Spurs franchise was winning the 1999 and 2003 NBA titles. “The Admiral” averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 987 games across 14 seasons.

Tony Parker

Wrapping up the list is French point guard Tony Parker. Unlike the two previous big men on the list, Parker had a slow start to his NBA career. But when he finally found his footing and was given the keys to be the team’s leading playmaker, he made sure to deliver. He was selected as the 28th overall pick during the 2001 NBA Draft.

Watch Tony Parker drop his career-high 55 PTS vs. the Timberwolves in 2008 🔥

Check out this classic game and more on the NBA App and catch the #23HoopClass enshrinement, Saturday August 12 at 8pm/et on NBA TV.

📲: https://t.co/5eWJBz6cb8 pic.twitter.com/fm2fnpWPY3

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) August 9, 2023

Parker played for 17 seasons with the Spurs and became a four-time NBA champion, one-time NBA Finals MVP, a six-time NBA All-Star, and a three-time member of the All-NBA 2nd Team. In 1,198 games with San Antonio, the 6-foot-2 point guard averaged 15.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds to cement his place as one of the best players in franchise history.