When fans debate the best foundation for a championship team, Michael Jordan is usually the first name that comes up. But for David Robinson, the choice was simple — he’d start with Tim Duncan.
Yes, that Tim Duncan — the quiet superstar who never sought the spotlight but dominated his way to five NBA titles, two MVPs, and three Finals MVPs. Often called the greatest power forward of all time, Duncan built a résumé that even legends like Shaquille O’Neal put in their personal top 10 lists.
Why Robinson Picked Duncan Over Jordan
Robinson, who played alongside Duncan early in his career with the San Antonio Spurs, got a front-row seat to the “Big Fundamental” in action. Duncan wasn’t just talented — he was consistent, disciplined, and already a Finals MVP by his second season.
On The Dan Patrick Show back in 2014, Robinson explained his controversial stance:
“Jordan was spectacular and exciting; Tim is an everyday workman-like. Tim is every bit the assassin that Michael was. I’d go, Tim. Big guys are so much harder to find. They anchor your team so much better. Michael is a phenomenal individual player, but when I’m starting my team, I’m going Tim.”
It’s a bold claim, but Robinson’s logic makes sense. In a league where size usually wins, a dominant big man can anchor both ends of the floor — and Duncan was as complete as they come. He could score inside, hit the right pass, and lock down opponents defensively, even without a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name.
Duncan’s Lasting Greatness
From the mid-1990s through the 2010s, Duncan was as steady as they come. While Kobe Bryant may rival him in terms of championships from that era, Duncan’s impact on the Spurs was unmatched. He wasn’t flashy, but his influence was so strong that younger stars like Blake Griffin admitted to being star-struck facing him.
Duncan didn’t just win titles — he shaped the Spurs into one of the NBA’s most respected franchises.
At the end of the day, Robinson’s pick might ruffle feathers for fans who see Jordan as the ultimate GOAT. But when it comes to building a team from scratch, his reasoning is hard to argue against. History shows big men are usually the safest bet — and Duncan proved that five times over.
