In recent years, many teams have been forced to wait a year before seeing their number one in the Draft wear their colors. We can cite Greg Oden (drafted in 2007), Blake Griffin (2009) or Ben Simmons (2016).
Nevertheless, this white season was explained by a serious injury to be treated. For the Spurs, more than 30 years ago, it was very different and also longer since in 1989, on November 4, David Robinson made his debut in San Antonio two years after being drafted!
Number one in the 1987 Draft (that of Scottie Pippen and Reggie Miller), the pivot had made a promise: to serve two years in the US Navy, the famous Navy. The Spurs were therefore patient, and ultimately well rewarded.
“I have never seen an interior that moves like him”
For the reception of the Lakers, triple finalist in title (champions 1987 and 1988, then beaten in Finals 1989) and in front of 15,868 spectators (match sold out), the one who is obviously nicknamed “The Admiral” will make an excellent first copy with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.
“David is learning, but I know he will be a very big one”, announced his teammate Terry Cummings after the game, won by the Texans (106-98). “I have never seen an interior that moves like him. »
A rookie like no other with his background and his age (24 years old on November 4, 1989) and although he played the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul with Team USA, the future 1995 MVP felt a certain pressure when start his professional career against Los Angeles.
“Our young people were petrified, scared to death”notes the coach of San Antonio, Larry Brown, while David Robinson had stomach aches in the first half. “A few days ago, I ate fajitas and got sick. I think it came back tonight”comments on his side the pivot.
The stress will leave very quickly since the first season of David Robinson will be a great success. With 24.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3.9 blocks on average, the San Antonio star will instantly straighten out the Spurs, become All-Star and then easily win the rookie of the year trophy.
Article originally published in 2020
