Sean Elliott: The Unsung Hero of the San Antonio Spurs rise to the top during the 1990s | FPP

He was the unsung hero of the San Antonio Spurs rise to greatness in the 1990s. He came into the league in the same season as David Robinson whose legendary career would overshadow Sean Elliott, but NBA fans know just how important Elliott was to that turnaround. He was an Arizona Wildcats Legend who came into the league with question marks around a high shool knee injury. But he proved the doubters wrong by improving his play each season. He was traded to Detroit and seemed like he wasn’t taking basketball seriously as he looked overweight and out of shape, but then it was revealed that he was suffering from significant kidney issues and was playing through it without making excuses. After one year in Detroit he would return to San Antonio and play alongside David Robinson and Dennis Rodman where he would a couple of the best seasons of his career. The next two seasons saw him deal with knee tendinitis which had finally caught up to him and with Robinson suffering a broken foot in 1997, the Spurs returned to the bottom of the league. But this was a blessing in disguise as they were able to draft Tim Duncan in 1997. Although Elliott would have a less significant role in the offense for the remainder of his career, he would still be an integral in the Spurs first NBA Championship in 1999, which included his Memorial day miracle shot against the Portland in the 1999 Western Conference Finals. Then after that season, the severity of his kidney ailment was revealed and he missed the majority of the 2000 season while recovering from a kidney transplant. He returned late in the season to become the first professional athlete to return from a kidney transplant and then would play parts of the 2001 season before retiring after a 12 year career. His career flies under the radar as he was about his business and didn’t need publicity, but it’s a career that could have been over after a few seasons. So, Elliot even playing through everything is impressive, but to also play at the highest level and be a multiple all star is special. And that’s why his underrated career of the Ninja, Sean Elliott deserves more recognition.
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[@stuartbell6177]

Sean Elliott was not only a good player, but is also the ultimate professional. I like hearing him calling the San Antonio Spurs games. He is very knowledgeable and unbiased when you hear his commentary. Great video sir🫡

[@lilpenny1982]

Before his 2nd knee injury, Sean was a beast athletically

[@anthonymalik9952]

Sean Elliott! This guy was one of my favorite players in the 90s!

[@harveymcelroy9332]

Sean was a great player in his prime

[@bobbyohalterego4102]

Aw man I've been asking for a retrospective on Sean Elliott for a Loooonng time! From anybody. So glad to see this. You never hear anything on Elliott and I always remembered him being really talented and one of my favorite forwards for a while in the 90s.

[@stevelegreid]

Young Terry Cummings was a beast! I only knew the Spurs version of him until I looked up some duels of him and Barkley when he was a Buck

[@VincentBeville]

I'm 50 years old, and remember Sean Elliott very well. He had one of the prettiest games I had ever seen. A player that comes the mind that reminds me of Sean Elliott is Zion Williamson.

[@alectapia1518]

Yo quiero que me lo digas completo por FA

[@Dantana773]

Salute Sean Elliot He is very much a forgotten player's Very versatile player who could score at the rim and from the outside and solid perimeter defender. Been a fan of his Since his Freshman year at Arizona Those late night games On ESPN PAC 10.

[@UTK2911]

Thunder Dan

[@arizonaFIREent]

Dan Majerle was better

[@marcoadan1]

I was his cashier a few times at Borders Bookstore at the Alamo Quarry in San Antonio. Always super friendly. When I ran into him again at the Tux and Tennies Gala(a charity gig), when I said, "I sell you books at Borders.", he replied, "Oh yeah! You clean up nicely!"🤣 I was also there for the memorial day miracle. Favorite player, btw.

[@ellieeliandelliot7439]

I enjoy these videos. I am so happy you made one about Kevin Johnson. As a Spurs fan, I enjoyed this video. Please make an Alvin Robertson profile. Only guard to have a Quadruple double and all time leader in Steals per game. I know he had legal troubles but he was a great player in his prime.

[@josephhill7890]

We need Elton brand, Xavier mcdaniel,billy owens,Terry Cummings, reggie williams

[@Alajuwon]

Would love to see Elton brand and billy Owens

[@GHOST91141]

Sean Elliott with the Memorial Day shot vs the Blazers is a top 10 Spurs moment

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

Yeah,the tip-toe 3 pointer with Wallace trying to block his shot.

[@randyfleetwood9713]

Watching Sean running down the court on a fast break was always exciting because he could fly and finish on anyone if they gave him an inch

[@mitomidou]

Sean, AJ and 5-0. These were the cornerstones that I admired when I first became a fan of the Spurs. They play hard every game and played together. That Memorial Day Miracle shot will always be my best Spurs moment of all time. Sean is a legend in the franchise for that.

[@michaellee258]

He was 3 and D and very well rounded. Also, a wonderful team leader.

[@TheRageChild]

Great video! Glad to see Sean get his flowers from NBA fans and not just Spurs fans. He’s not forgotten by us, we hold him to high regard! Plus he calls the games lol

[@calebellis7173]

Love to see you cover Chris Mullin Latrell Sprewell and Dan Majerle

[@OnlyBuilt4FinancialContracts]

Man, Sean Elliott was THEE MAN amongst MEN. Quiet as Kept and a Class Act on and off the Court. Salute

[@chrisplacido4737]

Kevin Willis. Has a ring and was a leader on the Spurs.

[@alectapia1518]

Kevin Willis has a ring 💍 and was a great grandfather on the 1990 Atlanta Hawks

[@alectapia1518]

Great grandfather of T-Rex 🦖 babies in Africa circa 1990. Sue the T-Rex 🦖 is a well defined and famous grandchild of Kevin Willis.

[@PBCkiller23]

This took me down memory lane Sean was a dawg I remember him in big Dogg use to go at it in the late to mid 90s I think Sean was the inventor of that corner 3 plus his mid range late in his career was the stuff of legends great post

[@ZigbertD]

Not unsung among Spurs fans, ever. He he helped lay the foundation for the championship era, and was there to share in the firs one. The Memorial Day Miracle will live in Spurs lore forever. Plus he's the color commentator for Spurs broadcasts today.

[@lou4958]

Finally thanks 👍🏿

[@papanonstoppa9686]

Love these short films bro! Keep up the great content

[@FFlores-fr2ew]

The dunk over divac where his head was at the rim was killa!

[@randyprovost8426]

I loved this video. My son and I met Sean at the Spurs Celtics game on New Years Eve yesterday. He was very nice. He signed a Spurs hat for my son. My son also asked him " how did it feel hitting that three in Rasheed Wallace's face"? Seen said "awesome" lol

[@MistaP13]

Thank you!😌

[@coachshawnkent397]

My Favorite player to use in NBA Jam ......! He would always hit 3's . That was a big deal back then .

[@supersoberguy1]

I grew up loving Big Dave but Sean was my favorite player. I would mimic his free throw routine doing his behind the back and also his stance. I got to be a pizza hut ball boy in 1993 and i met Sean in the locker room at the hemisfair arena. I always loved his passion for the game.

[@lashgoshotwheels1127]

Thank you 🙂

[@thefranchise4698]

If you haven't done Adrian Dantley or Mark Aguirre, you should

[@arizonaFIREent]

The pistons big trade haha

[@user-jw5qj8kv2y]

The player who built the cornerstone of the Spurs dynasty along with David Robinson, his career was not always smooth sailing, but he is a player that Spurs fans will never forget.

[@lilpenny1982]

And Avery Johnson. ""the Admarayl" #LMAO

[@arizonaFIREent]

Them 1 hit wonders rode Duncan and the 1999 season they far from real legends

[@investmentsound902]

And dont forget Terry Cummings

[@investmentsound902]

Arizonafire

[@investmentsound902]

​@@arizonaFIREentwhat position you play again???

[@epholson97]

I can't even tell how awesome this video is to me! 1988 was the year I started being able to/getting into watching/following/knowing sports, and as I was living in Tucson, AZ at that time, it was all too easy to become a fan of Elliott's. So he is in fact, my 1st favorite player, in any sport mind you, on my 1st favorite team! Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr, Kenny Lofton, Jud Buechler, Tom Tolbert, Anthony Cook will always be equated with some of my all time best sports-viewing history.

[@DRV404]

Very underrated

[@itzlucaaa6789]

Tbh a David West video would go hard.

[@Teddy42O]

Micheal Adams next!!!🔥🔥

[@4392amtrak]

Big Al Jefferson - one of the most skilled and underrated players ever and never been selected to an all-star team

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

He'll be coming next week

[@chrisplacido4737]

He would've been great on the Spurs. He always gave us trouble in the West.

[@4392amtrak]

@ForgottenPlayerProfiles thank you. Al was a special player. He would dominate today if he was a decade younger and would be a top three center alongside Joker and Embiid in my opinion

[@4392amtrak]

@chrisplacido4737 could you imagine him and Duncan teaming up back in the day? They would be the second version of the twin towers post Admiral. Heck, imagine him playing in the Lakers triangle offense with Gasol and Kobe

[@thengyang5537]

One of the best mid range shooter of his era..

[@danggarcia3882]

A true professional athlete through and through. SA will always love you, Ninja. “Taco Cabana…” 😂😂😂

[@kincamell]

Gratitude.

[@greg196369]

Love the content on your channel. Sean Elliott should be remembered as a very impactful player. Thanks for putting this entertaining video together. I have a request for a player who is largely forgotten, but was underrated in my opinion. Could you profile Walt Williams? He had a great college career and a good NBA career as a microwave like scorer.

[@waldocastillo4536]

He’s never gotten the credit he deserves.. and now as the spurs tv commentator in Spurs games with his basketball knowledge and sense of humor.. he’s great..: a true spur

[@jasonic-ks2tm]

I love your channel! What cool is that you read the comments! I'm curious who'll you do next but I'm guessing Marbury or Kenny Anderson

[@EDmazeing10]

My favorite episode so far Go Spurs Go Raiders...Black & Silver 4 Life.

[@rickjamesjr6651]

I love Sean Elliot game much respect 🫡

[@comradbishop5158]

Do al jefferson or rj plz

[@luisvaldes1568]

I like the old Hemisfair Arena.

[@marvinwood9368]

I was a fan

[@edwells4769]

Elliott was the prototype of the Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway style players. Interesting that all three had careers ended early, and below expectations, due to injury.

[@eugenedantzler4485]

Since we on the number 32..... Can you do Richard ( Rip) Hamilton next?

[@4olufade]

Tom Tolbert looked like a parent in college

[@GHOST91141]

😂😂

[@dclayton734]

The Pistons botched the Rodman trade. Could have gotten the Spurs' future first round picks.

[@alectapia1518]

To combine with Joey D and Grant Hill.

[@sameernelson9684]

Yes he was sneaky good.😊

[@lilpenny1982]

I think if John Lucas stayed with the Spurs, they may have beaten HOU in 1995

[@arizonaFIREent]

Hell no but John Lucas is a great coach who gets overlooked

[@alectapia1518]

Proof drugs r good for you.

[@konasavage]

I remember thinking the Rodman trade was not a good fit for him. Glad he got healthy enough for a good run.

[@googoo-gjoob]

i'd love to see a vid on *ROY TARPLEY*

[@adryangray8393]

That's crazy I didn't know Sean Elliot was an Arizona native why didn't the Phoenix Suns draft him since he came into the NBA......

[@Danny-sd5vm]

It seemed like Sean Elliott never made a mistake on the court.

[@jaybrown7811]

He was better than you think

[@arizonaFIREent]

No.... And I love U of A... He average at best

[@Dantana773]

Can you do one on Terry Cummings

[@justinallen3080]

Do Juwan Howard 🔥🔥

[@rayzrealm]

*#GOSPURS*

[@djg2002]

Need that Lamar Odom episode… “The Goods”

[@alectapia1518]

@9:23 The Spurs from 1989-90 had a big 3 that gets whitewashed into the abyss of forgetfulness. David Robinson 25.6 ppg 13.0 rpg 3.9 bpg Terry Cummings 17.6 ppg 7.8 rpg 48.4 % shooting 🌠 Elliot 15.9 ppg 49% from field, 31% from 3 distance Those r their 1990-91 statistics but that also doesnt include Rod Strickland for Mo Cheeks trade in 89-90 and Willie Anderson being a long spindly 2 guard and the Spurs 89-90 turnaround is about as shocking or surprisingly impressive as their Duncan turnaround in 97-98... Which is to say it isnt surprising... no 1 player takes you from 25 wins to 55 wins without at least a duo or trio to help elevate the play of the Favorite STAR ⭐😎...

[@YTC1234]

9:31 Hardaway got straight up robbed

[@alectapia1518]

Lol... probably correct 💯... tho Most Improved Player is usually a shock factor award. Scott Smiles actually being productive and nearly averaging a double double was probably more shocking than Tim Hardaway continuing to progress and mature his considerable talent and produce a normally capable spread sheet as his 90-91 season statistics are. Tim Hardaway you have to remember was arguably the best PG in the league from near rookie season. 22.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 9.7 apg, 2.6 spg... all the most impressive stats here for his position relativity. But he was a Chicago Point God. Continuing an Isiah Thomas legacy. A kid from Chicago, the third or 2nd biggest city most of the 20th and 21st centuries is not going to be awarded for a rags to riches story when Chicago has a nice Stock Yard of athletic talent and we have considerable challenging homegrown competition to train our young guns and athletes and politicians and business people and magnates. Tim Hardaway was simply doing what someone like Tim Hardaway was supposed to do. In fact his 89-90 rookie season was nearly as impressive as his 90-91 officializing season. He just literally went from 33 mpg to 39 mpg and went from shooting 12x a game to 18x a game while still shooting 🌠.471 to .476 from the field all together... So he didn't so much as improve as much as just earn more responsibility due to his FACTUAL status as an amazing player.

[@AS-fz5dp]

Have you done Tom Gugliotta yet?

[@jcfromnbtx6912]

GSG

[@BlandHarris]

devin harris when?

[@tanchengkeat5482]

Darrell Griffith

[@elonmartin5065]

Was a quiet killer

[@oddballskull1941]

Scott skiles

[@taylamadegriffin2987]

I remember going to a basketball camp and my man’s threw a basketball at a girl and made her cry lol. He was a pro tho…

[@BennyRobinson]

Did this really need to be 27 minutes long

[@christophertifre2018]

What ever happened to his brother Noel

[@renrawinfinte]

Built Arizona

[@chrisRyder77]

Big player like glen rice

[@lonnellgrigsby1367]

He played Horrible with the Pistons that’s all I Remember I believe that’s what started the shift. When the Pistons traded for him giving up Dennis Rodman and getting junk and then he returned and played great Basketball. That was the fall where Eastern Conference teams losing all there talent to western Conference teams.

[@gregsanchez3068]

Terrible broadcaster tho

[@moreycleveland2472]

SEAN ELLIOTT WAS ANOTHER GOOD WHITE BALLPLAYER

[@leonj301]

Ok....