How Good Was David Robinson REALLY?

An evaluation of the career and legacy of one of the most dominant 2-way players of all time.
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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#NBA #DavidRobinson #Spurs

[@jonnyarnett]

Where does Robinson rank among the greatest Centers ever? Also would he be the best Big in the game if he played today? NOTE: Sorry if the audio sounds weird. I'm in the process of moving, so recording accommodations are a bit funky in the mean time.

[@yvans.]

My 10 center of all time: 1- Kareem 2- Russel 3-Wilt 4- Shaq 5- Dream (My favorite player with MJ) 6- Moses Malone (Most overlooked player of all time) 7- David Robinson 8- Patrick Ewing 9- Bob Mcadoo 10- Bill Walton The tenth spot is fluid I do not have a definitive answer but Walton despite his short prime has an MVP and lead his team to a championship on being the best player.

[@armandodelossantos736]

I got Robinson in my top 5 or 6 centers of all time! Put the 95' Robinson and sports Spurs in any other era other than in Olajuwon's prime and he'd have a ring against allot of teams. Back injuries really took this man down too early but before that he was putting up record setting numbers matched but very few centers in history. Olajuwon, Moses, Kareem, Wilt, Ewing, Robinson.

[@bigboiranch5055]

I've got him 7th behind Kareem, Russell, Shaq, Wilt, Hakeem and Moses

[@averyce2]

#6 on the Top 10 List.... 1) Wilt Chamberlin, 2) Kareem Abdul Jabbar, 3) Hakeem Olajuwon, 4) Bill Russell, 5) Shaquille O'Neal

[@JackMorel]

He would probably be the best center if he played today, but considering the game has moved towards the 3pt line I doubt his numbers would look as nice as they did in the 90s

[@watatah]

NBA champ, quadruple king, 71 points in a game, unparalleled physique, this man is a legend.

[@youtuber3328]

that wasn't a playoff game

[@miracle053]

@@youtuber3328 nobody has done a quadruple double in the playoffs

[@youtuber3328]

@@miracle053 that sounds right and if i'm NOT mistaken in a previous knicks vs sixers game a quantruple double occurred for legend wilt chamberlain

[@lebarbosa9778]

Look at how swole these bigman were and ppl now calling the 90's unathletic smh

[@grantrmoore]

Man the 90s handsdown had the greatest bigs.. We may never see another big man generation like that again..

[@merlball8520]

@@grantrmoore David Robinson, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, Hakeem Olajuwan, Shaquille O'neal, Patrick Ewing, Brad Daugherty, Chris Webber, Kevin Duckworth, Rik Smits, Shawn Bradley, Jermaine O'neal, Rony Seikaly, Arvydas Sabonis, Manute Bol, Pervis Ellison, Robert Parish, Christian Laettner, Bill Laimbeer, Bill Cartwright, Herb Williams, Moses Malone, Mark Eaton, Mike Gminsky, James Donaldson, Hot Rod Williams, Benoit Benjamin, Tree Rollins, Vlade Divac, Gheorghe Muresan, Sam Perkins, Theo Ratliff, Marcus Camby, Frank Brickowski... A bunch of them would've had even better careers had they not suffered career hampering or career ending injuries. And this list isn't even counting all the limited playtime centers who were excellent shot blockers and rebounders. There were a LOT of tall trees in the 80s and 90s.

[@randompalmtopgaming7541]

@@merlball8520 dude. You missed to mention a HOF player and one badass center - Dino Radja! He had especially smooth and skilled post game.

[@RyanLBrown9396]

Championship Barbosa Lebron has got these kids spoiled

[@lebarbosa9778]

@Brandon Martin Not only great bigman but great wing players too.

[@stevem9141]

The 90's saw some of the most talented players. It was a great time to be a fan of the NBA.

[@Fernando-fr5cu]

It was.

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

Every sport, NFL, nba, NHL, mlb, so many legends from all of those sports. The most sports legends of any decade. Even Olympics track was killing it.

[@Maximillian200HP]

I have more respect for David Robinson than almost any other player in NBA History. (With a few exceptions) Everything I've ever heard about him is nothing but positive in regards to his character. Put his pro debut on hold so he could serve his time in the Navy, generally regarded as a very nice guy, never heard of any scandals or dirty plays. When Tim Duncan came to the Spurs, Robinson understood that TD was the future of the Spurs Franchise and didn't mind taking more of a background role as he aged and came closer to retirement, a lot of players would be far too selfish for that. If there ARE any scandals or dirty stories about Robinson, I've never heard them, nobody in the NBA ever seems to have anything bad to say about him.

[@Capelle79]

I idolised him and Carl Lewis growing up.

[@petercastillo1529]

Ask Big Diesel Shaq!😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Treize132]

@Tong Zou Bullsh*t Hakeem was one of the gentlemen of the sport as well. The Dream had no scandals , was a devote Muslim and a humble humble man. Do not speak on what you don't know.

[@FuShengAlex]

@Tong Zou David Robinson had a "killer" streak vs Shaq in their meetings from 92-96. He really had a chip on his shoulder and was openly dismissive of O Neal. That level of play and intensity in the playoffs wouldve seen him climb a notch higher amongst Centers all time

[@FuShengAlex]

@Tong Zou and also he unfortunately never developed a post up back to the basket game/move. He was like a taller more athletic rich man's version of Chris Bosh offensively. If you took away his drive (easier said than done with his athleticism) he was stuck out in the perimeter hoping his jumper would fall.

[@jeffladrillono2313]

If the Admiral was in his prime in 2019, he would hands down be the best big man in the game. Comparing him to the current crop of big men, it's not even close.

[@meowarfmoo]

Robinson could run and jump with the best guards. And he swole AF. He had to be to contend with the monsters of the 90s.

[@sinatra222]

Jeff Ladrillono I think him and Anthony Davis would be a fun rivalry.

[@hakeemolajuwonBESTROCKET]

@@sinatra222 Anthony Davis wouldn't stand a chance....

[@shamz2039]

@@hakeemolajuwonBESTROCKET Cmon now, AD wouldnt win but he wouldn't get bodied. I think AD would pose a moderate threat to Admiral, the only thing is AD is a lanky stretch big and Admiral is a swole bonafide Center. I think Admiral and Giannis would be a better matchup, they both swole, tall and both are dominant powerhouses.

[@hakeemolajuwonBESTROCKET]

@@shamz2039 Robinson will win, al horford was enough of a body to stop giannis let alone Robinson.... giannis is lucky he didn't play against those swole 90s bigs or he would of had it difficult... every single night

[@gauravchawla3706]

4:38 damn those nerves popping out ..and let me remind you he is 7'1". Definitely the greatest physique for a guy this height. Legend.

[@danielchand944]

Look up the IBM award. Before the analytics movement, the IBM award was an attempt to quantify “overall” contribution of players to a team. The player in the league that was making the greatest statistical contribution to his team (based on the formula, there was no reporters voting) was awarded the IBM award. David Robinson won it 5 out of 7 years. The man was a beast.

[@steelhere5519]

The 90's NBA "big men" will never be duplicated.

[@chrisrobinson8339]

Because of MJ

[@juststop9379]

@@chrisrobinson8339 ?

[@chrisrobinson8339]

@@juststop9379 i don't know what i meant by that. Maybe, i meant everyone wanting to be guard's. Idk

[@juststop9379]

@@chrisrobinson8339 lol

[@skegee97edu]

Favorite player ever. No contest!

[@johnjacob3276]

From 89-94 he won rookie of the year, scoring champ, rebounding champ, blocks champ and MVP! Talk about the most dominant first 5 yrs of any player

[@diambo4life]

I watched him play in his prime. Total beast.

[@Mediamessengers]

A once in a lifetime athlete. Also a lefty, comes in handy getting blocks.

[@davengeance4811]

Mad love for The Admiral!!! I remember after a game David made sure every fan that stuck around got his autograph, incredible human being and player!!

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

I remember playing against his son in basketball when I was a kid. I knew he was going to be there so I brought a card for him to sign.

[@davengeance4811]

@@thecensoredmuscle563 coooool

[@Dantana773]

David Robinson was one of the best centers.. and his playing style would fit right in with this modern NBA. athletic had a post up game and could step out and hit a jump shot. Rebounded and played defense

[@gardenballer6619]

Great video. Robinson was amazing. Freakish reflexes. He would easily be the best big in the game today. He would be easily be the best defender in the entire game. Facts !!

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

He had great post game, great midrange shooter, could shoot the 3 if had to, great defender. Never saw Bill Russell play so i have to say The Admiral best left handed center ever.

[@daveconnor]

As a kid l got my nickname Admiral Dave because I had so much admiration from arguably the greatest role models in sports.The fact that we shared the first name also made it an easy fit.Growing up in 90's we all wanted to be like Mike and Magic as ballers but the Heroism of the Admiral on and off the court really captivated me as a teenager that I kept that Kellogs cornflakes poster for a very long time.I prayed earnestly that God would grant him a championship because he was such a great steward and more so as The dream who to me was his greatest rival had just clinched 2 back 2 back in MJ's absence thus solidifying his supremacy over the admiral.The Admiral's contribution in the first championship proved that with another superstar like Timmy he would have shined much brighter before his twilight. I truly believe the admiral should be ranked next to Akim in history.His 71 points will always be outstanding among all his other record breaking accolades. #My Hero -The admiral.If he played today with his athleticism he most certainly would rank among the best once healthy..He's an all time great.He was Timmy to the spurs before Tim Duncan .

[@aristotle736]

The Admiral was a Renaissance man as well.A master's degree in Math.A talented Sax player and the first NBA baller to use the term " Impunity" to describe his team's performance. And oh yeah; he could play too.

[@momoneylessproblems9183]

Hakeem. Shaq. And Robinson. Those guys would absolutely dominate today's NBA.

[@bobbymartin440]

Great video Jonny! David Robinson is the reason I became a Spurs fan back in 1990 and I've been loyal ever since! I also believe the David, along with Patrick Ewing, is the main reason that the The Dream Team would be victorious over The Redeem Team! David Robinson was an awesome Player and Class Personified as a Human Being!

[@MrReese]

I remember the Spurs with Robinson always being very tough contenders back in the 90s, kinda surprising that they never met the Bulls in a final.

[@mikewongz]

Lack of talents in the roster

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

That's because it was just Robinson and an injured Sean Elliott.

[@andybrummel5555]

Amazing player, He would be the best player in the league in todays game. Load management? David: Hold my beer!

[@andrewmoonbeam321]

David, beer? Hold my milk perhaps.

[@linkonedgell894]

I feel like u could say that about so many 90s players.

[@goodjohnhunting]

Ugh "load management". Guys like Jordan and Bird felt very strongly about playing as hard as they could every game because that game might be the only time someone in the stands would ever see them live. Maybe that was the only NBA game they could ever afford to go to. They were going to give that person their money's worth. There's so much dignity in that.

[@swpdisciple]

Super underrated and of course he’d be the best big. AD is basically a 6’10” version of him.

[@RageManRegg]

No😂

[@dbourne08]

My favourite all time centre, who is totally underrated. His physicality and ability was supreme. If he had that really aggressive attitude whilst playing, and was not always such a gentleman, I believe he would be even greater and would get more recognition

[@FuShengAlex]

Ironically he really seemed to play with a chip on his shoulder vs Shaq. Hes the only guy I've seen him openly show disdain towards. He was really extra motivated to outperform Shaq, compared to the other Centers of that era. I'd say he slightly outplayed Shaq h2h in their few meetings from 92-96 before he got injured.

[@dbourne08]

@@FuShengAlexYes, a shame about the injuries to Robinson. The h2h is close and could have been even better for Robinson if he were fit. I remember Shaq always trying to bully Robinson. Especially after being kept cold in the all star game when he first joined the league. Shaq admitted that he wanted to be better than the all the centres in the league, and he also later admitted to making up a lie about Robinson not wanting to sign an autograph. Shaq was more dominant, but Robinson was the better all rounder, and had the defensive edge for me.

[@wolfyq5947]

I saw Robinson playing in the 90's with Dennis Rodman, there were an incredible pair, like Jordan/Pippen and Stockton/The Mailman. Robinson was on record for stating that he was too much of a gentleman in his game (true) while Rodman brought a madman fire which he lacked (also true). They were an impressive show, the way they demolished the opposing teams.

[@FuShengAlex]

Rodman was a Jack ass and a quitter. He sold out David Robinson in the 95 conference Finals. I was cheering for Houston and happy they won but looking back i feel a bit bad with what Robinson had to deal with towards the end of their time together. People always praise Rodman because of Chicago but he was a whining coward when SA had enough of him.

[@armandodelossantos736]

One of four players in history to record a quadruple double, recorded at least 100 steals and at least 200 blocks every year his first 7 seasons while putting up 25p, 12r each season!! This dude was a freaking beast!!

[@dechefmane3526]

I put Robinson over Ewing, Prime Robinson would put up absolute monster numbers in today's league.

[@JudaMetalMaiden]

His one of those players that could play in any era

[@mightywyrm]

Yes, The Admiral was impressive as hell (and not just on the court). I'd rank him #6 of all time - simply because there were so many awesome big men before the game devolved into a launchfest. So yeah - ahead of Ewing, and probably even Moses Malone, but behind Chamberlain, Jabbar, Olajuwon, Shaq, and probably Russell. He's among fantastic company, there's no shame in being the 6th greatest center in the history of basketball.

[@shamz2039]

@Tod Wilkinson Bro what are you saying? If we are talking about both these guys in their prime then Im sorry but you are high af. Wilt Chamberlain was the most dominant overall athlete this game has ever seen. Wilt could bench 500+ lbs in his prime, Wilt was a high jump champion so idk why you said David could out jump Wilt. Also Wilt and Admiral were of similar registered height at 7'1. Except Wilt had an at least 45' inch recorded vert. You also said Admiral was faster than Wilt but Wilt was a track star who could run 40m dash in 4.6 secs. This is all recorded stats by the way, you can legit look these up. Im not sure if you were talking about Old man Wilt but prime Wilt is easily best center of all time. Edit: I forgot to mention that Wilt isn't even in the convo for best center in league history, he got that. He is more in the convo of top 10 players ever and IMO he ranks only after Jordan, Lebron, Kareem and Bill Russel so IMO 5th best player of all time. Tbh though you could actually switch Wilt and Kareem, they're both interchangeable to me.

[@deciphertwentythree7726]

@@shamz2039 his fundamentals wasnt on point though.

[@shamz2039]

@@deciphertwentythree7726 dont ever disrespect Wilt ever again. Wilts fundamentals were amazing. Prime Wilt is 99 overall, Hof rim protector, Hof consistent finisher, Hof Contact Finisher, Hof Posterizer, Hof Post Moves and so on...man was a walking demi-god. I have no doubt in my mind that Wilt could beat any player 1 on 1 in the history of this game. Dont forget that Michael Jordan himself said he didn't know if he could beat Wilt in his prime. A young Kareem said that 50yr old Wilt was the best basketball player he had ever seen. Bill Russel admits that if Wilt wasnt so focused on doing everything on his team and more focused on winning, he would have way more championships.

[@champjames2869]

My vote at work. Thanks for the video.

[@cyrillesu]

David's skillset is surprisingly similar to Giannis's. Both 7-footers who have great speed, quickness, and mobility and can also shoot from everywhere. Both are also physical freaks who take excellent care of their bodies which is why they were extremely durable.

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

Giannis is under 7 feet, and plays foward both small and power. To compare someone that to a 7'2 Center shows just how athletic Robinson was.

[@pablosolimeo2006]

One of the most underrated players ever

[@TheShaund]

Tha series against dream really is what so many people remember....but the admiral was a beast

[@carenthusiasts4119]

April 24th 1994. David Robinson against the Clippers. 71pts 14 rebounds 5assists and 2 blocks while shooting 63% from the field

[@MrDan4974]

Great video...thank you for showing some for The Admiral! He rarely get the credit he deserves for being one of the greatest centers of all time.

[@golf5555555]

Thanks for another great video! Could you please profile The Dream? He's my all time favourite big and arguably the most agile center of all time (that no one talks about).

[@HaloJ2024]

Love all ur videos!!

[@jonnyarnett]

Thank you Jacob! I appreciate your support of the channel :)

[@KvngForADay]

Watch this channel blow up g I swear every nba channel I subscribed to blew up like rb the breakthrough

[@faoland]

I used to wear double donut socks to play ball in the early '90's.I even convinced my mom to paint the main hallway in the house with Spurs rainbow colours in the early '90's. Robinson, like the Spurs era that he *ahem* spurred, was one of the greatest players in his position, humble as a human, and embodied the characteristics of a system that I believe would, nay SHOULD be a model to governments and corporations. I wish I still had all the posters from my bedroom.

[@tipaps]

Seeing young Pop just made my whole day

[@Pimping9167]

David Robinson played like a forward rather than a center. If he had been considered a center then he would be the one of the 🐐

[@SUNKIST184]

#5. And worthy of our respect and admiration. So much class.

[@idontknowanametopick6333]

if David Robinson played today he would surely be the best center today and also he had an jump shot in the 90's so just imagine him shooting 3's in the NBA now

[@sinatra222]

We will never see players averaging 5 blocks a game in this day in age. The two biggest reasons: 1. Sooo many three point attempts 2. Refs call a lot more fouls now, even on clean blocks

[@joeprice6390]

Absolute unit

[@brandonsimas2661]

He was so damn good. Another great video! There’s something special about when a transcendent big man would come out of college back in the day. Ewing, Hakeem, The Admiral and Shaq. I’d put Mourning and Dikembe just below. But the hype when they would enter the league was awesome.

[@slanderman3296]

He definitely was a baller and a great American.

[@buzzvideoz1822]

Can you make a video about Moses Malone! When they talk about best Centers and PF.. Moses Always got overlooked!

[@josea.garcia3994]

It's hard to say where you would place DAVID ROBINSON considering the other centers you mentioned!!! I never got to see Wilt Chamberlian play basketball because he played in an era before I was even born!!! I was born in 1974 and didn't start watching NBA basketball until the 19986-87 season!!! In the era that DAVID ROBINSON played I would have to say he falls in the top five greatest centers to ever play basketball!!! My list would be ROBINSON,HAKEEM, SHAQ, EWING, and MUTUMBO!!! Other people might disagree in the order that I have listed the players but that's just my list of opinion as to how I would rank them!!! 🤔🤔🤔 Extremely great video and great highlights of the ADMIRAL DAVID ROBIOSON!!! 👌👌👌

[@litesout0_o639]

1974? Geez

[@marcosis78]

Definitely a #6. Absolutely amazing.

[@t4d0W]

I guess he is overlooked because the list of legendary bigs that people already include in their top 5 and Olajuwon rounding that out. But yeah considering what he was asked to do he can do it all. He had range in his offensive game, he was strong and could move for a big and was a legit two-way threat. Hell in his seven healthy seasons he was averaging at least 37 MPG! Olajuwon would be the only other dude within a similar timeline averaging big minutes playing the 5 and putting up monster numbers on both offense and defense. So he'd definitely kill it in this modern NBA with the uncanny ability to log HEAVY minutes deep into games.

[@Chandasouk]

Here comes the Admiral!

[@noahfortune9052]

He is a lock for a Top 10 center of all time

[@scott.moresh7]

I would put David Robinson in the top 5 or 6 of the greatest centers of the 20th century. Before he got injured and/or Tim Duncan and David shared big man duties, David was the #2 Center in the NBA every year from his rookie year on. He could run the court like no center ever including Bill Russell. He was in incredible shape endurance wise. Unreal athlete. He was Russell on Defense but with a better jump shot and post moves. I'd take only Wilt, Kareem, Russell, Hakeem, and MAYBE Moses Malone for 5 centers of the 20th century. Even Shaq said David was a gazelle on the court and Shaq couldn't keep up with him when David was in his prime.

[@shanedrayton7662]

I rank him as the sixth best center in nba history

[@shanedrayton7662]

Tod Wilkinson indeed

[@FuShengAlex]

@Tod Wilkinson Olajuwon and Duncan were better to build around because unlike Robinson, they proved unstoppable at times in the playoffs on offense, even without the greatest casts (94 & 03) and could equally post up or face the basket.

[@nicolaspm1]

I'm a fan of him as a player and as a person.

[@Kingdom_Gamer997]

Top 5 all time he's under rated

[@ambitionfaith147determinat5]

Still is MY FAVORITE PLAYER. Salute the Admiral. Still got his Rookie Card.the the ☝️💯

[@CoachChef]

Clearly an all time top 10 Center and possibly a top 5 Defensive center of all time. Shit from 1980 til now defensively speaking him, Ben Wallace & D.Howard are the best in any order "defensively speaking"

[@alyssamaeolpenda4464]

he came here when I was still in college just walking distance.

[@pantrhothunder8472]

He was my favorite center he's my build on 2k20

[@macnolds4145]

As usual, Arnett hits the nail on the head. Because Olajuwon was better, we forget how good Robinson was. These two legendary centers were very, very, very similar statistically, but Olajuwon... - won his championships as the best player on his team - had the most beautiful and enviable big man offensive arsenal ever - famously torched Robinson with an array of dazzling moves in the playoffs Although I give Wilt and Russell a lot of respect for their dominance in their respective periods, I'd take Robinson over either one of them on my team. I'd go... - Kareem - Olajuwon - Shaq - David Robinson - Chamberlain - Russell - Moses Malone

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

The difference was that Hakeem had a stacked team, David Robinson had..... Robinson. It was Robinson vs Houston never Robinson vs Hakeem.

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

Great enough to score 71 in a game and not load manage to win scoring title and great enough to win MVP in 95 against great players like Shaq, Olajuwon, Penny, Karl Malone

[@rigomartinez8252]

Good point. But Olajuwon just had to put him in his place when they met in the playoffs.

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

@@rigomartinez8252 95 eastern finals Olajuwon dominated Robinson and then in the finals dominated Shaq

[@rigomartinez8252]

@@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO. Yesss

[@markjackson6431]

GIVE MOSES AND BERNARD THEIR LOVE

[@kingalfredakabigsouth9205]

My top 5 center 1.W.Chamberlain, 2.K.Abdul-Jabbar, 3.H.Olajuwon 4.Shaquille O'neal 5.David Robinson all time and yes D Robinson is most definitely top 5

[@teguhrahatprabowo9497]

The era of the Twin Tower is what I miss the most

[@wc4201]

Spot on critique. Yea he’d easily be the top big in the game today.

[@peat381low8]

Robinson over Shaq. Give Robinson Penny Hardaway and he would go to the finals too😂 who was Robinson’s best teammate prior to his back injury? Not many. Oh, and he is like the only Center in the 90’s to block Jordan above the rim nasty. Take that! If Duncan came with Robinson in 95’. They would have won more championships.

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

Sean Elliott, Rodman, an aging Terry Cummings were best teammates before Duncan got there

[@armandodelossantos736]

@@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO. he's also had Rod Strickland, Chuck Person, Vinny del negro, Jr Reid, Antoine Carr, Dale Ellis, he had some good teams

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

@@armandodelossantos736 Dale Ellis was Ray Allen before Ray Allen

[@armandodelossantos736]

@@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO. There were several sharp shooters back then but since so many Superstars played back then they kind of get forgotten. Ricky Pierce was a monster, Mark Aguirre could hoop, Alex English I mean that late 80's early 90's was a competitive era

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

@@armandodelossantos736 Ricky Pierce and Mark Price i remember being over %90 free throw shooter's

[@bluerabbitjeevs]

This is an interesting video. The way you brought up these points makes me consider if he was actually a better player than Tim Duncan. Defensively they're both amazing, but offensively Robinson most likely has the edge. I guess it just comes down to rings tho

[@patrickshepherd9489]

although robinson might have had higher scoring seasons, Duncan was the better scorer having more post moves and more reliable go to shots. Robinson was better defensively though.

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

The thing about both Robinson and Duncan is how unselfish they were. They dominated the league as individual players despite being the least selfish payers in the league. Their stats are dominate, but they aren't as great as they could have been if they weren't unselfish.

[@ja8ames]

@@patrickshepherd9489 Yeah, Duncan was a more natural scorer, though he didn't have to carry the Spurs in quite the same way as Robinson. There's another analytical video on Robinson that makes a good point about him being more of a Bill Russell at heart, capable of big scoring but even better as an all-around team raiser.

[@patton1909]

Robinson is what you call a all time great

[@riadanabtawi5880]

When the Spurs had the chance to pick David Robinson, a reporter asked coach of Spurs then Bob Bass. "What is it about David that's different".? Bob Bass replied: " Show me any player in the NBA who's his size that can run like David ..he runs like a guard. People his size usually are clumsy, He's fast and very agile. ". True look how fast he was for a man his size.

[@scotthayes5619]

David Played in the Nba when the Nba had some of the best players in its history. He managed to take the spurs from a bottom dwelling team to the top and could honestly do anything on the court from score, rebound to defense. Probably one of the top 25 players to ever play basketball. Lastly, He done it with class. You didnt see his name in the paper for drugs or dui. He stayed clean and is the definition of a roll model.

[@theheebs100]

I agree completely with your analysis. not quite a top 5 center of all-time, but juuuuuuuuuust outside of that window. Yes, I think he would be the best big in the league if he played today. He would be a load on the block the likes of which the league would just not be ready for. honestly, prime robinson would be the MVP of the league today. Joel has the potential to have a better career, but he's not there yet, and he might not realize that potential.

[@billybaugus1249]

I miss elite big man and low post play

[@GuavaConQueso]

Judging by Robinson’s first six seasons, it seems he should have accomplished more

[@GuavaConQueso]

Tod Wilkinson his injuries definitely played a part in slowly him down, but I can’t add five more years of those numbers because he got drafted two years into his college career with navy and had to do two more because he it was with the navy, so that part was somewhat of a stretch. But in my initial comment I was going to write he could have been closer to shaq in accomplishments.

[@GuavaConQueso]

Tod Wilkinson this isn’t a transitive property kind of logic here. He came from a set of circumstances that put him in a position to avg those numbers in his rookie season. Who’s not to say if he came into the league at 18 he wouldn’t get knocked around like kwame brown or Andrew Bynum and avg at best 15 & 8.

[@GuavaConQueso]

Tod Wilkinson alright...that was a good counter point...this is just a side tangent, how pivot do you think it was when Hakeem outplayed him?

[@GuavaConQueso]

Tod Wilkinson god damn youre an old head lol no disrespect meant...it’s interesting cuz robinson has never been presented by any media outlet, whether big like espn or independent like youtubers as a big what if in nba history. Im a blazer fan so its nice when ppl in the basketball community talk about brandon roy and what could have been. Robinson seems to have just as much if not greater of a ceiling as roy. Its an interesting angle not touched on.

[@FuShengAlex]

The Spurs had the same problem as Houston (b4 clyde) and New York of that era.....they didnt have that reliable 2nd star for their star C. They had a good collection of role players. Ironically by chance.....shaq was able to get one almost from the get go in Penny. Robinson was carrying a ridiculous load at both ends of the floor. Look how far they plummeted when he missed the 96-97 season.

[@jaysonmahaguay8338]

You've forget to mention he is a two Olympic gold medalist

[@juj6022]

Probably the most athletic 7 footer ever.

[@gardenballer6619]

In terms on all round true athleticism I would have to agree.

[@d63810728]

would u consider Dwight? wilt shaq would destroy him in terms of athleticism, hakeem would breakeven.

[@jemoeder7347]

Why do you only have 16k subscribers

[@jonnyarnett]

I'll take the question as a compliment. haha. Relatively speaking, my channel is pretty new. I only started making videos last year, while many other NBA KZbinrs have been around for 5+ years or so.... So I've got some catching up to do!

[@shawnpysadee6013]

The best defensive Centre of all time. The admiral would be the best big man today and Defensive Player of the Year easily.

[@litesout0_o639]

Center**

[@litesout0_o639]

And bill Russell or wilt is the best defensive center

[@shawnpysadee6013]

@@litesout0_o639 They played in a easier league that was not so competitive. They might have higher statistics, still not discrediting there work.

[@deciphertwentythree7726]

@@shawnpysadee6013 Not easier, the talent and the league was just pretty even. The stars were playing on their own teams not right now. Guys like Paul george and kawhi teaming up, Lakers with davis and Lbj and so on but that doesnt make it a more competitive league some teams right now just have a monopoly on star players. Imagine guys like MJ teamed up with Hakeem for example and A guy like robinson went to the jazz or some shit. It was not an easy league, today is more of an easy league with all the team up bull shit. Imagine if Barkley and hakeem teamed up at their primes sadly barkley was fat and was not as good so was hakeem.

[@deciphertwentythree7726]

@@shawnpysadee6013 Back then stars would win along with their side kick and now you have two top 5 players in the lakers The best PF in the league anthony davis and the best SF in the league LBJ how is that competitive. Lmao. Get real man

[@ELVIS1975T]

I'd like you to do a video on Sabonis who was dunking over a prime D-Rob in international matches before he came to the NBA old and overweight because NBA was prejudiced to non-Americans. Americans remember Sabonis with his past-his-prime days but do they know HOW GOOD WAS ARVIDAS SABONIS REALLY?!

[@ericwright2594]

Chuck Daly's book about coaching the 92 dream team each chapter is about every body on the team David Robinson's chapter he said i don't think the admiral knows how good he is

[@vernlaw]

What’s crazy if you look at his advanced stats in WS/48, PER, VORP and Box+- hes between 2nd and 6th all time…..that’s crazy

[@jabariburton6109]

David Robinson had that reflex and flexibility because he grow almost a foot around his senior year

[@johnstarks65]

The admiral.. ( in my Avery Johnson voice )

[@ricdtbear]

David Robinson was one of the best centers the NBA had ever seen...he was quick and can run with point guards back then..he had that baseline spin move that was unstoppable back then.what happened to David was he played in a error when the NBA was selling a lot of Jordan,Shaq,and Coby wolf tickets... back then if you didn't win the big man got the blame.they spurs had teams back then good enough to win championships but the NBA was not goIng to let nobody out shine they're money cow Michael jordan.and the refs was instructed to make sure of that.. period...then you had the Shaq and Coby tickets being sold...it took Tim Duncan to come into the league and break all that sh..t up.

[@bulgariantimes]

Robinson was the best center in the NBA between 1991-1994...

[@clydetheglidetop5sgtop10du7]

Andrey Enev Hakeem has entered the chat 😜

[@Michigan_dad]

Agree with 100% and he would be the best big in the league right now

[@flytipping8314]

My Favourite player, The Admiral

[@litesout0_o639]

Favorite*

[@ashamael]

Agreed pretty much on the entire thing. The admiral is on that next tier of all-time great centers... you know, along the lines of Moses & Ewing. IE generational-type guys that are just a tiny notch below what we would call the greatest... ...and he'd be the best big in the league by a laughably long mile right now.

[@ennieminee4470]

His character is top 5 all time but it tells you something about how good the bigs were in the 90s for his calibers of player to the 3rd or 4th best big man for that decade. But he did something that only 3 other players have ever done....4* if we count Duncan in the finals.

[@merlball8520]

*Brad Daugherty, Chris Webber, Kevin Duckworth, Rik Smits, Shawn Bradley, Jermaine O'neal, Rony Seikaly, Arvydas Sabonis, Manute Bol, Pervis Ellison, Robert Parish, Christian Laettner, Bill Laimbeer, Bill Cartwright, Herb Williams, Moses Malone, Mark Eaton, Mike Gminsky, James Donaldson, Hot Rod Williams, Benoit Benjamin, Tree Rollins, Vlade Divac, Gheorghe Muresan, Sam Perkins, Theo Ratliff, Marcus Camby, Frank Brickowski...

[@marklempke5470]

I'd say he ranks just below Shaq, Wilt, Russell, Hakeem, and Kareem (though not necessarily in that order). I struggle with whether Moses or Robinson would come next. Moses got 3 MVPs and was the best guy on a championship team, but he got those MVPs in a comparatively weak stretch of talent. If I were doing a draft of all-time NBA greats, though, I'd definitely take the Admiral over Moses if both were available. One thing that gets overlooked is the intangibles-- Robinson was an incredible teammate and a terrific human being.

[@patrickshepherd9489]

great points!

[@alp21188]

3:18 I personally would put Hakeem over Robinson but only slightly. I still can’t believe nobody reiterates the Most important aspect of that 95 series between spurs and rockets. Being that the spurs foolishly had Robinson defend Hakeem one on one with absolutely no double teams not even light double teams at all. The rockets however doubled an even tripled teamed Robinson on the regular. The greatest defenders can never defend the greatest scorers without some help.

[@FuShengAlex]

The 1994 playoffs showed the difference between Hakeem and Robinson. They both had roughly the same calibre of rosters vs Utah. Robinson faded vs them. Hakeem dominated Utah. Robinson unfortunately never developed a back to basket game/go to move offensively. If he did, he'd have jumped to top 5 ever C status. Once teams like Utah in the playoffs slowed the pace and took away his drive to the basket, he was ineffective on offense if his lower % jumper wasnt falling.

[@patrickshepherd9489]

great point

[@patrickshepherd9489]

@@FuShengAlex Not sure why karl malone is considered higher on the all-time list compared to David Robinson, because Drob often killed Karl Malone and passed the eye test when he didn't statistically beat him. I guess it's because he played longer, scored more points and led his team to the finals twice. I'd take the Admiral over Malone any day though. The admiral was the superior defender by far and that was with Malone making an all-defensive team or two.

[@FuShengAlex]

@@patrickshepherd9489 I think Malone had the greater career and was the more impactful player, but if taking a team from scratch on that has no talent I'd take Robinson. Malone simply had more impressive individual playoff series in his career than Robinson. Robinson could get pushed around by guys and fade, but interestingly enough he tended to play with a chip on his shoulder with something to prove vs Shaq. He didn't play enough like that in the playoffs. Malone was extremely difficult and almost impossible to post up and back down 1 on 1 for offensive players. Robinson was a much more impactful team defender. Malone was great at everything defensively except shotblocking Malones run to the 98 Finals was very impressive. He outperformed a injury ridden Rockets team in the 1st round. But also outperformed a younger Duncan and Shaq in successive series despite being at a age where HOF contemporaries of the same age like Barkley, Hakeem and Ewing had fallen off big time.

[@6lack63an]

He would still be dominant in today’s game. He would become a competent 3 point shooter, athletic enough to guard other bigs on the perimeter and switch on smaller players. All time great in his prime and all time teammate throughout his career. I would take he and Hakeem over anyone at center. They were the most versatile centers I ever witnessed.

[@clydetheglidetop5sgtop10du7]

6lack63an are any centers today as athletic as those two players?!

[@waynemartin5784]

Look up Robinson vs Hakeem head to head he actually dominated his as far as regular season wins over his career Hakeem won the match up in the playoffs but he did not dominate him the way ppl think he did

[@yanncarduner4516]

Great

[@chrisanteola9896]

He would be the best center if he played today. He can shoot the midrange and spread the defense away from the basket, run the floor like a small forward, and run the pick and roll. He wouldn’t have as much back to the basket post moves but I don’t think that was his strength. He preferred squaring up to the basket on offense. Modern day centers should look at his game vs the more back to the basket centers.

[@takahanSG]

in today day, he will be seen as LBJ nemesis. he is basically as skilful, strong and fast as the king with better defensive skill.

[@marqueswatts7489]

The only three that you mention of the 5 towrds the end that topped him was Kareem, Russell, and Hakeem.

[@morgan_made]

Can you do Alonzo Mourning next, please?

[@starwarsnewsandmemes8289]

I think people will unanimously put him in their top 10 centres of all-time list.

[@MrLeer294]

He definitely would be the best big in the game today I think by far, Joker, and Embid would give some comp, but he would beat them out for sure, in his prime.