The forgotten mega star of the 1990s | Greatest Peaks Ep. 7

Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Find classic games at: usasportsondvd.com -- They have thousands of old NBA games, many of which were purchased for this series and were used to create this video.
Was David Robinson really a playoff choker? Someone who couldn't lead a team to a championship? Or is that narrative warped by the outcome of the 1995 Western Conference Finals? Like Bill Russell, is there way more to Robinson's impact than his scoring? And did unlocking that 2-way impact make him one of the most valuable players ever?
This is the 7th episode in a series on the greatest peaks in NBA history (focusing on 1977-2020), featuring detailed scouting reports and film breakdown on the best players in NBA history at their best, along with analysis of their impact using historical data & stats to size up the highest peaking players ever.
There's also a Thinking Basketball Great Debates episode on Robinson here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
-----
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
For more, see the Thinking Basketball stats series: • NBA Stats 101 Series
-----
Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Series music:
csus (instrumental)
Hair (fairlight)
Our Imperfect Place by Strength to Last
Lost by Alter Ego
Restless Knight by Greg Collins
Empire Season by Dan Henig
Confronting the Void by Cody Martin
Bloom by Bryant Lowry
Nemesis
#ThinkingBasketball #GreatestPeaks #NBAGoat

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Many of you have asked about old games. For this video I used a lot from usasportsondvd.com -- they have a ton of old games that are really high quality from the '80s through the '10s, including a GIANT Jordan collection.

[@clevisbernier8973]

Definitely one of the most unique and dominant athletes the NBA has ever seen.

[@sorencallahan593]

are you gonna do hakem?

[@TheMissinLink]

@@sorencallahan593 watch till the end.

[@0401412740]

God damn. This was high quality content. Keep at it my guy 1mil subbies soon.

[@willhooke]

On your backpicks, you've got Russel at 4 and DRob at 15 What was it that Russell did so much better than DRob?

[@davispo7550]

Just imagine a team with Duncan, Robinson, and Duncan Robinson

[@ASMRblack]

Godly

[@tipdub]

Lol!

[@KleyDeJong]

I'm crying!

[@jaydillard7258]

W

[@armin38822]

while Nate Duncan is doing a podcast about them

[@yd856]

David Robinson was really a ceiling raiser that was stuck as a floor raiser for most of his career. When he got another great player in Tim Duncan he won a title.

[@swpdisciple]

That wasn’t the same David Robinson by the time the Spurs won in 1999

[@rayallensjumper]

@@swpdisciple facts wasn’t the same after his back injury

[@hardwoodgems]

@@swpdisciple I would say there was enough left in Robinson that both these statements are true.

[@TheMissinLink]

@@swpdisciple I think that’s an even scarier thought though. He never got to play his true role at his best as a player and was still one of the most impactful players ever.

[@swpdisciple]

@@TheMissinLink yes his win shares/48 and VORP attest to this

[@matthewl8647]

The duncan/robinson pairing was so good, they named a player after it.

[@pancon5]

We need a "Jordan Pippen" entering the league ASAP!

[@eboy4216]

@@pancon5 fr

[@domination4892]

And Dwayne James, Kevin Curry and Shaquille Bryant

[@eboy4216]

@@domination4892 ong

[@eboy4216]

@@JawaPenguin16 we also need a Brian Caruso

[@colebanville3372]

11:10 “a FLEET of defenders” i see what you did there

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

Damn! It took me three years to notice that... Nice play on words.

[@JamesJackson-oo7sj]

"Nasa should've done lab testing on how quickly Robinson launched off the floor" 1:48

[@brianscalabrine2225]

He's talking about Nate Robinson right?

[@coreyshafarman8918]

I love how this series makes me reimagine how I see some of these players, many of whom I was too young to really appreciate. It’s also fun to imagine how they’d play in today’s game

[@ThinkingBasketball]

So cool to hear stuff like that.

[@bantazmo1978]

Thinking the same exact thing!!

[@pedromdcc13]

Sometimes I would like to know how every all time great would look if they were just on the perfect situation at their peak. Not just on great teams but in the perfect systems for their skillset. Specially guys like Robinson, Bird and KG whose skillset are more off ball and team centric, the little things rather than the flashy. We forget how lucky some of the guys we idolize were, like magic, MJ, Russell, Duncan and Bird that were playing in good teams that complimented their skillset so nicelly.

[@bobthabuilda1525]

I agree 100% I actually think guys like Bird were never on a team that fit them. Bird was the best passer on a team with traditional point guards, a killer post up player on a team with two other traditional bigs, and a great 3 point shooter in an era that took virtually no 3s. Bird, along with several other smooth shooting players like Pete Maravich, would have been far more dominant today.

[@thegeno424]

@@bobthabuilda1525 idk, I thought those Celtic teams complemented Bird’s game pretty well for the time. A decent amount of good defenders and solid bigs around Bird’s waning defense. His bigs were good finishers off of his set ups and his guards were accustomed to cutting. I’m interested to hear what you think would have been a better fit for Bird’s game in the 80s?

[@pedromdcc13]

It's funny how boston was a perfect fit and a awkward fit at the same time. I think the really weird fit there was McHale, a guy like R. Horry (didn't play in the 80s though) and a better passer to exploit not only his off-ball but the openings he created would be a better fit

[@thegeno424]

@@pedromdcc13 I like your thinking. A spread 4 or 5 could’ve been magical with Larry. Horry would’ve been a great fit on offense although someone a lil better on defense could really make it work.

[@pedromdcc13]

@@thegeno424 Horry was a good defender and, according to Ben, a good extra passer. So you don't lose McHale defense and get more space for Larry's cutting and passing.

[@airjones45]

I know you worked hard so I let the ad play.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

I now find myself doing this for other creators.

[@doxazo5512]

@@ThinkingBasketball, wait, that matters?

[@doxazo5512]

@dhsilv2 that’s what Patreon is for I suppose

[@gitgud9704]

How long are you supposed to watch for it to matter. How does this work?

[@TRIBEY92]

@@gitgud9704 I’m pretty sure you tubers get paid “CPM” or “cost per minute” so the longer ads actually run for = more money earned on a vid. You basically earn more for an unskipped ad than you would for a skipped one. If nobody skipped ads you tubers would make way more money. At least I’m pretty sure that’s how it works since my channel isn’t monetised yet!

[@StupakSH]

So he had a similar career to Kevin Garnett. Great, great defender that could change the entire team's defense with his presence, nice passer, good off-ball player, MVP, DPOY, team oriented player that didn't have championship success until something changed (KG to Boston, Duncan to Spurs).

[@865style]

Robinson had a better peak than Garnett.

[@sleepy40]

Robinson would be an ultra beast in todays game, most people known him for his defense but forgot that he scored 70points in a game and got a quadruple double if I am not wrong. Let's not forget he played in the 90's where so called 'tough to score inside era'

[@mutandaeffiong2685]

The 70 point game was because his teammates were feeding him to pass Shaq as the scoring leader. Watch SB nation's beef history on him and Shaq.

[@mutandaeffiong2685]

But yeah he could dominate as much as Giannis

[@clomputech]

But even you receiving the ball that much doesn't guarantee that you're going to score 70. You need to have a great game either way. We have seen how some now days players attempting more shots than Robinson did have not score even 50.

[@sleepy40]

@@clomputech Yeah true, getting more field goal attempts doesn't mean you would score more.

[@logicaldude3611]

The guy was putting up 23-30ppg and 11-13rebs and 3-4blocks a game in his prime. He was super athletic and had a nice little mid-range jumper. He'd be just fine in this day and age.

[@insrt1917]

‘Fleet of defenders’ damn I love that

[@NapoleonSoares]

he also made a "BOATLOAD" joke. He's very punny.

[@H41030v3rki110ny0u]

He was one of my favorite players in my toddler years... I thought his hair was awesome.. cause it was.

[@ethangilworth7891]

No doubt top 5 fades in NBA history

[@Rickyewu]

Bitch said I want some damn curly fries

[@osakafoojin]

FOR FREE

[@Rickyewu]

@@osakafoojin UNFORGIVABLE

[@Orginal_Sinner]

You and bovice?

[@jamesmcnaughton9939]

He definitely reminds me of AD. Defensive masterpiece who is at his best with another big time playmaker/scorer. Edit for the 6 people who’ve told me AD reminds me of him, AD reminds me of him.

[@SuperMisteryMan01]

Oh just wait till hopefully the Tim Duncan video comes out because Timmy was all that and more on offense. His defense is arguably better than his offense which is saying a lot. People forget old man Timmy from like 2014-2016 was still cooking everybody guarding him.

[@voltaire6062]

AD is a little better on offense, and Robinson a little better on D imo. But yeah, definitely similar

[@allanhouston6759]

@@voltaire6062 *6"10 Anthony Davis is more skillful. But 7"1 David Robinson is bigger,physically stronger and more athletic than Anthony Davis.*

[@aritshanital500]

You mean AD reminds you of the Admiral

[@shadenym5094]

@@allanhouston6759 depends on what you mean by athletic. AD is quick enough laterally that he can cover smaller players on the perimeter and Ben showed that Robinson struggled with that.

[@jalenbrunsonfan]

Here's one of the most underrated what ifs of all time: what if David Robinson didn't get injured in the 1997-98 season. The spurs wouldn't have been able to draft Tim Duncan as they wouldn't have the draft pick to be able to do so. Duncan would've gone to another team and that would've changed NBA history big time. Also, Robinson potentially wouldn't have had such a sudden decline if he didn't have that injury.

[@albret43]

I've got an interesting what if. What if Wesley Person's attempted buzzer beater in Game 5, that would have had the Suns eliminating the Rox in 95, doesnt rim out but actually goes in? As opposed to facing Hakeem in the 95 WCF, Robinson would have been matched up with Joe Kleine, Oliver Miller and freaking Danny Shayes of the Suns. GOODNESS.

[@MauricioBarragan]

That’s a good take. But fate called and told the Spurs: I’m taking Robinson with me and giving y’all Tim Duncan. An eye for an eye.

[@57wookie]

I fully buy into the conspiracy that pop sat Robinson longer than his recovery time so he could tank, I think they get Duncan no matter what

[@dynaboyjl.4220]

What in the world is the “most underrated what-ifs of all time” lol, why do sports fans have to turn everything into a list

[@onlyfacts3178]

yes but the SPURS were tanking...

[@nkrumansantos1794]

The Admiral was the reason I became a fan of the NBA in 1992’s All-Star game. I’ve been a Spurs fan since. He had to carry the team every year. He didn’t have enough help before Duncan. Elliott and Avery were decent but not elite talent. People forget that he did average more than 4 assists and more than 1,5 steals, without mentioning blocks and rebounds. He was easy to defend because he played almost by himself in the playoffs. Thank you for this analysis.

[@Ometecuhtli]

I believe we got robbed from witnessing the best 1-2 combo in league history by not being able to see a pairing of prime Duncan + Robinson.

[@logicaldude3611]

Robinson's prime was like Lebron's first stint in Cleveland. It was him and a bunch of other randoms. When he played, they had title aspirations. When he was hurt, they got the #1 overall pick. That's about as impactful as one player can possibly be on the floor.

[@KleinpeterHank]

Stephen A: “I gotta admit, I did not see this coming!”

[@t-god2439]

The COWBOYS missing the playoffs 😂

[@pinkt1t5]

@@t-god2439 how 'bout dem sorry Cowboys!

[@joshmartin7725]

8:12 goddamn that’s smooth.

[@hardwoodgems]

That's for the next episode!

[@doxazo5512]

The supercut of this should be sold to streaming services

[@gregoryrowlerson8457]

Brilliant video. Never knew that Malone defended Robinson, let along had success. And your statistics on Robinson's importance to the 98-00 Spurs (post back surgery) is mind blowing.

[@willhooke]

I knew that Malone was a very good Defender, but not to the level of clamping a top 6 all time Centre 🤯 Perfect rock scissors match up 😳

[@gregoryrowlerson8457]

@@willhooke Almost like Rodman guarding Shaq.

[@christiansoldier77]

Gregory Rowlerson So you didnt think that two big men in the same division for 14 years would ever guard each other??? LOL

[@Ometecuhtli]

Malone was a good defender and when he didn't have to carry his team he even could guard a prime Duncan (who only had Ginobili and a young Parker as 2nd and 3rd options).

[@cncaliguy09]

PLEASE!! PLEASE do a breakdown analysis of Moses Malone. I only got to see him past his prime but I think he is underappreciated despite his three MVPs. I want to see where he would rank in the GOAts. I believe his is around top 10-20 ranking.

[@liambailey1239]

He did an article on him on the website. Basic summary is he's a little overrated because he was one of the worst passers in league history and wasn't a great defender. He was a really good scorer though and obviously an all time rebounder but rebounding in general is overrated. #26 all time.

[@kolleo13]

The admiral David Robinson. My favorite player and the most under rated player of all.times. he literally did it all. Score and defend at the highest levels and a.multople championship winner . Led the league in blocks rebounds and.scoring over an amazing career.

[@The-Dom]

MJ and Bird were extra special because of their fierce competitiveness, David was extra special because of his humility and respect. Zero ego, this man was the Bill Russell of his era the way he supported his teammates.

[@lakers4life71]

Say it with me We Want Hakeem We Want Hakeem

[@pedromdcc13]

We want hakeem

[@alecboegman2627]

We want Hakeem!

[@elibrooks6348]

We want Hakeem

[@yvans.]

We want Hakeem

[@acpliego]

We want the dream

[@hardwoodgems]

David was an awesome talent. There was a time he was the most feared big.

[@carusohighlightreel4275]

One of the most underrated players of all time, no exaggeration.

[@dusk6159]

And then came Playoffs time (and even before Hakeem's cooking came into David's picture).

[@ThinkingBasketball]

He was also Mr. Marketable in the first half of the '90s. I've been eating pizza backwards ever since.

[@carusohighlightreel4275]

@The Ultimate yeah for sure. Mikan is a special case, but yeah Elgin, Oscar, and Gus are definitely underrated imo.

[@carusohighlightreel4275]

@The Ultimate I’m just saying it’s difficult to accurately assess and evaluate George Mikan because of the era, but in general I would agree that he’s underrated simply because he’s not as well known. If we’re talking every season, relative to their competition and era, ‘51 George Mikan is probably the most or second most dominant individual season ever.

[@logicaldude3611]

So here's how good he was... The Spurs were a perennial playoff team with title aspirations year in and year out. When Robinson got hurt and missed almost the entire season, the Spurs won 20 games and got the #1 pick in the draft. So yeah, the guy was pretty damn good. He had the kind of impact Lebron had on the weak Cavs team during his first stint. With him, you're like, "I think we can make the Finals this year." Without him, you're like, "Wow, this team sucks. We might get the #1 pick."

[@madspunky]

Left-handed hook by an athletic 7'1''. I would love to know what % he hit that move.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

He didn't use it that much!

[@androslav2000]

He was a lefty.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

He IS left handed, you know....

[@Ometecuhtli]

It is easier to defend when your dominant hand is opposite to the other player's and since most people are right handed David was at a disadvantage in offense, but it made things a bit easier on defense.

[@david.tousignant20]

David Robinson was always underrated... He had the total package early in his career with the San Antonio Spurs. Nowadays, I rarely hear his name when people are talking about NBA greats and dominant centers. His 71 points game was insane! On the fastbreaks, I've only seen Wilt Chamberlain being able to outrun guards routinely like Robinson did!

[@joostwillem8596]

He was great, but I would prefer Hakeem Olajuwon as i think he is a better defender and still knows his way around the rim when attacking

[@glennrobinson.377]

Wilt Chamberlain played in a weak era.

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

Not to mention Robinson being the last nba player to get a quadruple double.

[@LoydKline-uw4no]

​@glennrobinson.377 Willis Reed, Walt Bellamy, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul jabber etc etc

[@david.tousignant20]

@@glennrobinson.377 About triple or quadruple teams in the NBA. It never happened on that level; in the collegiate games, it happened though. The rules prohibited such defensive schemes being used. Also, I've never seen someone being double teamed in the NBA prior to the NBA-ABA merger : Chamberlain being the only exception. Al Attles words, he was an ex-teammates for years and a close friend of Wilt Chamberlain : "Today's coaches would make it almost impossible [to score 100 points in a game]. The organized double-teams you see today didn't happen back then. The only team going back to when I was playing that would kind of have double teams would be Boston. For instance, they'd put [Jim] Loscutoff in back of Wilt and [Bill] Russell in front. But it wasn't organized."

[@wc4201]

Yep as a Spurs fan it always made me crazy that they never went out and got another good scoring forward or guard to help Robinson. In addition he had avery Johnson who was a below average PG. It would have been interesting to see how he would have done with a prime Ginobili as a wingman. He was a beast against just about every team but the Rockets and Jazz.

[@kevinmalloy1978]

Sean Elliot has entered the chat room....

[@markocurcic6314]

@@kevinmalloy1978 Was Sean Elliott even an all star at any point? I can't remember. The truth is the only real help he ever got before TD was Rodman who played defense but it was 4v5 on offense.

[@kevinmalloy1978]

@@markocurcic6314 Sean Elliott averaged above 15 ppg while playing with Robinson, including 18 ppg 94-95 and 20 ppg in 95-96. He was a two time All Star (93, 96) and had his number retired by the Spurs. He was definitely a great #2 option.

[@Ometecuhtli]

His best teammate before Duncan was PF Terry Cummings but they took turns getting hurt during the playoffs, I think they only played one healthy postseason together. The Spurs guards were average and quite slow, that's why you see so many times Robinson leading the fastbreak. Robinson, Cummings and Elliot would've been a great combo, Sean wasn't that great as a 2nd option but would've been terrific as part of that "Big 3".

[@ianwilson4483]

@@kevinmalloy1978 That’s the problem. They needed a number one option so David Robinson could be his natural number two self.

[@derekgreen7319]

One of my favorite old players to watch . My grandpa used to talk about The big Admiral and his jump shot. Even claimed he was better than shaq. He is definitely underrated and I'm so happy you did a vid on him

[@cannebergeframboise]

I appreciate how Elgee doesn't hold back on Robinson's weaknesses at all while trying to make a strong case for Robinson. He's clearly a fan of the archetype that David Robinson falls under (along with KG, Giannis etc.): good but not great scorers whose overall game, he argues, brings just as much or more impact than great scorers can.

[@casualfandestroyer2503]

Cannebergeframboise bill Russell?

[@p9r4ex8dyk]

His body was so chiseled. David Robinson's body looks like a Greek Adonis.

[@milto2269]

Great as always, although I felt it needed a bit more defensive footage to emphasize how good he is on that end. Off topic, the Dream is next 21:00 and I am very excited about his episode

[@lorrancelewis7120]

Great video I like how you were able to show the defensive impact of a player like David Robinson or even Bill Russell and how important it is. A lot of people when we look at teams and we compare always look at how good the team are offensively and a lot of times we neglect how good a team is defensively. Those Spurs teams were so good defensively that it boggles the mind.

[@eliasdejene2779]

AYYYY this is great Ben. Thanks for your detailed analysis highlighting David Robinson’s strengths and weaknesses. I use this to get better at basketball, to learn from the games of the all time players and apply it to my own game. These videos have been a godsend, and I really appreciate them.

[@adb9125]

This is the most interesting video so far in this amazing series! Great job!

[@jamesbarbour4341]

This series is by far the best on KZbin. I hope you keep on making series that are similar to this. Good luck!

[@TBRiddles]

Thanks for the upload! Love The Admiral

[@krantinebhwani6125]

What a phenomenal analysis. You sir, continue to outdo every wonderful video you’ve released.

[@DmoneyTwenty]

I love everything this channel is about. Thank you for the high quality vids!

[@fuckoffstupidyoutub1]

Is it crazy for me to think David's ideal role is what Anthony Davis is with the Lakers today?

[@abidurrahmannajib4092]

i think that would be perfect. imagine him with lebron

[@theprfesssor]

AD is more skilled on the offensive end but yes Robinson would do really well playing with Lebron, then again playing with a master facilitator and solid scorer like Lebron helps a lot most of the time

[@57wookie]

I think Anthony Davis does more off the dribble than I think would be ideal for Robinson, but I agree with the spirit of this idea

[@jermaineonealnumber7]

@@theprfesssor Scuse me, has AD ever won a scoring title? Don't get me wrong, I like AD's game, but more skilled offensively? Please explain.

[@0608jeff]

@@jermaineonealnumber7 the main reason is that David Robinson never had another consistent scorer on his team until Tim Duncan was drafted. He had to carry the entire offense every season. AD was on a weak Pelicans team but at least had another consistent scorer in Jrue Holiday, and even had DeMarcus Cousins and Nikola Mirotic in the year they shut down Dame and swept the Blazers. Bottom line is that AD did not have to carry the entire scoring load like DRob did

[@gyeongchankim5423]

Sad that the most vivid memory about this all-time-great is when he was outplayed by Hakeem. His regular season impact was indeed legendary.

[@changkwangoh]

Key phrase: regular season. 🤣

[@yd856]

@@changkwangoh he was able to make a huge impact in the PS as a ceiling raiser, not his fault that shit offensive situations limited his playoff play for most of his career.

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

His post season impact was great also. Problem is that Hakeem had 2 playoff legends that don't do much in regular season but are clutch in post season, big shot Robert Horry and Sam Cassel. Plus having Kenny the jet and hall of famer Clyde Drexler. Robinson had..... Sean Elliott.

[@MrDotaleavers]

that was a coaching blunder... rockets doubled and tripple teamed robinson while hakeem can easily go 1on1 most of the time... as mentioned in this video. If the tables had turned, robinson in houston uniform and hakeem on spurs, it would have been so different.

[@faoland]

Incredibly insightful, data driven, analysis on my favourite player of all time. This sheds a whole new light on my appreciation for his play and his value to the 'big man era' of the NBA. Thank you for this video. Subscribed!

[@TheShachattack13]

He’s the most underrated center in history

[@buffalo5862]

So glad Timmy and David won it all together

[@dusk6159]

Thank you Tim Duncan for dominating your West and East competition in those years, always being great and showing up when it matters the most.

[@willhooke]

Special duo 💯

[@calh1076]

Best video so far! Great material per usual. Hyped for the Olajuwon video.

[@clomputech]

Excellent analysis. David Robinson is my favorite player ever. The reason to be a basketball fan and player.

[@yd856]

That combination of speed, size, and strength, should be illegal.

[@maxk6780]

Giannis entered the chat

[@pedromdcc13]

AD, Shaq and Lebron also entered the chat

[@ASMRblack]

Giannis is the most similar to D Rob but I think he’s faster and has better footwork, but is smaller and not as strong

[@allanhouston6759]

@@maxk6780 7"1 David Robinson >>>>>>> 6"11 Giannis.

[@edp-gb6yz]

lebron and wilt would be serving life

[@coldkillah4340]

Reminds me a lot of Anthony Davis' skill set. Lob threat, excellent paint protector, best hybrid/off-ball role, decent mid range shot, deadly around the rim. Perhaps not as strong and athletic. I think that little hop he does probably hurt him against Olajuwon as he was very punishing against defenders that leave their feet.

[@nostalgicbliss5547]

Who is not as strong or athletic? Robinson was def stronger than Davis, prob not as agile, but def stronger and faster than Davis.

[@coldkillah4340]

@@nostalgicbliss5547 that's what i said.

[@azzizzsallahh]

how he remind you of AD😭and he played way before AD

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

Robinson beat hakeem double the amount of times hakeem beat Robinson. Despite Robinson being a 1 man show vs Hakeem solid cast. Idk why people let 1 playoff series where Houston's Robert Horry became big shot Rob define Robinson vs Hakeems history vs each other. Also Robinson is way better than Davis.

[@matheusbarreto7281]

After rewatching the series twice I think this has become my favorite video ever!!! So interesting

[@joshcbaskin]

This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever watched please keep going

[@stevenk8728]

He's always been a supercharged Chris Bosh for me, would fit in great in modern NBA too

[@pedromdcc13]

For me he is an AD with better isolation skills

[@stevenk8728]

@@pedromdcc13 dang AD is pretty good too tho haha

[@milto2269]

@@pedromdcc13 I would say AD is better in isolation but Robinson was significantly more valuable on defense mainly because of the era that allowed bigs to have monster defensive impact

[@horacealexander4146]

I feel like the video's example of Giannis with a midrange jumper is a good comparison.

[@TheMissinLink]

@@milto2269 DRobs iso numbers are better he’s certainly a better off ball player though.

[@ultrainstinctshaggy177]

Underrated AF

[@depressedrocketsfan2880]

@SWISHIN' Da Life he clearly doesn’t care

[@depressedrocketsfan2880]

@@mkbzam yes

[@6DoctorJ]

This is a great analysis of one of the greatest players ever. Thanks for the upload.

[@donaldpriola1807]

Thanks for honestly giving Robinson his due. He's one of the most underrated players of all time. His end-to-end speed was something; I saw him chase down point guards on breaks, something not thought possible in those days.

[@justinnardine8564]

He came into the league and I remember him being really popular right away

[@vandalsavage21]

As a Spurs fan who got to see him live this did him a lot of justice. Robinson was amazing but did suffer from not having another scorer next to him. Imagine if him and Duncan’s positions were switched?

[@dusk6159]

Tim Duncan literally carried bad Spurs teams to a title and built all those teams and the franchise of the Spurs. What can't be switched is him shrinking, TD never shrunk in the playoffs and let alone getting obliterated in his MVP year (many years, in his case), or he wouldn't have been able to give Robinson his two rings.

[@ja8ames]

@@dusk6159 All credit to Duncan, but I'd say that Robinson deserves just as much notice for building the Spurs franchise.

[@seanbell69]

This is a fantastic series. Grade A, keep this up and you're going places

[@bmdecker93]

Fantastic series. Fantastic channel. It may be the very best sports channel on KZbin.

[@jhmoxl]

so let me summarize what I got from the video. Robinson is all-time great floor raiser because he was a great defensive anchor and he obliterated bad defenses meaning he was an auto playoff birth. He was also an elite ceiling raiser because he had great off-ball skills and again was a great defensive anchor. His limited amounts of counters and grace scoring meant he could not be the primary weapon for an effective offense against elite defenses. He was damned most of his career by that despite the totality of his career showing he was an amazing player both at getting weak teams in the playoffs and at helping a good team get over the hump (basically making him a true franchise player).

[@theonlyalecazam2947]

Great analysis

[@depressedrocketsfan2880]

David Robinson is one of the most underrated players ever Edit: we need a video about the GOAT Hakeem the dream Olajuwon

[@sld1776]

Next one, probably.

[@hardwoodgems]

That's the next episode!

[@alecsanderhamilton9224]

Robinson and Duncan r an underrated duo, combo... and Robinson's 2 rings are huge for his resume and he had a good to great run with Duncan from 98-03

[@user-kp7ls7ml1h]

I love the painting for all the cover page so good!

[@tuxedoebonyx]

Bro The Admiral is heavily respected for his talent he’s one of the 50 greatest players. I want to say if these videos keep being this detailed you’ll end up being one one the 🐐s

[@chrisgrudge6964]

Admiral was definitely a guy who would have benefited a lot more if he played in a PnR era and an era where stretch bigs were appreciated - ditto with Kevin Garnett.

[@t4d0W]

@dhsilv2 There is truth to that. But because of his length and solid instincts, he can turn a blow-by from a fast wing, recover and come behind to bother the shot. Similar deal with Embiid where his lateral quickness isn't really great but if a wing gets past him, he can still use his length and hands to recover and bother the shot at the hoop or outright stop it. The problem in the modern era with bigs and not having great lateral quickness is if their interior defense absolutely sucks balls. Sadly there are many young bigs who are just inconsistent with their game and worse yet they don't add much value to their team because they can't defend the paint.

[@theprfesssor]

I like this series , the graphs and breakdowns are good I was just going to write that I am ready to see the dream..........then your teaser gave me all I needed I'll be here for that

[@biggsweaty]

Well done, thank you for the content

[@Chandasouk]

Here comes The Admiral!

[@jeevitheshram31]

6:14 I never thought that someone could call Karl Malone a smaller defender.

[@dash_r_media]

He should have used the word "shorter".

[@smokymcpot5917]

I've got david robinson in my top 12. His offense was amazing. Had a 70pt game.

[@hardwoodthought1213]

Regular season sure, post season his scoring was shaky at best. Wasn’t capable of being the clear cut scorer on teams that went far, hence why a rookie took over that aspect of the game for SA and led them to a title by year 2

[@TheSub-SaharanAmericanLegend]

@@hardwoodthought1213 it was Duncan's 2nd year while Robinson was starting to decline after his injury. When you're only the superstar in a team is tough to get out. He didn't have Malone & Stockton, Hakeem & Drexler, Kenny, Cassell.. Shaq & Penny, MJ & Pippen. Robinson was literally LeBron in Cleveland without another great player.

[@HighStakesBBall]

Right out the gate you break down the science of his legendary athleticism, that would otherwise be unnoticeable; as a device which immediately captures attention and, begins the case of validation for his unheralded greatness. Bra-freaking-vo broski. For your style, and your ability to highlight David.

[@andrewwitkowski1900]

I'm smelling a Hakeem Video next week.

[@Infinityflow0]

He is super underrated among the great centers. It really is a shame he wasn't given another star he could share the load with like russell had. His real dominance would have shone through.

[@t4d0W]

After having watched the video, I don't think he was underrated. If anything he was more misunderstood because people saw him as a viable high level first option guy who can score efficiently and defend. But there are limitations to his offensive game and certain matchups he was going to fold against. And after his injury, I think people were quick to point that he wasn't the same anymore but having Timmy D on the team compensated for that. When his ideal role for playing winning basketball finally came through as a 2nd option and the absolute anchor on defense. Besides his prowess for near consistent shot blocking, his quickness also amounted to being able to cut off passes and get steals himself. Olajuwon defensively was one of the other big men who had crazy steal numbers.

[@ja8ames]

@@t4d0W He wasn't underrated at the time, but possibly might be nowadays. So much attention goes to Duncan for leading the Spurs, or Olajuwon for beating the Spurs, that the tremendous impact that Robinson had is easy to overlook in retrospect, without analyses like this.

[@Michigan_dad]

Love this type of information!

[@momoca-kun]

A lot of players in the Western conference were underrated because competition was so tough to dominate, there's San Antonio, Houston, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Los Angeles and at the end of it, they still have to face Chicago. Regardless of the NBA expansion, the 8th seed of each conference was heavily loaded with quality players that were good enough to be all-stars

[@mick-wz6yu]

I’m hoping you do the peaks of Garnett and Harden! Two of my favorites!

[@AlexBrown-xp7mt]

KG will definitely get one, harden probably not

[@linkonedgell894]

Woulda been perfect for the triangle offense. Basically has the perfect skillset.

[@TheSub-SaharanAmericanLegend]

David The Admiral was definitely elite of MJ peers in the 90's. He definitely was that great valuable player ever. A triple threat big man indeed.

[@bigjax731]

Great video!

[@enaidealukal4105]

He was such a fun player to watch, and I'm not even a Spurs fan

[@WildDanHibiki]

Can't wait for a Tim Duncan episode

[@wheatfromthetares3597]

Awesome vid. Born in 94 so by the time i saw Robinson he was on his last legs. In the mid range he reminds me of a more athletic Aldridge but the comparisons I’m seeing to AD might be more applicable. Once again awesome vid @Thinking Basketball.

[@maxdobasquete5102]

Dude you've earned It! Normally I don't subscribe/like vídeos ! But you nailed it!!👏👏💪🏀

[@dionysise5008]

He was phenomenal. Arguably same level as Hakeem.

[@allanhouston6759]

Hakeem Olajuwon 8 times lost in the first round and missed the playoffs in his prime and missed the playoffs. Shaq is better than Hakeem.

[@ja8ames]

@@allanhouston6759 Not to take anything away from Shaq, but he was privileged to play with some superstar teammates, something that the other centers often didn't have.

[@gulledfarah3898]

I really hope Wiseman develops like Robinson.

[@kentoncarter1103]

I wish Robinson could have been as fast and athletic as Wiseman seems to be!

[@kentoncarter1103]

Lol

[@ja8ames]

This is really great analysis. I was a huge Robinson fan as a kid, but didn't have the perspective -- or get to seen enough games on TV, frankly -- to realize that even though he was an elite scorer in PPG, that his ideal role may have been to the the 2nd option offensively, in Bill Russell mode. I guess that it was just down to the Spurs not quite having the roster for that (though I'm a fan of Sean Elliott and the others of that era). I do love the way that overall statistical ratings show that few players have ever been as valuable to their teams success as Robinson was to San Antonio in the 90s.

[@MO-tp8lh]

‘boat load’, ‘admiral’, ‘haircut’, ‘fleet’... great video man!

[@tomasgonzalez970]

I'm a spurs fan... soo.. yeah...

[@DangerousPython]

As a rockets fan, I cannot wait for the eventually Hakeem episode

[@yvans.]

That’s not eventually bro that’s next 😁

[@casperdiemar6980]

This is great. Any plans on ranking the players' peaks, when the series is done?

[@jjjafolla]

Love the teaser/cliff hangers for who you are looking into next. Would be cool to end video with trivia or hint... see if we can guess it.

[@nicholasliong5946]

This is exactly what I want Deandre Ayton to become as a player. Long way to go on D but he has the tools and the potential to get there

[@donaldpriola1807]

Ayton is similar, for sure. Once he works on his midrange game, he'll be right there. D comes down to experience, which he is gaining. Ayton is underappreciated.

[@zpacify]

They are similar but I think David was just a specimen. If DA reaches even 80% of Robinson's ceiling he'd be set.

[@northernlight1000]

Can't wait to actually hear who you think had the greatest peak in nba history at the end of this series

[@carusohighlightreel4275]

Yeah! It’ll definitely be interesting! In my opinion, these are the top candidates: Offensively: Curry, Jordan, or Bron Defensively: Bill Russell or Hakeem Overall: Jordan, LeBron, Shaq, or Wilt

[@michawirkus9030]

It's Jordan. Then it's Shaq, if we judge by 2-year peak. You can read some damn good Ben's articles at backpicks.com and check the career progression charts at the end of each article.

[@benw7367]

It seems as this is rating the peak vs their peers at the time, right? So I'd have to say Jordan or Russell, I guess. But peak vs peak? Lebron, I guess.

[@dusk6159]

@@benw7367 Indeed, I would say so too, it's probable

[@northernlight1000]

I think Tim Duncan’s peak will top them all

[@jesse9200]

I was a huge fan of robinson, he could do it all and for some reason gets overlooked when talking about the greats. Hands down one of the best to ever do it.

[@bigjax731]

Great video

[@76JStucki]

I wish Robinson had been on the Bulls in the 90s. The only thing that Bulls team really lacked was a great center. Robinson’s speed, unselfish play, defense, and passing would have been a perfect fit in the triangle.

[@ja8ames]

That would've been amazing to see. Of course, the Bulls did fine without a great center.

[@76JStucki]

@@ja8ames yeah they did. And it was precisely the “center by committee” approach that allowed them to run hack-a-Shaq without compromising their lineup. That would actually be the one drawback of having a great center at that time.

[@doktormabuse4794]

Robinson vs Olajuwon is similar to Klitschko vs Fury. Super athletic stiffy against someone who has total control over his own body.

[@yvans.]

Klitshko wasn’t the athlete that David was tho.

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

Robinson is 32-16 vs Hakeem.

[@rosgill6]

thanks for talking about the Admiral!

[@morrissmith5338]

What's great about the fact that I'm only catching up on this series right now (as like 90% of NBA podcasters I listen to had been imploring me to all summer) is that it's on the verge of this 75th anniversary season where I'm sure the league is gonna be pumping out a lot of content from these guys' eras.

[@exquisitemeat5845]

Me: Lmao how good could Admiral's defensive impact really be 17:07 Holy shit