The Most Underrated Player in NBA History... According to me

A breakdown of why I believe David Robinson is now the most underrated player in the history of the league.
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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 #basketball #hoops

[@jonnyarnett]

We’ll see if I change my mind again in a year. Lol. For me, Robinson is that guy who doesn’t get ranked nearly as high as I believe he should…. Who is that guy for you??

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Peja Stojakovic

[@Teachingcasuals]

Can you help me promote this breaking news story? Lebron plagiarized kobe on the first question of his new podcast.

[@fortnitejake850]

Steph Curry. Until everyone starts ranking him in the top 5 I wont stop sayin curry

[@jrr3787]

Wilt. He's by far the best ever and no one else is even close. It should be WIlt and then someone else at number 108 or so.

[@jrr3787]

@@fortnitejake850Curry - or anyone else currently playing couldn't have made a starting roster in the 80s.

[@PiGuy007]

I agree. Instead of remembering how dominant Robinson was, people tend to only recall the series against Hakeem and him not winning a ring until Duncan came along.

[@patanouketgersiflet9486]

Like that's a crime not winning a title when Jordan's Bulls and Olajuwon's Rockets are around.

[@porcupinecraig]

Facts suck. It's not just that he needed Duncan to win, but that Pop tanked an entire year on purpose to get Duncan. No respect for that.

[@ImadogGarcia]

Robinson hadn’t a #2 guy (before Duncan) and no shooting around him like the Rockets did. He was elite

[@ImadogGarcia]

@@porcupinecraigso how many free agents choose the Spurs? The draft is the only way to improve for them. Can’t blame them

[@mastermindmartialarts]

You literally described Robinson perfectly. Took all the words out of my mouth. Absolute monster in his prime who held his own with every big man in his era. And he accomplished all he did in a 13 season Career.

[@MistaP13]

Thank you for giving the Admiral his props!

[@catmandude2357]

Not just a great basketball player, but a GREAT overall person. Was top of his class, never got in a single bit of trouble, and does a ton of charity. A true all-around role model for kids.

[@Trevdawg48]

I met David Robinson in Aspen Colorado when I was 12. He was super nice, and talked to me and a couple other kids for a long time. He even signed a couple basketball cards I had of him.

[@chrisbarnett5303]

7 foot tall Mr. Rogers

[@judah6152]

​@@chrisbarnett5303lol. True

[@mackeysmith245]

Great to see Robinson get the love he deserves. His skill set and athleticism would transfer incredibly well into today's game!

[@stizostedion1221]

He was not mentally weak as some claim, but he did not have the desire to "destroy" all his opponents either. If David Robinson had the same mentality as Olajuwon during his career, he would be in discussion for the GOAT. Hakeem and David are my 2 favorite centers all time. Both were deeply religious, but where Hakeem prayed to become stronger and take his team to the title, David prayed to one day be joined by a very strong teammate to win the title (I read that somewhere one day). Both were granted... but I find that this story sums up the difference in mentality between the two.

[@andrewcook1246]

Mvp, dpoty, one of only 2 Centers to avg 4blks and 2stls in a season, scoring champ, blks champ and reb champ. Came into the league a 20/10/3blk guy and stayed that way all through his prime on a bad team. The fact that he got to league a little later than usual takes away from his longevity. But honestly he's an absolute monster. His loss to Hakeem got blown up too much and he's a victim of a bad narrative.

[@vineelkesavarapu5736]

To be fair, Hakeem totally destroyed him in that series. Robinson did somewhat underperform at times in the playoffs. He would have never won 2 championships without Duncan. That doesn't take away from Robinson being a great player.

[@kenbillings6560]

"stayed that way all through his prime on a bad team." Not sure if Robinson was ever on a bad team....

[@andrewcook1246]

@@vineelkesavarapu5736 Yeah that was Hakeem's cinderella run and to boot he did a repeat so I dont have him over Hakeem but its closer than ppl think.

[@andrewcook1246]

@@kenbillings6560 lets go with inconsiatent since his most famous teamate before Duncan was Rodman. I think those Spurs teams were only a threat I thinknin 1995 the rest were pretty meh. The swason before they tanked

[@MJIZZEL]

@@andrewcook1246 pretty obvious you wasn't around to watch basketball back then. Spurs a "bad" or "inconsistent" team?? Lmao. They were one of the best in the west before Robinson injury and Duncan arrival I think the fewest games they won was like 47 which still had them easily in the top half of the playoff seeds. Then what does Robinson "most famous" teammate gotta do with anything. For one, Rodman has only gotten the amount of attention or acknowledgement in the past 10 years and I think that's got alot to do with younger fans or lbj fans need to try and diminish Jordan succes by promoting Rodman and therefore establishing that Jordan had more help. Second, Rodman wasn't looked at as an asset to any team in the league after Detroit. Anything he added in rebounding or defense, he normally gave back with his lack of self control and inability to be involved in off court, team meetings and practices. Phil Jackson knew he could"corral" Rodman is why the bulls got him and no bulls fans were happy at first. Media called it a stupid move and genius of the spurs to get rid of him. Third thing. Forget players "fame". Robinson had very good teammates early on in Rod Strickland and Terry Cummings. Then came Sean Elliot who ended up being an Allstar. Then Dale ellis, Avery Johnson, and Vinny del negro who were all great supporting cast. I'd even throw JR Reid in there as he was the spurs Rodman before Rodman. Just really can't see someone making such wrong statements and not try and correct. People these days read a comment and believe it. Spurs were a very good team. One of the best in the west from 89-90 onwards.

[@Tomtainius]

Finally… Luis Scola is gonna get the respect he deserves.

[@Tomtainius]

Damn. I guess The Admiral was alright too…

[@jonnyarnett]

Lol, that is a good pick. Almost no one talks about Scola anymore.

[@labiodentale]

Who? I am clearly a newbie

[@jonnyarnett]

@labiodentale Basically a tremendous overseas player, who then came to the NBA and was pretty good. He was a Rookie of the Year candidate and was a quality contributor to the Rockets in the late 2000s. I also think he had some of the most underrated footwork in NBA History. You wouldn't describe him as an NBA legend, but he's worth remembering.

[@mikeflo4840]

I always wish the spurs had kept Scola

[@Seahawks1115]

He may not be the Greatest because his career wasn’t very long but he’s for sure one of the best centers of all time

[@mickeylee2624]

Absolutely! Only Kareem, Hakeem, Wilt, and Shaq were better on offense (maybe Duncan), while only Olajuwon and Russell were his peers on defense. In short, Hakeem was the only better two-way center than Robinson.

[@MrReese]

As a Bulls fan from back in the day I remember the Spurs being one of the most uncomfortable teams to face in the entire league, one of the biggest reasons for that being Robinson. He was a beast and tenacious as hell.

[@potentially__9445]

YES, ABSOLUTELY!!! The Spurs and the Rockets gave Chicago fits.

[@oronasundial]

I remember those days...Jordan didn't like coming to Texas. He struggled against my SPURS and the rocket's also.

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Completely agree with you Jonny. The Admiral could post up( something today's NBA players ever do) He could rebound and defend. Scoring, Rebound,Blocks titles and a MVP. Wow!

[@JustAnAverageJoe12]

he also couldn’t shoot 3s at all (something today nba players do)

[@manuelsalazar3938]

​@@JustAnAverageJoe12 Exactly one of the reasons this league is sh*t now. A boring 3 point contest.

[@JustAnAverageJoe12]

@@manuelsalazar3938 watching Kobe shoot 40% and scores be 75-75 isn’t fun lil bro 🙏 😭

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

@@JustAnAverageJoe12 Not sure I understand your thoughts? You said that Robinson could not shoot three pointers. Back then centers were supposed to protect the paint, rebound and score down low. Besides, look at today's NBA with all the blasted three pointers being shot. Ridiculous!

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

​@@manuelsalazar3938Thank you for that comment!

[@northernlight1000]

I agree!, and if you guys really want to see a detailed analysis of how legendary David Robinson is, watch thinking basketball's video on him in his greatest peaks series (perhaps the best basketball series of all time online lol) that changed my mind on him sooo much!

[@hakeemolajuwon4352]

David Robinson is easily a top 10 center arguably top 5 all time! The size, skill, athleticism, range, and the defense Robinson has has very rarely been duplicated in the history of the NBA.

[@ZincAddict]

Dream, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Malone..... definitely not a top 5 center, but I do agree he's quite unique and deserving to be in the top 10 convo

[@hakeemolajuwon4352]

@@ZincAddict buddy, David Robinson is better than Shaq and it's not really close.

[@andreisevostianov9525]

I have him at 6 in my top top-10 centers since merger. 1. Shaq 2. Hakeem 3. Ewing 4. Kareem 5. Moses

[@hakeemolajuwon4352]

@@andreisevostianov9525 Shaq over Olajuwon and Ewing over Robinson... Questionable

[@Twowaycurry]

@@andreisevostianov9525you good? Ewing over Kareem?

[@donaldchase9250]

John Havlicek gets my vote for most underrated player ever because he played in Russell’s shadow. He averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in an era where assists were hard to come by. He was an 8 time champion, a finals MVP, a 13 time All Star and made 5 All NBA First Team Defense teams. He played before I was born, but he is an all time great that never gets talked about.

[@coolname9458]

David Robinson, Elgin Baylor, and Moses Malone will always be the top 3 most underrated for me. If I had to pick, I'd lean Baylor since people always talk about how underrated he is and he STILL gets underrated

[@marcdaddy33]

Baylor. Great choice. Oscar too

[@lilpenny1982]

Moses Malone is definitely underrated but not the rest.

[@eyghen8529]

Bill Walton was nice as well

[@lilpenny1982]

@@eyghen8529 Bill Walton is highly overrated in the pro's.

[@toddhanley6982]

FACTS MACHINE - the man averaged TWENTY EIGHT POINTS A GAME !!! as a post up player!! I mean his teammate Jerry averaged 27 but Jerry was a sniper even if he never got credit (unfortunately) for his 3's. But Elgin scored 28 a game AT THE RIM!! And honestly, may be the most 'influential' dunker as far as incorporating it as an in game weapon (more so than Doc, Hawk, MJ, Dominique, or Vince) and if I'm not mistaken I think Chick Hern coined the phrase 'Slam Dunk' as a description of a young Elgin's game

[@MrMaboto]

I have the admiral really high on my list, the man was a scoring champ and DPOY. Versatility at its finest

[@sirbradfordofhousejones]

He’s certainly up there! I’d say we can probably include Moses Malone and Rick Barry to this conversation as well. That era just isn’t respected.

[@rockysalvatore435]

Moses joined a stacked team. Barry has the goat ring. Even sauron would join the NBA to chase after that one instead of his

[@sirbradfordofhousejones]

@@rockysalvatore435 haha, that’s fair from people who know. But I think most fans forget about Barry entirely. He was lethal. Regarding Moses, that’s just a few years of his career, though. He was incredible for more than just his Sixers years.

[@rockysalvatore435]

@@sirbradfordofhousejones how many rings did he get w Philly tho. He did a kd. Also he was a stat padder. Not good in the post passing or double teams. Very dated. Barry is the goat warrior. No one in their history would do what he did

[@Fernando-vg4ym]

Totally agreed. He was a monster on the court and a gentleman off of it.

[@RyeAkai]

I remember I once did a poll on who's the better Malone and Karl won the poll over Moses with something like 85% of the votes. This was a poll with around 3k votes (this was done about 10 years ago). So yeah, I know it's a "popular" most underrated pick, but I will always say Moses. There was a good chunk of the 80s in which he was considered the best player in the league by many, he had a long career and his offensive rebound numbers are just out of this world. His career is just amazing, even without considering the time spent in the ABA.

[@august6281]

_"According to me"_ is the most important criteria on this video. And the context to make it sensible of course.

[@Noin007]

I think a massive part of why David Robinson is not ranked higher for most people is that not just the series where Hakeem had Robinson looking like a clown but also when playing against Shaq, Robinson got bullied. Outfinessed by Hakeem and outmuscled by ONeill. To go along with the fact that he just doesn’t really have that shining series that everyone remembers where he was head & shoulders, the best player on the court.

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

That's a very good way to describe the reason. Still however The Admiral was a great player.

[@patanouketgersiflet9486]

Then again, in that era, which center wasn't oufinessed by Hakeem and outmuscled by Shaq? And there were a whole bunch of great centers back then

[@psalmerperena4120]

He was pretty even with Shaq. He got out muscled more often when Robinson was past his prime suffering injuries. It was a game against Shaq when Robinson scored 71 points. Robinson doesn't have Shaq's longevity because the former started playing in the NBA at an older age to finish his service in the Navy. Every center during that period got outfinessed by Hakeem though.

[@dusttaker]

@@patanouketgersiflet9486 Manute Bol?

[@Noin007]

@@ktapreswreckd921v9 Absolutely, David Robinson is one of the greatest centers of all time. Just outside of the top five ever. It is truly unfortunate that the two most lasting images of him are Hakeem putting him on skates and Shaq running him over. 🫠

[@thomash8501]

100% agree with you, Jonny! I was a huge fan of the Admiral from day one. His Spurs and Jordan's Bulls were my two favorite teams during the 90's.

[@seananthony7494]

He didn’t even choke when he went against the Rockets, it was just that Hakeem had one of the greatest playoff runs of all time.

[@homerthompson416]

And David's backcourt was Avery Johnson and Vinny Del Negro and Rodman got into a pissing match with the coach forcing his benching in two critical games. Also think that 95 Rockets team is the most criminally underrated team of all time. Not only was Hakeem in god mode, but they also had the hardest title run you'll ever see going through a 60 win Jazz team, a 59 win Suns team, a 62 win Spurs team, and a 57 win Magic team without homecourt in any series. I feel confident in saying we will never see another title run like that again where one team had to beat a legit contender in every round en route to a championship.

[@timmyg831]

That is true, Hakeem would’ve beaten any center in history the way he played in those playoffs. He would’ve beaten prime Wilt, prime Russell, prime Kareem. Prime Robinson is the most athletic center I’ve ever seen and nearly equal to Olajuwon in defense.

[@sssjjjttt]

You'd think 1 bad series define a player for their entire career the way that people disrespect David Robinson. Wild.

[@timmyg831]

@@homerthompson416 …Duncan had a much better lineup with Parker, Ginobili, Kawhi, Bowen, and Robinson. It helps with great teammates.

[@homerthompson416]

@@timmyg831 What sucks is the Spurs had built a really strong supporting cast around Robinson his rookie year, with Rod Strickland, Terry Cummings, Sean Elliott, Willie Anderson, and then Frank Brickowski and David Wingate off the bench, and were one turnover in OT away from beating Portland on the road in Game 7 and likely stamping a ticket to the Finals (though the Pistons would have beaten the Spurs in 5 or 6 that year I think). But the cheap ass billionaire owner Red McCombs wouldn't pay Strickland so he walked a couple of years later, Terry Cummings blew out his knee in a pickup game right after and went from allstar to tenth man scrub overnight because of it, Anderson's career flamed out, they moved Brickowski for scrub Paul Pressey, and they got Dale Ellis way too late. Rodman was a disaster too. A team with a competent owner would have won a title with Robinson the #1 option. Spurs didn't get one (Peter Holt) until 96 when David injured his back and wasn't the same player after.

[@Ben-pf9sw]

He was definitely one of the most versatile and well rounded big men of all time

[@scottwinn5043]

Not old enough to have watched DRob play but man are his highlights fun to watch. He’s one of my favorite legends, definitely worthy of top 25.

[@exiledknight3961]

Dont forget as a rookie he lead the Spurs to win 35 more games then the pervious year. Something the hyper hyped Wembanyama, didnt do any may not for a couple more seasons. Also to me David Robinson had the best build of any Center ever.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

One and done is the biggest reason why we don't get guys who come in and immediately dominate in the NBA anymore. All these guys taken high in the draft today are still growing both their games and bodies at nineteen years old.

[@user-jw5qj8kv2y]

The Admiral was awesome! Played for Naval Academy, served couple years in the Navy, then came into the NBA. He was 7’ tall. Also, if you ever watched a Spurs game when the National Anthem played he always stood at attention. Oh yeah he helped the Spurs win 2 NBA championships and played for the USA Olympic team winning gold twice. Salute Mr. Robinson!

[@ernestkhamilovgigachad8082]

And he is also a top 15 player for me

[@rockysalvatore435]

Goat level peak pre 🃏

[@JustAnAverageJoe12]

@@rockysalvatore435pre who?

[@Sinreher]

One of only two players (Jordan) to win both a scoring title and a DPOY award during their careers. One of four players to officially record a quadruple double and one of 10 to score 70+ in a game; only one to do both.

[@Davivd2]

He scored 70 when 70 meant something, Now it's just something that happens on a Tuesday because you can't be guarded shooting a 3 and you get to take 2 steps on a step back so that none of your jumpers can ever be blocked

[@Trevdawg48]

Wilt had a quintuple double, and scored over 70 more than everyone else combined (prior to the last year when 4 more players have done it)

[@Eat-Z-Bugs]

@@Davivd2 Wow.

[@bananalegend194]

@@Trevdawg48 yes but sadly for wilt his quintuple double isnt official, like his 100 point game, couldve happened but you cant be 100% sure

[@Trevdawg48]

@@bananalegend194 True about the quintuple double, but the 100 point game unquestionably happened. There is no reasonable doubt.

[@realsciencerhythm]

Kudos, my favourite player when I was watching the NBA in the 90' , made moi a Spurs fan for life! Thanks Man!

[@adamwells9352]

Same here. To me, Spurs were Robinson's team first.

[@konasavage]

I'm 49 and was a NBA fanatic in the 90s, Robinson was amazing

[@tangerinedream106]

David Robinson is 100% one of the mose underrated all time greats, me personally I say Moses Malone is the most underrated all time great. Also guys like Rick Barry, Bob McAdoo, Elgin Baylor, James Worthy, Alex English, and Clyde Drexler belong in the underrated convo as well.

[@onlyfacts3178]

Barry for sure...people also forget BAYLOR WORTHY and ENGLISH i think he was more like a scorer like WILKINS.

[@nvm9040]

Robinson is one of those players that is ranked or lower than what he is Robinson was a top 5-10 center in his era and he had the size and skill to compete with the best centers like Hakeem plus his MVP season was a highlight of this excellence throughout the 90's Plus the introduction of Duncan helped Robinson in many ways leading to two chips

[@MyYTwatcher]

Robinson was higher then 5-10. Honestly Olajuwon is probably only one who people wont argue about. Shaq was only too strong and heavy. He did not have anything close to Robinson´s skils. Ewing, Morning were worse. Mutombo was only good defender. Who else was there? Nobody.

[@nvm9040]

@@MyYTwatcher thx for your opinion

[@i.m.takkinen]

I give Hakeem his props for his head to head with Robinson, career and titles. That said Robinson was easily one of the very best players of that Era and quite frankly of all time. One of the greatest combos of offensive skill, speed and athleticism we have seen.

[@nemecaias]

i am european but i wtach nba since 1991 i am 45 what u said about the admiral was all true two times olympic champion also a realy great guy down to earth and with out narcissist issues

[@chrisuncleahmad]

The Admiral!

[@yezzir8929]

Preach! Robinson was the 3rd most valuable player of the 90s behind Jordan and Hakeem!

[@onlyfacts3178]

you can put BARKLEY and K.MALONE and they are the TOP 5 players of the 90s..

[@louielyons9365]

We often disagree my man, but this is an appropriate take

[@oronasundial]

Every TRUE Spurs Fan Knows David Robinson in his prime is the Real reason and the foundation to why my SPURS became a dynasty and was part of the '92 dream team the greatest team ever. Dave before his injury was unstoppable btw the jordans bulls wouldn't had been able to stop that '95 rocket's team either, so dave needs to stop getting criticized for that, they just had a better team over-all during that time once we got Duncun they couldn't touch us after that. David should be in everyone's top 15 at minimum he's in my top 10 over-all and number one in my personal favorite list next to MANU.

[@UsedShovel]

im glad you made this video because i remember thinking he was a little high on your 30 best players list but hey the Admiral was pretty damn good so if you have him ranked higher than i do then i cant argue with it

[@alex4833]

Superb video, Jonny! You make a solid case for Robinson being the most underrated player. He was a great player and his accolades are great - MVP, 2 rings, 2 gold medals, and, as you said, led the league in PPG, RPG, and BPG (and it is incredible how he had many steals too - perhaps Hakeem might be the only center better than him at steals). I don't hear about him often today, but he is definitely one of my favorites. Have a great day 😊.

[@significantnobody823]

Love the respect for The Admiral. I think Elvin Hayes is one of the most underrated players of all time.

[@byltraining]

Thank you for this video. The admiral was my favorite player growing up

[@eljefe6161]

Not a bad pick, for me its Moses Malone, but mad respect to the admiral

[@jonnyarnett]

Great pick. I believe I once said Moses Malone on this channel too, but the recent backlash towards my ranking of Robinson is what changed my mind. lol.

[@dusttaker]

if you had to pick between Moses or Robinson who would you take?

[@kenbillings6560]

I love the Admiral. Thank you for setting the record straight... Now, I have a question. Who the heck is #24 in the picture at the 3:59 mark? I am a life-long Spurs fan, but I have no memory of this dude.... LOL

[@xman1519]

200% I agree with you. Also I have Admiral ranked #21 all time

[@chrisbarnett5303]

I'm a Spurs fan since 97 and even I have underrated D-Rob. His best seasons were when I had just started following basketball and I didn't really pay attention to him then

[@user-bk5qi1kx8p]

Anyone who watched David knew his excellence. Great footwork,strong,powerful both sides. How I miss the days of Patrick, Akeem,Moses,Smits,Shaq,etc. Robinson also a great person and Patriot! 🇺🇲

[@rongiefaustino8867]

Mr. Robinson is (still) my favorite Spur of all time. I was too young to have a grasp of how special he was stastically in the 90s. But he was my primary defender on NBA Live games back then.

[@user-cn8nu6lq4w]

Nice to see this. i've thought this for quite a while myself- while it's always hard to pick the "most underrated" player, he's always been up there for me. His rookie season alone is just mind boggling. I was disappointed last time he wasn't slightly higher than #22. Man had a hell of a peak. Genuine shame he got injured the way he did. Would have loved to see his game improve over time.

[@wc4201]

David is definitely in that conversation. Getting dunked on my Shaq in the all star game and Hakeem schooling him in the WCF then getting Tim and winning immediately really destroyed his reputation. David used to own Shaq until after he injured his back as he wasn’t the same player any longer. That said I think Moses Malone is the most underrated as people today don’t even know he existed or how good his 76ers teams were in the early 80’s.

[@evettewloch1202]

Thanks Johnny these videos are my favorite, and I am always looking forward to more. There are so many great players that don't get talked about like bob pettit,dave cowens,robert parish,walt bellamy, nate tiny archibald, neil johnston, and artis gilmore and I can't wait for videos on how good are they really.

[@godthesonhasilluminatedme]

Excellent excellent video…David is slept on big time

[@josephlee6470]

Honestly, another reason he is so underrated is because everytime any one mentions him, they always talk about his character and off the court greatness. Nobody talks about him on the court.

[@johnbarkley925]

David Robinson was really amazing. Arguably the best regular season center of the 90s, similarly to Embiid is today. His skillset was way ahead of its time and is still great in hindsight. He is like a blend of Giannis and AD. He has the freakish athleticism and transition prowess of Giannis with a similar offensive skillset to AD (great lob threat and good short range shooter). On the defensive end he is like a mirror image of AD being an exceptional rim protector and switch defender. What gives Robinson the edge, however, is his larger and stronger build which is more matchup proof than either Giannis or Anthony Davis.

[@RVered]

David's reputation can be explained by the phrase, "No one cares about the second fastest gun in the West." Of course, "no one" is a gross and disrespectful overstatement, but you get my point; playing at the same time as Hakeem, Shaq, and Duncan, he was never VIEWED as the best C in the league by a majority of fans (even if he was, in your opinion.)

[@chrisbarnett5303]

If David Robinson is reading this, I care about you big guy. I care.

[@viktorianas]

Well... it depends, The Admiral had a VERY short peak, but he was better than anyone during his peak. He just never had his second high caliber star, no Kobe, no Wade, no Drexler, one man show until Duncan joined him.

[@rolieg81]

Not to mention that it would almost be impossible to be a better person off the court.. 1 of the 🐐's

[@tpsam]

Just the spurs in general I would argue TD is also underrated most people think he is barely top 10 when he is actually easily top 7 and can be argued right next to Kobe and Shaq As a matter of fact most casuals put Curry over TD when there's really no reason at all

[@maartenvz]

The Western Conference, graveyard of legends! Robinson in the 90s had to battle hakeems rockets, stockton&malones Jazz, Barkleys Suns, Payton&Kemps SuperSonics and when he got Duncan on his squad two other Goliaths (pun intended) stood up: Shaq & Kobes Lakers and the super deep Blazers (who should have won it all in 2000).

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Or as Jonny called them, the Jailblazers. Horrible! That team was championship qualified. I agree with you.

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

In the 95 playoffs, Hakeem's Rockets beat... Stockton and Malone Jazz Barkley Suns Robinson Spurs Shaq and Penny Magic.

[@benjaminguzmanuribe7680]

Finally I hear you talking about him!!!

[@elementsofphysicalreality]

Got me on this one. You’re killing it with those videos.

[@baller23ist]

Very good video as always Jonny Arnett! I think it would be a very cool idea if you made a video like this, but for each position.

[@lukepayne7225]

Robinsons was a beast based on the eye test alone, and even more of a beast according to advanced stats like BPM and EPM. Thanks for giving The Admiral some love! One of my favorite players of the 80s, and criminally underrated.

[@eegrul1]

Great video. Looking forward your next top 50 update!

[@jonnyarnett]

Thanks! I'll probably wait until the end of this season, that way we get all the awards and rings handed out, and see how everyone did in the postseason.

[@andredossantosalonsopereir6009]

I agree completly with this take, the Admiral rarely gets the recognition he deserves... I'd also say he influenced a lot the way Dunca played and how to behave as an NBA star. His influence on the whole Spurs culture in the Pop-Duncan age is fundamental Neverthless, I feel like Jamal Murray is still underrated a lot. Maybe people consider him to be under Jokic's shadow, but he is clutch as fuck and the Nuggets only managed to win once he got healthy. Maybe a good topic for a future video could be current players that are underrated

[@gf5050]

thx for that video. and you are spot on. i got into bball in 91 and the admiral was my fav player and i became hardcore spurs fan coz of him....a great character too. extremely underrated despite the many accolades, HOF etc....he was an absolute beast, just missed the killer instinct and brash personality

[@MasterRoshi8974]

I love Jonny Arnett! Great video

[@pepejr10king]

hi! the other day i commented on a ig post stating that david robinson is better than duncan. and now this apeears on my youtube recomendations. great work jonny!

[@davimm0220]

i thought it would be a moses malone video at first. many don’t recognize his greatness. but robinson is a good pick as well.

[@cncaliguy09]

Fact he took second role setup the dynasty, because he couldve complained, demand a trade. He was a leader and class act and in his prime served military. No player ever will make that sacrifice AGAIN. Admiral, we salute you.

[@yellyhayce9612]

i think it would be awesome for you to do this type of video but for other positions as well. whenever someone mentions underrated, I think of dwyane wade. most non-casual fans would have him as the third best sg of all time, only behind MJ and kobe. however, it hurts to see casuals say that harden, ai, klay all rank higher than wade in an all time sg list

[@2KDUDE22]

I would add Ewing to this list of underrated. He was a good scoring option and great defender and rebounder. He played with no one and yet always gave Jordan a run for his money in the playoffs.

[@andredornelles8014]

Absolutely love your content and agree with most of your arguments. But I still beleive that, in terms of all time underrated big men, Moses Fo Fo Fo Malone is ahead of the Admiral. Many yongsters (and yes casuals) nowadays don't have much idea at all of his impact in the game, but some do remember the Admiral from playing with Timmy D and the Dream Team

[@user-qp6gr9xv7c]

Putting him in the Top 25 should be a no brainer. A strong argument could be made for Top 15.

[@purplejaek]

He had it harder in the playoffs because he was the only great player on the team. Sean was a good player, but he wasn't going to take the offensive load. His highest season for points was a 20.0 pt average. Great teammate, but not enough when they are trying to make sure David couldn't dominate. Shaq had Kobe, Kareem had Magic (and other great players), Jordan had Scottie, etc. So when he finally had Tim, it was finally time for him to dominate, but sadly we only got Tim because David got hurt. David was one of the best, but because he was so good so fast, the spurs never really were able to add great teammates to join him. Plus that SA was even smaller of a market then than it is today. He had a 43.5 in vertical! The spurs learned from their organizational mistakes with essentially wasting David's talent (as far as winning championships goes) and they are ready to maximize Wemby with all the draft picks that they have.

[@j-short5431]

What is left out of this is that the San Antonio Spurs were notoriously cheap during David Robinson‘s prime. They would often bring in, pass their prime over the hill veterans as his supporting cast. Players like Chuck person, Doc Rivers, Moses, Malone, or other players from the CBA.

[@petriberndtson153]

John Stockton is one of the most underrated players of all time. He is the all-time assist and steals leader.

[@yukondeighton8075]

I definitely agree with this. I wasn’t following basketball during his career, so I never really watched him play. But the more I study the game and look at stats and what not, he is way way up there on a lot of efficiency stats. Number three all time in win shares per 48 for example.

[@jakemurphy3352]

I agree but also Sydney moncreif John Stockton mark price Walt Frazier and I can think of quite a few others

[@ericmordis2960]

Absolutely agree with David Robinson. It's sad that a single playoff series overshadows his entire career. I'll also have to give a shout out to Adrian Dantley. He averaged 30 points per game for 4 straight seasons while shooting 56% and no one even remembers that he existed.

[@stevelegreid]

He also is one of just a handful of players to average 2 blocks and 2 steals in the same season and he had a quadruple double. He also has some of the most underrated signature shoes, the Nike Pumps Woody Harrelson wears in White Men Can’t Jump

[@lawsnewton]

D Rob was Incredible! Love that dude!

[@Havoc0606]

Jkidd (2 back to back trips to finals with a lottery team roster) klay thompson (4 time champion, two way player with a top 5 jump shot who somehow missed the top 75 list) and as crazy as it sounds Tim Duncan who is one Ray Allen shot away from being 6-0 in the finals.

[@onlyfacts3178]

on the WEAK EAST COAST..those NETS wouldnt even make the play-offs in the WEST...

[@onlyfacts3178]

DUNCAN is overrated.

[@dannybachner899]

He had a amazing prime, but a shortened career. Still he managed some crazy all time stats.

[@vernonleewarren280]

I 100% agree with you on this one

[@oxthegentlemangentleman4100]

Spot on !!!

[@bryantkapono420]

I'm from the Detroit area and people around here have always had respect for him I had no clue he was underrated because he's not here I guess it might just be different regions of the country look at players differently

[@GTkGaeT]

You couldn't have described the Admiral in a better way.

[@ONEDACASH]

Thanks bro,,,my favourite player ever,,, ADMIRAL 💯

[@davidmartinez52420]

There is not a single center in the NBA today that is more athletic than The Admiral was in his prime

[@khale4nia]

Best David Robinson video on KZbin. Thank you #FiveOh

[@jd3thegreattm380]

He had arguably the second or third best regular season of all time

[@Eat-Z-Bugs]

I went to one Basketball game in my entire life, (I'm over 50) and I watched Mr. Robinson (#50) score 50 on our T-Wolves @ the Target Center in Feb of 1994 I looked it up, and he then got 71 against the Clippers two months later.

[@PuhiPureBloOdYT]

The Nike Robinson Force Pumps were sick af kicks too btw

[@InternationalNico]

The Admiral…use to call myself Captain Swat when I blocked people shots because of this guy💯

[@guru_basketball_kiero]

#GuruBasketballKieroSays Respect to you for you for acknowledging that you changed your mind a lot on whos your most underrated player of all time

[@John-ct9zs]

If we time traveled to 1991, NOBODY would say David Robinson was underrated. DRob had all the commercials with Nike and I think even Gatorade, he even had a Saturday morning cartoon with Michael Jordan. He was slated to appear in the 1992 Olympics on the famous Dream Team. If anything, at that time Hakeem Olajuwon was thought of as the most overlooked superstar. Well things changed by 1995, as Hakeem started surging, won 2 DPOYs, an MVP, and 2 championships, and ofcourse totally took DRob to school. DRob is a great player, an amazing player and well deserving of his accolades. But any other "old head" that remembers growing up in the entire 90s, not just the mid and late 90s, will tell you what I am saying is completely true. From 1989 to 1992 DRob was considered better than Hakeem Olajuwon, Pat Riley in the 1991 NBA Finals thought that DRob would be the future of the NBA, the player of the 90s and that Michael Jordan got his ring in 1991 and that was that. People thought Jordan could likely get another ring, but NOBODY thought MJ was really going to be the dude to rule the 90s, he was seen as more of an 80s guy. DRob was at the time, highly thought of, until as you mentioned, events happened, and Hakeem happened.

[@MiguelAlatorreMusic]

I put D rob at 7th all time for centers with Kareem, wilt, bill Russell, hakeem, shaq, and moses ahead of him, I'm such a huge fan of d rob though, and hes my go to on blacktop in 2k. He also scored like 71 in a game and had like no help on that spurs roster. You could honestly argue he was the best overall player in the mid 90s given his insane feats and skills paired with athleticism. It makes me sad he's forgotten by so many

[@145rural]

great great video! You could have also mentioned that the entire Spurs dynasty doesn't happen, with out him mentoring Timmy, and setting the standards and practices that lasted two decades after he retired. He showed every player how to act like a winner, and how to act like a decent human. Here's to you admiral, and to the few years we got of the twin towers of duncan and robinson.

[@homerthompson416]

I used to sneak into the Spurs practices at Incarnate Word College in the early 90s during Christmas break and spring break and it was insane to see how athletic David was from floor seats. Red McCombs' cheapness really screwed David's legacy when he let Strickland walk for nothing to be replaced by Vinny Del Negro and then when he shot down a trade for Charles Barkley because he didn't want to pay him, only for Terry Cummings to blow out his knee a couple months later in a pick-up game and go from all-star to tenth man overnight.