On November 4, 1989, David Robinson left the Navy to join the NBA

Many teams were forced to wait a year before seeing their number one draft pick wear their colors. We can mention Greg Oden (drafted in 2007), Blake Griffin (2009) or Ben Simmons (2016).

However, this white season is explained by a serious injury that needs to be treated. For the Spurs, 36 years ago, it was much different, and also longer because in 1989, on November 4th, David Robinson made his San Antonio debut two years after being drafted!

The first pick in the 1987 draft (which was Scottie Pippen and Reggie Miller), the pivot made a promise to himself: serve two years in the US Navy, the famous Navy. Spurs were therefore patient and well rewarded in the end.

“I’ve never seen an interior move like that”

To welcome the Lakers, a three-time finalist in the title (champions in 1987 and 1988, then defeated in the finals in 1989) and in front of 15,868 spectators (sold-out match), the one nicknamed “Admiral” will give an excellent first copy with 23 points and 13 blocks.

“David is still learning but I know he will be great”, announced his teammate Terry Cummings after the game, which the Texans won (106-98). “I’ve never seen an interior move like that.”

A rookie like no other with his background and age (age 24 on November 4, 1989) and even though he played in the 1988 Seoul Olympics with Team USA, the future 1995 MVP felt some pressure when he started his pro career against Los Angeles.

“Our young people were petrified, scared to death”notes San Antonio coach Larry Brown, while David Robinson had stomach pains in the first half. “I ate fajitas a few days ago and I got sick. I think it came back tonight.”comments from his side on the pivot.

The stress will quickly disappear as David Robinson’s first season is a huge success. With 24.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3.9 blocks on average, star of san antonio he’ll immediately turn around the Spurs, become an All-Star and then easily win the Rookie of the Year trophy.

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The article was originally published in 2020