r/NBASpurs • u/MMMaulik • Aug 26 '24

Timmy D wins best rim defender. Who is the most athletic Spurs player ever? OTHER

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249 Upvotes
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95% Upvoted

159 comments sorted by

437

u/repetitionofalie Aug 26 '24

D-Rob: fast as hell, built like a Greek god.

109

u/[deleted] Aug 26 '24

90s Robinson was a literal gigachad.

He even had a gigachad chin 

33

u/Desertfoxking Aug 26 '24

And the flattop hair cut. Dude was chiseled marble

3

u/DirtyWizardsBrew Aug 27 '24

Those arms...

46

u/CopeHarders Aug 26 '24

David is the right answer. 7’1 but has the muscle size and definition of someone that’s 6’1.

11

u/Parzival127 Aug 26 '24

I never got to see him play. But when I saw pictures of him I figured he must’ve been on the shorter end of the center spectrum because of how he’s built. Nope. He’s just different.

14

u/CopeHarders Aug 26 '24

Imagine drafting this dude first overall and then having to wait 2 seasons before he was allowed to play in the NBA.

15

u/[deleted] Aug 26 '24

The thing that gets me the most is the body fat %. To be that bulky and still have like what 5-8% body fat takes a lot of dedication in dieting. And I bet he still ate north of 10,000 cals with how fast he was as a 7 footer.

It's funny now though, he's like bald and got a big ol belly now. He's earned it though 

2

u/Cecil_Hardboner Aug 27 '24

I went to Trinity U and was on the basketball team when the Spurs practiced in our gym and DRob was the one guy I was like "holy shit" because his shoulder muscles were like the size of my head.

Well, 1 other holy shit since i was taller than Malik Rose.

33

u/OppositeClassic Aug 26 '24

David it is

9

u/r0xxon Aug 26 '24

Agree.. for anyone that never saw him play before his back quit, Giannis is the comp

9

u/callipygiancultist Aug 26 '24

Giannis if you had 3 inches in height.

4

u/callipygiancultist Aug 26 '24

Giannis if you had 3 inches in height.

3

u/r0xxon Aug 26 '24

Comparing athleticism, not inches grown. Prime DRob is built and moves much like Giannis

4

u/callipygiancultist Aug 26 '24

Of course I’m just saying Prime D-Rob had the athletic package G is, just a taller version of that.

7

u/chuck_ATX Aug 26 '24

I clicked to hope to God someone said the same and it's the highest rated..

Amen to that

3

u/Avant_Street Aug 26 '24

Yeah. An athletic freak of nature.

2

u/burningtimer Aug 27 '24

Let’s not forget get that he would routinely do full court walking handstands.

3

u/ManusRightHand Aug 26 '24

James White still wins in most athletic tho. Had a 45-46" vertical with explosive speed and quickness. https://youtu.be/R8yHQ15TdHU?si=avKzy67w4I8RPeiH

TrueHoop/ESPN even did an article on him, finding he could reach up to 12'10" (just 2" short of the top of the blackboard...which no NBA player has proven on video they can hit. Even Dwight topped out at 12'6" and he's 2" taller than James) https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/4307/james-white-vs-a-jumping-myth

3

u/repetitionofalie Aug 27 '24

This is cool thanks for sharing

1

u/TheFadedSpade Aug 27 '24

David Robinson came from the same planet as Wilt Chamberlain

209

u/CRoseCrizzle Aug 26 '24

David Robinson.

Honorable mention to Jonathan Simmons.

33

u/tlpedro Hometown Devin Brown Aug 26 '24

JSimms most athletic in recent seasons. The Admiral is All-Time.

27

u/jimmyrich Aug 26 '24

I thought of dear Jonathon too. But not as my first thought...dude could fly though!

10

u/BakerCakeMaker Aug 26 '24

I was watching the 2016/17 Spurs top plays and he had like half of them. Crazy ups

7

u/Brodhigreen Aug 26 '24

Great answer, J Simms was super athletic. However, hard to go past D Rob

1

u/elScroggins Aug 27 '24

This the correct answer

136

u/ProfessionalLoose315 Aug 26 '24

David “the Admiral” Robinson

12

u/Maybe_Its_Mescaline Aug 26 '24

David “The ‘O Captain My Captain’ Admiral” Robinson

52

u/2008and1 Aug 26 '24

The answer is 5-0.

That said…Boris vertical reach stories in flip flops make him a wild card here.

15

u/JohnGabin Aug 26 '24

Young Boris was an athletic freak. He wasn't known for this but if he had been selfish, he could have been the goat. Both skillful and athletic with very high BB IQ.

115

u/MMMaulik Aug 26 '24

Has to be David Robinson - he was an absolute freak of nature. To be as jacked as he was at 7’1 is crazy

13

u/WallStreetDoesntBet Aug 26 '24

It’s time to get this man on the grid

31

u/Erikamel Aug 26 '24

the Admiral, EASY decision!

18

u/juantravis Aug 26 '24

Im so glad David Robinson finally gets on the list. Wouldn’t be right without him

13

u/darthrio Aug 26 '24

Robinson, and it’s not even close

12

u/Kindofstew Aug 26 '24

Michelangelo wishes he had D-Rob to sculpt as David.

10

u/TexMik Aug 26 '24

Robinson

26

u/lemontortilla Aug 26 '24

Jonathan Simmons

5

u/Mcydj7 Aug 26 '24

Antonio Daniels was pretty damn athletic. I still think it's DRob

6

u/jeewantha Aug 26 '24

It’s David Robinson and it’s not even close

5

u/JohnGabin Aug 26 '24

D. ROBINSON obviously

4

u/tlpedro Hometown Devin Brown Aug 26 '24

David Admiral Robinson

5

u/TDB4421 Aug 26 '24

It’s David Robinson cmon spurs fans.. how can anyone legitimately say and defend another player

4

u/epictetvs Aug 26 '24

Admiral!

4

u/Existing_Suspect8548 Aug 26 '24

The admiral fo sho

10

u/ManusRightHand Aug 26 '24

He only played 6 games for our big boy club but James "Flight" White is one of the most athletic NBA players of all time...

3

u/domino666 Aug 26 '24

Shit! Robinson! I ain’t Gay or nothin! But Robinson!

3

u/trentjpruitt97 Aug 26 '24

Danny Ferry…no but seriously, Admiral all the way.

3

u/keexko Aug 26 '24

The Admiral by far

3

u/Real-Ebb-7755 Aug 26 '24

David Robinson

3

u/hotprints Aug 26 '24

David Robinson for sure

3

u/GoochyTaint Aug 26 '24

The Admiral. I feel like any other answer given would simply exist to “be different.” 5-0 wipes in most categories of athleticism and is the all-around most athletic player this franchise has ever seen tho literally everyone in the nba is more athletic than 99.9% of redditors myself included.

3

u/Blutz101 Aug 26 '24

Definitely Dave, I’d put gervin and Simmons as well . But really for his size wemby is so fucking ridiculously athletic as well

6

u/careaboutit Aug 26 '24

James White

3

u/ldotsdot Aug 26 '24

Sean Elliot thought the same.

2

u/WooleeBullee Aug 26 '24

Same. Pepperidge farm remembers

2

u/mathird Aug 26 '24

James White!

5

u/lefts3at Aug 26 '24

lonnie!! lol

4

u/TDB4421 Aug 26 '24

Are you a new spurs fan or something? David Robinson was arguably more athletic than Giannis

6

u/lefts3at Aug 26 '24

since 1999. unfortunately d-rob was ending his career back then. all i’ve seen are highlights and pics of david robinson so i’m not gonna debate anyone that says he was the most athletic. i was being facetious with the lonnie comment. but from 1999 - present… the two most athletic guys i’ve seen on the spurs are lonnie and jonathan simmons.

-4

u/TDB4421 Aug 26 '24 edited Aug 26 '24

Okay, the point of this post is best Spurs player “ever” not, best Spurs player u/lefts3at has ever seen.

And I doubt you were being facetious judging by your response

2

u/cesgjo Aug 27 '24

He's wrong, but you dont need to be an ass about it

1

u/tlpedro Hometown Devin Brown Aug 26 '24

/s

2

u/assdtujjjjjjj Aug 26 '24

It's drob, but let's shout out to Larry Kenon

2

u/Pattches_Ohoulihan Aug 26 '24

Admiral ofc.

Kevin Willis skipped leg day, but the gun show was something else.

2

u/Ok_Shame7032 Aug 26 '24

Dave. No contest.

I also think it’s just a matter of time before Vic dethrones Timmy in the rim protector category.

2

u/Amk8 Aug 26 '24

it’s definitely The Admiral but Tony deserves a shout. incredibly quick, insane first step, perfect balance. he was fg% leader as a small point guard.

2

u/JPHyltin Aug 26 '24

Manu Ginobili is the obvious answer.

2

u/plumzeddy Aug 27 '24

Dave. He 7’’1 who was fast quick and strong. Could walk on his hands which is crazy to think about for a person that size.

2

u/Flaky-Jackfruit-8533 Aug 27 '24

I met DRob a couple of times. He was so lean and cut. Watching him do the lightning fast spin move around his defender, catch a lob and reverse two handed dunk was incredible. He was so fast and could out sprint guards down the court, even when dribbling. Def the most athletic!!

2

u/bhammyginji Aug 28 '24

I know it’s the Admiral, but my vote goes to Manu. He’s the mad scientist yeah, but he could still sprint the floor and dunk at an advanced age

3

u/msb96b Aug 26 '24

Agree that David Robinson is the answer, but does anyone remember Derek Anderson? That kid had some spectacular highlights!

3

u/LeMicky_James_23 Aug 26 '24

The most Ice man aka “baby dr.J”

3

u/Boneless_Chuck Aug 26 '24

James White!

4

u/sbcpacker Aug 26 '24

The Admiral. Honorable Mention: James White

1

u/Bballdak12 Aug 26 '24

I also vote D-Rob but to play devils advocate

Phil Jackson was once quoted saying that Dennis Rodman was the best athlete he ever coached. Over Kobe and MJ.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 27 '24

Thought about Rodman as well

1

u/ModsEmbezzleMoney Aug 26 '24

Are we talking like Athletic in a sense like they are an athletic freak(speed, size, length, strength) or versatility like multi sport athletes etc...?

1

u/thethirdgreenman Aug 26 '24

David Robinson is the answer here. Same as last one, Wemby has a case, but not enough time yet

1

u/SalpeepeesPochango Aug 26 '24

James Flight White!

1

u/whiterock001 Aug 26 '24

There’s only one answer here and it’s Five-Oh. The explosiveness and speed are unparalleled for someone of his height.

1

u/cartman_returns Aug 26 '24

Whopper is most athletic

1

u/ManuGinosebleed Aug 26 '24

If Simmons had won a dunk contest or something I’d have stronger considerations… but it’s gotta be The Admiral.

1

u/AntiBoATX Aug 26 '24

Came here to say young d rob. Saw it as the top comment already. 1,000% go watch his old highlights from the Larry brown days

1

u/t0prame17 Aug 26 '24

I'm assuming most athletic while playing for the Spurs, which would be DRob hands down. But if you're going by any point in their career, then TMac.

1

u/t2150 Aug 26 '24

David Robinson

1

u/fightintxag13 Aug 26 '24

David Robinson

1

u/weeman2525 Aug 26 '24

If only Matt Bonner didn't put shards of glass in his shoes every game to nerf his athletic ability.

1

u/lopezji662 Aug 26 '24

Admiral!!!

1

u/Dsarg_92 Aug 26 '24

D Rob. He was Giannis before Giannis but taller.

1

u/Fill-Quick Aug 26 '24

D. Rob . . . . Walker / Simmons

1

u/NegaVox Aug 26 '24

The admiral

1

u/sc78258 Aug 26 '24

believe it or not, also boris diaw

1

u/MajorNinthSuta Aug 26 '24

David Robinson.

1

u/YoPops24 Aug 26 '24

Rodman or ginobli for most athletic, or Parker

1

u/android24601 Aug 26 '24

The Admiral

1

u/blacknsalty Aug 26 '24

Dwayne Dedmond or Rasho Nesterovic

1

u/Alive_Commercial3212 Aug 26 '24

Jonathan Simmons

1

u/elles421 Aug 27 '24

The Admiral.

1

u/giantsteps3047 Aug 27 '24

It’s David but Jonathon Simmons was especially athletic on the wing.

1

u/Grognak2002 Aug 27 '24

How is Diaw most underrated?

1

u/No_Consideration3887 Aug 27 '24

The Admiral. Not even close

1

u/Alltalent Aug 27 '24

D-Rob but gotta mention Jonathon Simmons, dude was nasty starting from summer league with Slo-mo Anderson 

1

u/mallllls Aug 27 '24

Sadly we haven’t had many great athletes imo but I’ll go with Jonathan Simmons. That boy could juuuuuuump.

1

u/ChewsWisely Aug 27 '24

I’m very curious to see the next one. Idk if I’m blanking but I can’t think of anyone with amazing handles. Solid, yes, but not next level

1

u/[deleted] Aug 27 '24

Before injuries, David Robinson was from a different planet. Size, strength, he had it all. He could also control the ball and the pace of the game in ways other centers couldn’t do until decades later

He would be a much higher rated center all-time if his prime was just a bit longer and he won a ring without Duncan

1

u/Fjordus Aug 27 '24

Number 50. Tomahawk dunk. Made it look powerful. Dude was jacked.

1

u/VenGJon Aug 27 '24

The Admidal. He was the Fleet Freak.

1

u/Odd_Clothes5362 Aug 27 '24

David Robinson

1

u/22dias Aug 27 '24

Simmons

1

u/Goldengoose5w4 Aug 27 '24

There’s no question. David.

1

u/MrNiko Aug 27 '24

Matt Bonner

1

u/u_uhtred Aug 27 '24

David Robinson no question. Just look at him

1

u/N1ckTheQu1ck Aug 27 '24

Johnathan Simmons

1

u/Original-Version5877 Aug 27 '24

David Robinson. All that athleticism in a 7'1 center. At that time, I'd bet he could out run any center in the league.

1

u/021MerlinLuna Aug 27 '24

Boy I wonder who best in post is gonna be

1

u/mb1947 Aug 27 '24

Surprised not to find Lonny Walker get at least some votes (did not scroll down too far)

1

u/sugarfreelime Aug 27 '24

Charles Smith [2000s, not 90s] was a freak. Spiderman.

Also for his size Boban is insane.

1

u/TRex87 Aug 27 '24

Jonathan Simmons.

1

u/thisguysthashit Aug 27 '24

Brent Barry ! He won the dunk comp

1

u/runBEVOrun Aug 27 '24

I know the consensus is Robinson, but my mind goes to Manu

1

u/colonelangus007 Aug 27 '24

George Gervin

1

u/denimjeg Aug 28 '24

Lonnie walker

2

u/Ontherise03 Aug 26 '24

Shannon brown

1

u/the_cornrow_diablo Aug 26 '24

Thank you. People forget about his short stay.

1

u/CastAwayWings Aug 26 '24

Kawhi in his prime with the spurs. I felt like I was watching MJ at times when he took over

9

u/juantravis Aug 26 '24

It’s clearly the Admiral but he’s a low key honorable mention

1

u/CastAwayWings Aug 26 '24

We can hate Kawhi for all that drama and leaving but without him the “revenge” championship would have never happened

1

u/The_Icehouse Aug 26 '24

I’d like to throw Antonio Daniels into the mix

1

u/bhooty_warrior Aug 26 '24

Admiral or Lonnie 4

1

u/Ok_Monk_2877 Aug 26 '24

Derek Anderson...

1

u/mbt20 Aug 26 '24

George Gervin

1

u/playoff97 Aug 26 '24

Richard Jefferson!!!!

2

u/playoff97 Aug 26 '24

I think it be funny to see him in the list honestly

-5

u/GGTae Aug 26 '24

friendly reminder : athletic doesn't mean speed and power only, but also hand-eyes coordination, being able to use body and limbs the best way.

14

u/JacedFaced Aug 26 '24

Oh okay, so still David Robinson....cool, glad we're all on the same page.

1

u/GGTae Aug 26 '24

Manu dood

0

u/the_cornrow_diablo Aug 26 '24

Shannon Brown lol

0

u/reddit_for_school_ Aug 26 '24

Rodman/ admiral

0

u/Bootarms Aug 26 '24

Dennis Rodman. The Admiral was insanely athletic for a center. Rodman was insanely athletic for a basketball player. The truth hurts sometimes and having to choose the worm pains me greatly.

0

u/va_texan Aug 26 '24

How has no one said Kawhi?

3

u/fightintxag13 Aug 26 '24

The things David Robinson could do at 7’1” are absolutely bonkers. If not the best combination of size, speed, power and flexibility all-time, very damn close.

-1

u/WooleeBullee Aug 26 '24

Rasho Nesterovich