The Best Spurs All-Decade Starting Lineup

Honorable Mention: Alvin Robertson (Defensive Player of the Year + steals leader)

1990s – Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan is widely regarded as a top-ten player and arguably the greatest power forward of all time, making it impossible to exclude him from this lineup.

Throughout his career, he won five championships, three Finals MVPs, and two league MVPs. His career high in points for a single game was 53.

Duncan’s longevity spanned across three decades. He won championships and dominated as “Mr. Fundamental” in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Even in the early stages of his career, during the 1990s, he averaged 21.3 points and 11.7 rebounds, winning his first NBA championship and Finals MVP in 1999.

Duncan made an immediate impact after the Spurs drafted him, transforming the team into a contender in his rookie season. He would be the foundation of this all-time lineup on both ends of the court because of his fundamentals, leadership, defense, and rebounding.

Duncan could fit into three different decades, but choosing him as the 1990s representative allows for the inclusion of other Spurs legends who excelled this century.

Honorable Mention: David Robinson (2x NBA Champion + MVP + Defensive Player of the Year)

2000s – Tony Parker

The cornerstone of every team is a point guard who can effectively run the offense. While many players and point guards are ranked higher than Parker on all-time lists, he remains one of the most accomplished players in basketball history. Parker was a key figure in helping San Antonio win four championships and earned Finals MVP in 2007.

Without a doubt, Parker is the best point guard in Spurs franchise history and an essential choice for this lineup. He drove to the basket with lightning-quick speed. His signature teardrop shot was extremely difficult for defenders to contest. His passing skills made him a constant offensive threat, and he excelled at stealing the ball on defense.

Parker’s career-high occurred in 2008 when he scored 55 points. As a proven winner, he brings invaluable championship experience and leadership to the team. His ability to control the tempo of the game makes him the ideal floor general for this all-time Spurs roster, and his established chemistry with Duncan enhances his effectiveness on the court.

Honorable mention: Manu Ginobili (4x NBA Champion + Sixth Man of the Year)

2010s – Kawhi Leonard

During his seven years with the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard won an NBA championship and Finals MVP in 2014. He also won Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016 before joining the Toronto Raptors, where he secured another championship and Finals MVP in 2019.

Known as “The Klaw,” Kawhi is recognized for his elite defense and clutch shooting, making him one of the best two-way players in the history of the game. His blend of size and speed allows him to guard every position on the court. In this lineup, Kawhi will serve as the lockdown defender and the go-to scorer in crucial moments.

Kawhi’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for this all-time Spurs lineup. His quiet demeanor often conceals his fierce competitiveness, but he brings a modern edge to the team. He thrives in both fast-paced and half-court play, which allows him to adapt to any game plan. His style of play would perfectly complement the other Spurs legends.

Honorable Mention: LaMarcus Aldridge (19.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game with the Spurs + career-high 56 points)

2020s – Victor Wembanyama

It’s clear that Wemby is the top choice for the 2020s. In just over a season and a half, he has already won Rookie of the Year, been named to the All-Defensive First Team, and led the league in blocks. Moreover, he earned an All-Star selection in just his second season this year.

Wemby adds size and a wide range of talents to this lineup. He possesses the agility and skills of a guard— qualities rarely seen in someone over seven feet tall. Since three-pointers were less frequent in Gervin’s day, Wemby’s shooting as a center is necessary to stretch the floor and free up the paint.

Many believe that Wemby has the potential to become one of the top ten players of all time. His drive and determination distinguish him from many young players today, meaning he’ll fit in with athletes from different eras.

Adding his defensive prowess would make the all-time team nearly impossible to score against. Offensively, he would create immensely favorable mismatches. As his game continues to develop, Wemby could become the most versatile player in Spurs history. He is a unique talent who has yet to reach his prime.

Honorable Mention: Dejounte Murray (1x All-Star + steals leader)

Final Lineup

• Point Guard – Tony Parker
• Shooting Guard – George Gervin
• Small Forward – Kawhi Leonard
• Power Forward – Tim Duncan
• Center – Victor Wembanyama

This All-Decade Spurs Starting Lineup Would Be Absolute Cinema

In their primes, Parker, Gervin, Leonard, Duncan, and Wemby would make up an unstoppable lineup. Every player contributes a different set of skills: Kawhi’s versatility, Gervin’s scoring, Parker’s playmaking, Duncan’s fundamentals, and Wemby’s otherworldly defense.

In addition to giving the team a modern look, this lineup would maintain the physicality that was key to the Spurs’ championship runs. Wemby and Duncan would collaborate in a way similar to that of Duncan and Robinson during the Spurs’ “Twin Towers” era. They would be a well-rounded, cohesive team that would excel on both ends of the court.

The hardest choice to leave out was David Robinson, who is ranked among the top 25 players of all time. However, Duncan is already filling a frontcourt spot and there wasn’t room for another big.

This lineup combines the best of the NBA’s old and new, showcasing the best of each decade. Their mix of elite defense, scoring, and championship experience makes them the perfect NBA lineup.