San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball franchise based in San Antonio, Texas. The team competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference’s Southwest Division. Founded in 1967 as the Dallas Chaparrals in the American Basketball Association (ABA), the franchise relocated to San Antonio in 1973 and joined the NBA through the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. The Spurs are one of the most successful franchises in professional sports history, having won five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) during one of the most dominant dynasties in league history.

The Spurs are best known for the Tim Duncan-Gregg Popovich partnership that lasted 19 seasons and produced five championships, 1,001 combined wins (most by any player-coach duo), and an unprecedented 18-consecutive 50-win seasons. The franchise’s commitment to organizational excellence, international scouting, and sustainable success under legendary coach Gregg Popovich established San Antonio as the NBA’s model franchise for over two decades.

Dallas Chaparrals and ABA Era (1967–1976)

The franchise began in 1967 as the Dallas Chaparrals in the newly formed American Basketball Association. The team struggled financially and competitively in Dallas, posting modest records and failing to establish a fanbase despite featuring occasional talent.

In 1973, San Antonio businessmen led by Red McCombs purchased the franchise and relocated it to San Antonio, rebranding as the Spurs. The team played at HemisFair Arena and immediately became central to the city’s identity. The Spurs made the ABA Finals twice but never won an ABA championship.

George Gervin, “The Iceman,” joined the franchise midway through the 1973-74 season and became the team’s first superstar. Gervin’s elegant scoring ability and finger-roll signature shot made him one of basketball’s most recognizable players. He won four ABA/NBA scoring titles and is considered one of the greatest shooting guards in history.

The NBA Merger and Early Years (1976–1988)

In 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA, and the Spurs joined the established league alongside Denver, Indiana, and the New Jersey Nets. The Spurs became the first former ABA team to reach the NBA Finals and the first to win, achieving both milestones in 1999.

The early NBA years featured moderate success but no championships. In 1987, the Spurs selected Navy center David Robinson with the first overall pick. However, Robinson’s military service obligation delayed his NBA debut until 1989. The two-year wait proved worthwhile.

The David Robinson Era (1989–2003)

Robinson transformed the franchise upon arrival, winning Rookie of the Year and leading San Antonio to a 56-win season. The 7’1″ center, nicknamed “The Admiral,” combined elite athleticism, defensive prowess, and scoring ability. He won the MVP Award in 1995 and made 10 All-Star teams. He is also the last NBA player to record a quadruple-double. 

Despite Robinson’s excellence, the Spurs could not win a championship. The franchise reached the Western Conference Finals in 1995 but lost to Houston. In 1996-97, Robinson suffered a broken foot and missed all but nine games. The Spurs finished 20-62.

The Tim Duncan Era and Dynasty (1997–2016)

The disastrous 1996-97 season yielded extraordinary fortune: the Spurs won the NBA Draft lottery with just the third-worst record, securing the first overall pick. On June 25, 1997, San Antonio selected Wake Forest power forward Tim Duncan.

Duncan’s arrival, paired with Robinson’s return to health, created the “Twin Towers”—one of basketball’s most dominant frontcourts. In 1998-99, under coach Gregg Popovich (who had taken over mid-1996), the Spurs won their first NBA championship, defeating the New York Knicks 4-1. Duncan won Finals MVP.

The championships continued: 2003 (Robinson’s final season), 2005, 2007, and 2014. Duncan won three Finals MVP awards (1999, 2003, 2005) and two league MVPs (2002, 2003). The 2007 title gave San Antonio its fourth championship, and Duncan became the first player to win titles in three different decades after the 2014 championship.

The “Big Three” Era (Continued) 

Beginning in 2002, Duncan was joined by international stars Tony Parker (France) and Manu Ginóbili (Argentina), forming the “Big Three.” This trio won 575 regular-season games and 126 playoff games together, including four championships (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). All three are in the Hall of Fame with their jerseys retired.

The 2013-14 season delivered redemption. After heartbreaking Game 6 and 7 losses to Miami in the 2013 Finals, the Spurs returned in 2014 and demolished the Heat 4-1, with Kawhi Leonard earning Finals MVP. The victory represented the franchise’s fifth championship and Duncan’s final title before retiring in 2016.

Tim Duncan retired after 19 seasons, all with San Antonio—one of just three players to spend 19 seasons with one franchise alongside John Stockton and Kobe Bryant. His jersey #21 was retired on December 18, 2016. Duncan’s 1,072 wins as a player rank as the best 19-year span in NBA history across all four major sports.

Post-Duncan Transition (2016–2023)

After Duncan’s retirement, the Spurs attempted to remain competitive around Kawhi Leonard, who had won Finals MVP in 2014 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016. However, Leonard’s mysterious injury in the 2017-18 season and subsequent trade to Toronto ended the Spurs’ championship window.

For the first time since drafting Duncan, San Antonio missed the playoffs in 2019-20, ending the 22-year streak. The franchise endured multiple losing seasons, drafting Victor Wembanyama first overall in 2023 after winning the draft lottery.

The Victor Wembanyama Era (2023–Present)

On May 16, 2023, the Spurs won the draft lottery for the third time in franchise history (Robinson 1987, Duncan 1997, Wembanyama 2023). They selected French center Victor Wembanyama, a 7’4″ phenomenon who had been the consensus number-one pick for over a year.

Wembanyama was the unanimous Rookie of the Year in 2023-24, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and set numerous rookie records. In his second season (2024-25), Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks before being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder on February 20, 2025, ending his season.

On February 3, 2025, the Spurs acquired point guard De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento in a three-team trade, pairing him with Wembanyama for the franchise’s future. Fox signed a four-year extension shortly after.

Gregg Popovich’s Legacy

Popovich became head coach on December 10, 1996, after firing Bob Hill (Popovich was also general manager). His 29-year tenure produced:

– 1,390 regular-season wins (most in NBA history)

– Five NBA championships

– 22 consecutive playoff appearances (1998-2019)

– 18 consecutive 50-win seasons (1999-2017)

– Hall of Fame induction (2023)

On October 26, 2025, the Spurs honored Popovich with a “Pop 1,390” banner featuring five stars (five championships plus Hall of Fame induction). Popovich officially stepped down on May 2, 2025, after suffering a stroke in November 2024 that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The 2025-26 Season: Mitch Johnson’s First Year

Following Popovich’s retirement, assistant coach Mitch Johnson was promoted to head coach. Johnson, 37, had served as acting head coach for much of 2024-25 during Popovich’s health absence.

In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs selected Dylan Harper (Rutgers) second overall and Carter Bryant 14th overall. Harper, a versatile playmaker, has provided instant impact off the bench. 

The 2025-26 season has exceeded all expectations. The Spurs reached the NBA Cup Finals, defeating Oklahoma City in the semifinals (snapping their 16-game winning streak) before losing to the New York Knicks in the championship game. Johnson was named Western Conference All-Star coach and will coach the All-Star Game on February 15, 2026.

Victor Wembanyama has been named an All-Star starter in his third season and is averaging career highs across the board. After missing 12 games with a calf strain, Wembanyama returned to the starting lineup on December 28, 2025. The team went 9-3 without him and is 10-4 overall in games he’s missed this season.

Championships and Historical Record

The Spurs have won five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). As of the 2022-23 season, they held the highest winning percentage among active franchises. From 2000-2017, the Spurs’ winning percentage was the best in the four major U.S. professional sports leagues. The franchise has made 39 playoff appearances in 50 NBA seasons.

Ownership and Arena

The Spurs are owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, with Peter Holt as chairman emeritus. The franchise plays home games at Frost Bank Center (formerly AT&T Center), an 18,418-seat arena that opened in 2002.