Offseason underway. Brush up on Spurs History

[SenorSpur]

I know we have a lot of fans who came aboard during this Duncan/Pop dynasty - and what a run it has been. I just wish more fans took the time to study and learn more about the history of this proud franchise. The all-star caliber players that came through here from both the ABA and early NBA days.

From the backcourt brilliance of James Silas, the prolific scoring prowess and feathery touch of Hall-of-Famer, George Gervin, the rebounding and gazelle-like, fast-breaking grace of Larry Kenon, the power and force in the paint, that was Artis Gilmore, the shotblocking tenacity of George Johnson, the guile and grit of the original 6th man, George Karl (yes - that George Karl), and the intense, on-the-ball, defensive tenacity of Alvin Robertson (the Bruce Bowen of his day). Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to the Bruise Brothers (Mark Olberding, Paul Griffin, Dave Corzine, Reggie Johnson, Kevin Restani). http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblog...ory_the_1.html

There have been a stream of fantastic players that came through here. Some went on to formidable careers, others were simply role players who made their mark during a brief tenure. It should be known that the Spurs were perennial playoff contenders during the latter seasons of their ABA days. Following the ABA/NBA merger, this success carried over into their early NBA days of the late '70s, when they very nearly, and should have, advanced to the NBA Finals in '79.

If ever watch NBATV, you know that we all get bombarded by constant offseason coverage on the history of franchises like the Celtics, Fakers, Pistons, and Bulls. As if those have been the only successful franchises in NBA history. Don't believe the hype. This franchise has had a very unique and storied history, in it's own right. One that I would rank just behind Celtics and Fakers. There were many, many disappointments along the way, but there was a lot of excitement, as well. Now we there are multiple les to add to that history.

Everyone should absolutely enjoy and appreciate this era of Spurs basketball. It's been the best and most successful, by far. However, do know that the Spurs history just didn't start with the Duncan/Pop era. Every true Spurs fan would be better served knowing more about it.

If interested, find out more about our franchise history by way of the following:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/history/spurs_history.html

http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba...nio/spurs.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs

After all, it's still another 2 1/2 months before the season begins.

[jimo2305]

^ thx senorspur.. ill check that out when i get home.. i hate when ppl act all badass sayin' ''well u're just a bandwagonner.. u only know about duncan era!''.. well yea because thats around when i really got in to basketball! i do remember watching robinson tho.. i started watching nba like around '94 '95 when the rockets did their thing with hakeem..

[Biggems]

^ thx senorspur.. ill check that out when i get home.. i hate when ppl act all badass sayin' ''well u're just a bandwagonner.. u only know about duncan era!''.. well yea because thats around when i really got in to basketball! i do remember watching robinson tho.. i started watching nba like around '94 '95 when the rockets did their thing with hakeem..

bandwagoner.....

[ShoogarBear]

http://www.remembertheaba.com/San-Antonio-Spurs.html

[mrspurs]

oh yeah, i was a fan way before david and tim. since day one here......gracias senor

[spurs1990]

1989 Ferry ; Elliott ;Reid ;Brown, Chuck
1990 Schintzius ;Herrera ;Massenburg ;Higgins
1991 Smith, Steve ;Sutton
1992 Horry
1993 Van Exel
1994 Robinson, G ;Williams, Mont; Goldwire
1995 Stoudamire ;Thomas, K ;Parks ;Barry ;Finley ;Alexander
1996 Walker, S ;Rose ;McCaskill
1997 Duncan ;Daniels ; Mercer ;Anderson, D ;Smith, C ;Vaughn ;Jackson, S
1998 Nesterovic ;Mohammed ;Marks, S ;Dial
1999 Glover ;Elson ;Ginobili
2000 Johnson, DeM ;Turkoglu ;Claxton ; Hart
2001 Parker
2002 Ely ;MASON
2003 Bonner
2004 udrih
2005 Mahinmi
2006 White, J
2007 Williams, Marc


bold denotes current player

[baseline bum]

I know we have a lot of fans who came aboard during this Duncan/Pop dynasty - and what a run it has been. I just wish more fans took the time to study and learn more about the history of this proud franchise. The all-star caliber players that came through here from both the ABA and early NBA days.

From the backcourt brilliance of James Silas, the prolific scoring prowess and feathery touch of Hall-of-Famer, George Gervin, the rebounding and gazelle-like, fast-breaking grace of Larry Kenon, the power and force in the paint, that was Artis Gilmore, the shotblocking tenacity of George Johnson, the guile and grit of the original 6th man, George Karl (yes - that George Karl), and the intense, on-the-ball, defensive tenacity of Alvin Robertson (the Bruce Bowen of his day). Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to the Bruise Brothers (Mark Olberding, Paul Griffin, Dave Corzine, Reggie Johnson, Kevin Restani). http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblog...ory_the_1.html

There have been a stream of fantastic players that came through here. Some went on to formidable careers, others were simply role players who made their mark during a brief tenure. It should be known that the Spurs were perennial playoff contenders during the latter seasons of their ABA days. Following the ABA/NBA merger, this success carried over into their early NBA days of the late '70s, when they very nearly, and should have, advanced to the NBA Finals in '79.

If ever watch NBATV, you know that we all get bombarded by constant offseason coverage on the history of franchises like the Celtics, Fakers, Pistons, and Bulls. As if those have been the only successful franchises in NBA history. Don't believe the hype. This franchise has had a very unique and storied history, in it's own right. One that I would rank just behind Celtics and Fakers. There were many, many disappointments along the way, but there was a lot of excitement, as well. Now we there are multiple les to add to that history.

Everyone should absolutely enjoy and appreciate this era of Spurs basketball. It's been the best and most successful, by far. However, do know that the Spurs history just didn't start with the Duncan/Pop era. Every true Spurs fan would be better served knowing more about it.

If interested, find out more about our franchise history by way of the following:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/history/spurs_history.html

http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba...nio/spurs.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs

After all, it's still another 2 1/2 months before the season begins.

Speaking of the Bruise Brothers, does anyone have that poster? I used to see it displayed at Hemisfair Arena and always wanted the poster as a kid, but could never find it since they were all long gone by the time I started going to games (about 85 or so).

[Twisted_Dawg]

Trivia:
1. How many seats were in the arena before they raised the roof?
2. How much did the seats cost in the stands behind the backboards the first 2 years?
3. Who was Dancing Harry?
4. What form of paper was used for the contract to acquire Gervin from the Squires?
5. What did the TV commentator call Alfredrick Hughes when the Spurs drafted him?

The Bonus question worth a12 pack:
6. Who said this quote: "Coach Brown's game is one of fundamentals, and my game don't have no fundamentals"? What was this player's nickname? And who did we trade to acquire this player???


Good luck with your Googling.