Tim Duncan at 24 — already the best power forward in basketball.
A genuinely excellent team with the misfortune of sharing an era with the most dominant postseason force in history. Tim Duncan at 24 was already the best power forward alive. His partnership with David Robinson gave San Antonio the most imposing frontcourt in basketball.
58 wins. Two playoff rounds cruised. Then the Shaq-Kobe Lakers swept them in the WCF as part of a 15-1 run. It stung, but the dynasty foundation was set.
The season ended in a sweep that left San Antonio heartbroken, but in hindsight it was the necessary crucible. Duncan would channel the pain into four championships over the next 13 years. The 2000-01 Spurs didn't win it all, but they learned how.
Season Trajectory
Bold = SAS. Faded = key opponents. Dashed = .500
Key Players
Player
Stats
Note
#21
Tim Duncan
Franchise Cornerstone
22.2 PPG | 12.2 RPG | 2.3 BPG
At 24, the best PF alive and perennial MVP candidate.
#50
David Robinson
Center / Twin Tower
14.4 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 2.5 BPG
The Admiral. Penultimate season, passing the torch.
#1
Derek Anderson
Shooting Guard
11.9 PPG | 3.6 APG
Scoring punch from the backcourt.
#6
Avery Johnson
PG / Floor General
7.7 PPG | 5.4 APG
Pop's on-court extension. Steady and smart.
#8
Steve Smith
Veteran Wing
11.1 PPG | 3.1 RPG
Experience and perimeter shooting.
Team Payroll
Total Payroll: $55.2M
Salary Cap: $42.5M
Luxury Tax: Yes
Duncan on a team-friendly deal relative to his value
Player
Salary
Tim Duncan
$10.5M
David Robinson
$10.4M
Steve Smith
$8.5M
Derek Anderson
$5.3M
Avery Johnson
$3.0M
The Season, Month by Month
Oct-Dec 2000
Dominant From the Start
David Robinson — The Admiral in his penultimate season.
Duncan and Robinson overpowering. Deliberate pace, ferocious defense. Alamodome is a house of horrors.
Shaq at his peak. Lakers sweep in four. Part of a 15-1 run. Crushing — but Duncan learned what championship dominance looks like. Four titles would follow.
