Golden State Warriors: Ranking the NBA’s greatest dynasties
By Tony Pesta
5. 2000s – San Antonio Spurs
When speaking about longevity, the San Antonio Spurs are the prime example of how to create a dynasty that spans across multiple decades. The only team to win a championship in each of the previous three decades, the Spurs have sustained greatness like no other.
It all began with the selection of Tim Duncan in the 1997 NBA Draft. Playing alongside Hall-of-Famer, David Robinson, the two legends would win a championship in just their second season together.
Robinson was gone by the time the french torpedo, Tony Parker, joined the roster. However, Duncan was only getting started. Duncan put up 23.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game in 2002-03 on the way to winning the MVP award and yet another championship.
Finals MVP’s for San Antonio:
- 1999 – Tim Duncan
- 2003 – Tim Duncan
- 2005 – Tim Duncan
- 2007 – Tony Parker
- 2014 – Kawhi Leonard
The Spurs had seemingly reached their peak in the middle of the 2000s with the cumulation of some intense defense from Bruce Bowen and the unmatched creativity of Manu Ginobili. Combined with the powers of Duncan and Parker, the Spurs won two more championships in three years.
Finally, at the top of the 2010s, the Spurs made one last push for a title. Still, with the original core of Parker, Duncan and Ginobili, the Spurs reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back seasons. However, this time, it was a young and spry Kawhi Leonard who helped them capture their fifth NBA championship.