Great Teammates

From the Sports Illustrated article in 2003 that named David Robinson and Tim Duncan the Sportsmen of the Year.

"We honor them too for the way they fit together in San Antonio, one superstar and number 1 draft pick (Duncan in '97) biding his time until the other superstar and number 1 draft pick (Robinson, '87) was ready to bed the starring role. The mind boggles at the clamorous scenes that would have unfolded in Los Angeles had Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant had to share the same spot for the Lakers. Robinson, a post-up center, and Duncan, a post-up power forward, figuratively and literally had to make room for each other, a display of selflessness at which both men shrug their shoulders. "It was a natural process," says Duncan. "When I came in, David was the Man and I was just trying to learn the game, develop under his wing. And when it was time for me to do more, David understood it without a word being spoken."

Well, maybe a word or two. "Sure, I had a few talks with Pop, because it was a tough thing for me when the offense started going through Tim," says Robinson. "But it never got the the argument stage because how could I not accept it? It was the right thing to do."

Has there ever been a better pair of teammates who were as talented and high-profile? We are talking about two of the top 50 players in the history of the game, who essentially played the same position, teaming up and sacrificing for championships together.