David Robinson

David Robinson was a 7'1" Navy officer who ran the floor like a gazelle, blocked shots like Russell, and scored like a guard. The Admiral is one of the most well-rounded centers in basketball history — an MVP, a DPOY, a scoring champion, a rebounding leader, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. His combination of speed, athleticism, and skill at the center position was unprecedented when he entered the league in 1989.

Robinson's Spurs won two championships — in 1999 and 2003 — though the second title came when Tim Duncan had clearly assumed the mantle of the franchise's best player. Robinson's willingness to defer to Duncan, to accept a supporting role for the good of the team, speaks to his character as much as his 71-point game speaks to his talent. He is one of the few great players in history who gracefully transitioned from alpha to supporting star.

Off the court, Robinson is one of the most philanthropically active athletes in American history. His Carver Academy — a private school he founded in San Antonio for underprivileged students — is one of the most successful athlete-funded educational initiatives ever created. Robinson's legacy is defined not just by what he did on the basketball court, but by what he built off it.