San Antonio Spurs · Franchise era 4 of 7

The Duncan dynasty: the San Antonio Spurs story

Franchise era

1997–98—2015–16

The Duncan dynasty

San Antonio Spurs

The story in one sentence

Duncan's steadiness allowed San Antonio to evolve from twin towers to a flowing motion offense while winning five championships.

01

Five titles through constant evolution

02

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili and Kawhi Leonard gave the era its recognizable core.

03

Its ending created the conditions for the kawhi handoff.

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Before 1997–98

    What came before

    Robinson arrived after naval service and instantly made the Spurs a 56-win team, later earning MVP before one injury-altered season changed history.

  2. After 2015–16

    What came next

    Leonard led a 61-win contender before injury and distrust abruptly ended the planned succession.

The core

Faces of the chapter

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