David Robinson reflects on the skepticism and doubt he faced upon joining the San Antonio Spurs. Confronted with a struggling franchise and uncertain teammates, he questioned whether he could become the superstar the team needed.
“Everybody looked at me like, ‘Who the heck do you think you are?” – David Robinson on why he doubted he’d become a superstar when he arrived in San Antonio

Key Takeaways:
- David Robinson encountered skepticism from Spurs teammates when he joined the team.
- He doubted his ability to rise to superstar status in San Antonio.
- The Spurs were a struggling franchise at the time of his arrival.
- He felt significant pressure to transform the team’s fortunes.
- Robinson ultimately overcame these challenges to become a franchise icon.
Facing Skepticism in San Antonio
When David Robinson arrived in San Antonio to join the Spurs, he was met with uncertainty and doubt. “Everybody looked at me like, ‘Who the heck do you think you are?'” Robinson recalls, highlighting the initial skepticism from his new teammates.
Doubting His Own Potential
Despite being a highly anticipated addition to the team, Robinson himself was unsure if he could rise to superstar status. The pressure to turn around a struggling franchise weighed heavily on him, leading to personal doubts about his ability to meet expectations.
The Challenge of Transforming a Team
The Spurs were not in a great place when Robinson joined them. As a new player on a struggling team, he faced the daunting task of making a significant impact. The locker room atmosphere reflected the team’s difficulties, and Robinson knew he had to work hard to change perceptions.
Overcoming Early Pressures
Through determination and perseverance, Robinson worked to overcome the early pressures and doubts. His journey with the Spurs became one of transformation, not just for himself but for the entire franchise.