San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs, originally the Dallas Chaparrals in the ABA, joined the NBA in 1976 and became a model franchise under Gregg Popovich — the longest-tenured coach in NBA history. George "The Iceman" Gervin dazzled with his finger-roll in the 1970s and '80s. David Robinson's arrival in 1989 elevated the franchise, and the 1997 draft of Tim Duncan created the greatest power forward in history and the cornerstone of a dynasty. Duncan, alongside Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Popovich, won five championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) spanning 15 years — a testament to sustained excellence through player development and organizational culture. The 2014 championship, achieved through the most beautiful team basketball ever seen in the Finals, is considered the franchise's masterpiece. Victor Wembanyama, the transformational No. 1 pick in 2023, represents the next chapter of Spurs basketball.