HT: 7-1 | WT: 250 | AGE: 35 | YR: 12
PTS: 14.1 | REBS: 8.7 | BLK: 2.4
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com
Even though his numbers aren't as great as they once were, David Robinson is probably a better overall player than Antonio Davis. He is the superior defender and shot blocker, and he and Tim Duncan combine to give the Spurs' defense the toughness that makes them as good as they are.
Robinson is now 35, but he's still playing very well. At the All-Star break, we interviewed him on ESPN Radio, and he said he felt terrific. Nothing is bothering him physically. Robinson doesn't seem to mind taking a secondary role to Duncan. He can still be a very effective role player -- rebounding, shot blocking, intimidating, scoring enough to keep the defense honest, and running the floor.
Both Robinson and Davis, who may be matched up with each other in Sunday's game, are extremely valuable to their teams. Davis, who is having a great year and works hard, has better rebounding numbers than Robinson, but he is the same defensive influence that Robinson is.
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HT: 6-9 | WT: 230 | AGE: 32 | YR: 8
PTS: 13.5 | REBS: 11.0 | BLK: 2.0
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com
If you look at both guys at this point in their careers, Antonio Davis is the better complementary big man. Davis is a better shooter than Robinson and runs the floor better now. He's a better post-up player now and even Davis' athleticism, clearly a Robinson advantage early in his career, has tipped in Antonio's favor.
In terms of a role player, which both players are on their respective teams, Davis brings more to the table. He is close to leading the league in double-doubles.
David Robinson was an MVP. He led the league in scoring. But that was then and this is now. David was the man in the past. But in their current roles, I like Antonio Davis. There's no question about it.
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