The San Antonio Spurs struck gold during the 1997 NBA draft.
Injuries to multiple key players -- including back and foot injuries to 1994-95 NBA MVP David Robinson -- led San Antonio to finish the 1996-97 season 20-62. It remains the worst record in franchise history. The unexpected turbulent campaign helped the Spurs to win the draft lottery in 1997 and the right to select Wake Forest big man Tim Duncan with the No. 1 overall pick.
San Antonio paired Duncan with Robinson to form a dominant one-two punch and solidify the franchise's future.