Gary Payton looked back at the Spurs' locker room one last time, unsure if he would return next season.
In the end, his first year with the San Antonio Spurs was a failure.
An utter failure.
Tim Duncan didn't win a championship, but he still has a future. He is not yet 30 and remains one of the most dominant post players in the league, able to stay competitive even in the 2010s.
The Admiral didn't win a championship either, but he received everyone's respect.
Look at how the fans at SBC Center just cried their hearts out, pleading for the Admiral to play another year.
Since he officially joined the NBA in 1989, the Admiral has been a symbol for the Spurs.
Even though David Robinson has not been considered a star player in recent seasons, the people of San Antonio find it hard to get used to life without him.
Some players are like that, no matter how poorly they play, you still want them in the league. Such players are a source of joy for fans, rather than just athletes.
