San Antonio Spurs: David Robinson sees some Tim Duncan in Marvin Bagley III

San Antonio Spurs legend David Robinson compares college stud Marvin Bagley III to another top face in the Silver and Black’s archives.

The San Antonio Spurs know a thing or two about centers and power forwards. It rostered David Robinson and/or Tim Duncan from 1989-2016, resulting in a double-digit total of playoff appearances and five NBA championships. Both are considered among the greatest to play the center and power forward positions, respectively.

So, when you hear Robinson praise a fellow big man’s work, it’s noticeable. That’s the case with Duke center Marvin Bagley — the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

In speaking to Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com (h/t Bleacher Report), the Admiral provided Hall of Fame-worthy praise. He compared him to Duncan, noting how “mature” he looked with the ball:

“He reminds me a little bit of Tim Duncan in being so mature with the ball,” he said. “He’s got the same composure as a young Tim. I saw Tim in college at Wake, and he was phenomenal in terms of being patient. He never got rattled, and that’s Bagley. He’s the same way. Fantastic kid.”

Robinson also praised Bagley’s traditional post work, as he said, “I like the fact he doesn’t sit there and rely on the 3-pointer.”

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It’s tremendous words from this Spurs legend, who clearly took an interest in Bagley’s first handful of college basketball games. He seemingly enjoyed the now classic approach to playing the center or power forward spot, something that’s shifted toward mid-range and 3-point shots. Everyone from Joel Embiid to Pau Gasol is shooting them, with DeAndre Jordan as the rare big man that doesn’t.

If Bagley enters next year’s draft, he’ll be among the loaded crop of centers and power forwards. This will potentially include DeAndre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba and Jaren Jackson Jr. Michael Porter and Luka Doncic, who play on the wing, can’t be forgotten, either.

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Through eight games for Duke, Bagley has averaged 22.3 points,11.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s attempting1.6 3-pointers per game, hitting 30.8 percent of them. If the Spurs continue their winning ways, there won’t be a chance at attaining his rights the 2018 NBA Draft. That’s barring a trade, of course.