Ranking 7 Worst Spurs starters of the Big 3 era

5. Antonio McDyess

McDyess could jump out of the gym, and he was on his way to being a superstar when a severe knee injury cost him almost two full seasons. He was named third-team All-NBA in 1999 and an All-Star in 2001. McDyess averaged 20.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over three seasons before going down just ten games into the 2001-02 season.

The 6’9 forward was never the same. He carved out a niche as a role player before signing with the Spurs in 2009. The 34-year-old was coming off back-to-back seasons where he averaged 9.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 29.7 minutes per game as a starter for the Pistons. McDyess was past his prime, but the Spurs were hoping he could play a key role next to Tim Duncan.

The veteran saw his production drop off mightily in San Antonio, and the Spurs waited too long to sign him. McDyess’ playing time increased in the playoffs, but he just did not have much left in the tank. The 6’9 forward was not the same athlete, and his rim protection ability declined.

The San Antonio Spurs won just one playoff series during their two seasons with Antonio McDyess before the 36-year-old retired in 2011. He averaged 5.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 20.0 minutes per game, and the veteran failed to live up to expectations.