Ranking 7 Worst Spurs starters of the Big 3 era

2. Francisco Elson

Elson was a second-round draft pick in 1999 after playing four years of college basketball, but he returned to Europe before coming to the NBA. The seven-footer was already 27 years old during his rookie campaign. He spent three years in Denver as a role player before signing with the Spurs as a free agent in 2006.

San Antonio was still searching for their answer at center. It had been a revolving door in the three years since David Robinson retired. Elson got his chance, but he was mostly underwhelming. The 31-year-old played 11.5 minutes per game off the bench during the 2007 title run, including some key time in the the NBA Finals. Those were his best moments in the Alamo.

Elson lasted just 41 games during the 2007-08 season before he was traded with Brent Barry and a first-round pick to the Seattle SuperSonics for Kurt Thomas. Things did not work out for Thomas in San Antonio, but Elson lasted just four seasons as a bit player before retiring in 2012.

Francisco Elson was disappointing with the San Antonio Spurs, but the seven-footer was not the worst starter in the Big 3 era. That distinction goes to an underperforming guard.