The best player to wear each jersey number for the San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs have seen over 400 players walk through the doors of their organization since their humble beginnings in the ABA. Some have cemented legacies as fabled figures in franchise lore, and others have become faceless names lost to time. No matter where they land on the spectrum, all these talented hoopers has handpicked a unique number to wear across their jersey.

These numbers are the calling cards that help fans pick out their favorite players from the crowd, and it is often the first thing people remember when racking their brains to sift through all the figures who have suited up in NBA history. The Silver and Black have a long list of standouts, but which superstars and quintessential role players have been the best to brandish each unique numeral?

The 50 and Above Club

#90: Drew Gooden

Gooden carved out a successful career in the NBA, but he spent his best seasons alongside LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though the 6-foot-10 forward only played 19 games in the 2-1-0, he makes this list because no one else has ever worn this number for the Silver and Black.

#77: Joffrey Lauvergne

There were slim pickings here, and this battle between role players ultimately came down to who had more games under their belt with the Spurs. Lauvergne was an afterthought during his stint with San Antonio, but he made it through a full season, which is more than DeMarre Carroll can say.

#55: Samaki Walker

Walker was a so-so second-stringer for the Spurs in the two years following their first championship, and there wasn't much competition for this spot. The former ninth overall pick of the 1996 NBA Draft averaged 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 132 games and eight starts for San Antonio.

#54: Sandro Mamukelashvili

Without much franchise history behind this number, Mamukelashvili makes the first appearance from an active player still on the roster. The Georgian center flashed intriguing ball skills for a seven-footer, and he will have a chance to cement himself in San Antonio's long-term plans this season.

#53: Artis Gilmore

Despite joining the Spurs past his prime during the 1982 offseason, Gilmore still posted stellar nightly numbers during his five-year tenure in San Antonio. The 11-time All-Star failed to find playoff success with the Silver and Black, but he continued building an infallible Hall of Fame resume.

#52: Mike Smrek

Smrek never left a lasting impression with San Antonio, and he was a spot-starter for one of the worst teams in franchise history. So, how did he make this list? The Canadian center was slightly better than an unfortunate cluster of forgettable role players with worse per-game statistics.

#50: David Robinson

Was there ever a doubt someone other than David Robinson would claim this number? The Admiral is one of the iconic faces etched into the metaphorical Mount Rushmore of this storied organization. He helped the Spurs capture their first league title while establishing a winning culture.