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Admiral on the bridge San Antonio's David Robinson can silence critics forever Click here for more on this story Posted: Monday June 07, 1999 12:40 PM   The center of attention: Robinson averaged 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.9 steals per game against the Blazers in the playoffs. AP Race for the title | Storylines | The Bandwagon By Andy Johnston, CNN/SI Check back every week for "The NBA at a Glance." Everybody can now get off David Robinson's back. We know, we know. He still hasn't led the San Antonio Spurs to an NBA championship -- but he's finally in the Finals -- and that matters. Besides, the Spurs will almost certainly be favored to beat either the Pacers or the Knicks, once their ugly series concludes. Every since Robinson came into the league 10 seasons ago, people have said he's too soft or isn't vocal enough or it was his fault his teams couldn't win big games. Well, he's on his way now. He was asked Sunday if he feels vindicated. "Not yet," he said. "But four more games and I will." But despite all the misgivings about Robinson, he has earned respect as a player. That's something his teammates don't get. Sure, the Spurs posted the best record in the NBA this season (42-6 since starting the season 6-8), but folks still see them as a team that has yet to prove itself. "I feel that we get no respect" guard Mario Elie said. Why? Because other than Robinson and Tim Duncan, there are no stars on this team. Before the playoffs, most fans would have been hard-pressed to name a Spur sub. Heck, Elie, fellow starting guard Avery Johnson and backup Jaren Jackson all spent time in the CBA before finding a home in the NBA and helping form the exceptional chemistry on this team. After Sunday's victory, Robinson, perhaps sensing his final shot at the championship, spoke to his mates. "You should have heard him," Tim Duncan said. "It means so much to him. He's worked so many years and this is the first time he's gotten there. What he said is that this is the best that he's felt with a team, looking at all the people on the floor that he knows he can count on."   Race for the title Knicks (8) vs. Pacers (1) Why you should care: Because NBC demands it Matchup to watch: Spike Lee vs. Reggie Miller Blazers (2) vs. Spurs (1) Why you should care: Oh, wait a minute. It's already over.   Storylines We'll Be Following Van Money No one may want the Knicks to reach the NBA Finals more than coach Jeff Van Gundy, who will make a guaranteed $3.3 million in 2000-01 if his team reaches the NBA's Promised Land, and $3.8 million if the Knicks win it. But, and it's a big one, he is guaranteed only $333,000 of that money if he is fired without making the Finals. Hands-on approach Expect to see Julius Erving taking more of a direct role with the Magic next season. Yes, he works for them. The good Dr. J is an executive vice president with Orlando, and if the franchise hires Doc Rivers, or another coach with little experience, Erving said he "plans to spend more time on the basketball court with the team next season, in a kind of a value-added capacity." Whatever that means. Anyway, Erving felt like he would hurt former coach Chuck Daly's effectiveness if he got too close to the team.   The Bandwagon Mike Dunleavy For getting the least out of his team Damon Stoudamire Playoff problem child Penny Hardaway It seems everybody wants him David Robinson Going to the NBA Finals Mike Fratello And take your "stall ball" with you   Related information Stories Week at a Glance: These Knicks full of tricks Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.

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