In light of the most recent drama that surrounds NBA circles between Kenyon Martin and Draymond Green , there were countless personalities voicing their opinion about the matter. While some believe K-Mart would mop the floor with Dray in his prime, others think that Green's basketball IQ, defensive prowess and, most importantly, his individual and team accolades win over this discussion in an instant. However, there is one guy who, amid this public spat, drew parallels between the title-winning dynasty of the Golden State Warriors and his San Antonio Spurs days.
That would be former player-turned-analyst Stephen Jackson , who firmly believes that the Dub Nation wouldn't have had the same success had they played in an era when the mighty Spurs dominated. And in typical Cap'n Jack fashion, he didn't sugarcoat a thing.
"I will say this, just like Draymond will say about his team, If your team that you have at your height played in our era, I don't think you get four championships. 'Cause I don't think y'all was better than my Spurs team," Cap'n Jack said in the recent episode of ALL THE SMOKE podcast.
" Tim Duncan and David Robinson was really that. Tony Parker was really that. Ginobili was really that. I was really that. I got the same confidence that he has," the retired wing added.
When having these types of scenarios, there is rarely someone who can stay completely unbiased. Whether they watched a favorite team growing up or, in Jackson's case, actually played there, personal experience always seeps into the argument. Capt'n Jack suited up for the Spurs for just two and a half seasons between 2001 and 2003; however, that short period was more than enough to see all the greatness of that roster.
Tim Duncan , who, according to many, deserves to be right at the top of the all-time rankings, was the quiet leader who would show up when it mattered most. He was backed by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili , both of whom left a lasting impact on the modern game. As for Jackson, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in six games in the NBA Finals, carving out a meaningful role on a championship team.
But one guy who was extremely important for that dynasty was the Admiral, David Robinson , an absolute two-way beast. Even though Jackson got to share a locker room with him at the tail end of his Hall of Fame career, he knows that containing the 7'1", 235-pound pure muscle machine would be troubling for Green, no matter how good a defender he is.
The Spurs won titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007 during that era, and added one more for good measure in 2014. A decade and a half of being at the top of the Association's food chain. And Stephen is convinced that if Draymond's group had to go through that exact Western Conference, the outcome wouldn't be anywhere near four championships.
The Warriors are the last team to win back-to-back championships, and they did so during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. During that period, they were considered the mighty superteam, featuring Stephen Curry , Klay Thompson , Green and Kevin Durant — all of whom are first-ballot Hall of Famers. With that same core (sans KD), they won another chip in 2015, and just like the Spurs, they added one more a few campaigns later in 2022.
Two dynasties, two different eras, two completely distinct styles of basketball identities. And depending on who you grew up watching, who you rooted for or which brand of basketball you gravitate toward, your answer will probably lean one way or another. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. And it is up to all of us to decide who we want to back in this scenario.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
