Robinson to Retire After Next Season

David Robinson’s 14th NBA season will be his last. The San Antonio Spurs’ 10-time All-Star is getting ready to retire.

“My career here has been like a dream--perhaps better than a dream,” he said Friday. “It’s been a great 13 years for me, and I’m excited about next year.”

The 7-foot-1 center, who turns 37 in August, will play out the final year of the two-year, $20-million contract he signed last summer.

The Spurs’ career leader in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and assists is coming off a sub-par season.

Robinson saw limited time on the court in the playoffs because of nerve problems in his back, legs and foot.

He averaged 4.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 20 minutes in four playoff games for the Spurs, who beat Seattle, 3-2, in the opening round, but were beaten, 4-1, by the Lakers in the second round.

“Class act, legend, still my idol,” Laker center Shaquille O’Neal said before Friday’s Western Conference final Game 3. “I can’t say anything bad about a guy like that.”

Robinson averaged a career-low 12.2 points and 8.3 rebounds during the regular season, well below his career averages of 21.9 points and 10.8 rebounds.

He made his decision three years after teaming up with 7-footer Tim Duncan to lead the Spurs to the NBA championship in 1999. Robinson said he revealed his intention to retire well in advance to allow the team time to plan for the future.

“I know the Lord has good things for me to do,” Robinson said. “But hopefully we’ll have a great summer and come back and have a fantastic year next year.”

Robinson was a unanimous choice as Rookie of the Year for the 1989-90 season, was named MVP in 1995, and defensive player of the year in 1992.

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Utah Jazz forward Donyell Marshall had surgery to repair a damaged right wrist, an injury that didn’t cause him to miss any games last season.

Marshall has spent two seasons in Utah but can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He said he hopes to re-sign with the Jazz but plans to test the market.