Robinson, David (1965- ), American professional basketball player, considered one of the outstanding centers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for both his defense and his scoring ability, the 7-ft 1-in (2.2-m) Robinson has displayed agility and ball-handling skills uncommon in players of his height.

Born in Key West, Florida, and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Robinson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1987. He set more than 30 basketball records at the U.S. Naval Academy and was named national college player of the year for his senior season (1986-87).

The San Antonio Spurs selected Robinson as the first pick of the 1987 NBA draft, but he did not officially join the team until 1989, after he had fulfilled two years of military service. Robinson's remaining four years of naval service were waived because his height exceeded the maximum height requirement for shipboard duty. Upon his introduction into the NBA, Robinson was an immediate success as the Spurs' starting center, and he was named 1990 NBA rookie of the year. He was voted defensive player of the year in 1992, when he led the NBA in blocked shots and rebounding. He also led the league in scoring in 1994 and was voted most valuable player (MVP) of the NBA in 1995. Robinson was named to three U.S. Olympic teams. The first team won the bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, and the second, known as the Dream Team, won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. He was also selected as a member of the team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Robinson missed all but six games in 1996-97, and the Spurs limped to a 20-62 win-loss record. After his return in 1997-98 and the debut of rookie Tim Duncan, the team improved to 56-26. In the lockout-shortened 1999 season Robinson helped lead the Spurs to a 37-13 record and the franchise’s first NBA championship.