In December 1980, a San Antonio tradition was born when the Spurs handed out free posters featuring their front line -- the "Bruise Brothers." The crew of George Johnson, Dave Corzine, Kevin Restani, Mark Olberding, Reggie Johnson and Paul Griffin proved they deserved the moniker. The 1980-81 team led the league in rebounds and blocks, and was third in personal fouls. They weren't a Championship team, but they were a big part of Spurs' basketball.
Now, twenty years after retiring, Paul Griffin is still part of the Spurs' basketball. Residing in San Antonio and working in real estate, Griffin is on the board of the Spurs Foundation raising money for charities throughout the San Antonio community. You can often see him at SBC Center sitting with other former Spurs -- all part of the big Spurs' family.
"The Spurs are very generous in giving tickets to the alumni players. You don't see many franchises do that -- maybe none of them," Griffin said recently. "The Spurs take care of their own better than anyone."
This season, Griffin will be taking in more basketball games than ever. Griffin's son Ryan is a freshman on a basketball scholarship at Sam Houston State.
"It's exciting. Ryan will get a lot of playing time as a freshman. They graduated six seniors and let go two other players for grades.
"They take on Texas in the third game of the season and then Texas Tech soon after, so we'll be there. And also we will go up for as many home games as we can."
Reflecting on his own experience in the NBA, Griffin remembers fondly his rookie season.
"As a rookie with the New Orleans Jazz, stepping out on the parquet floor at the Boston Garden, it was a great experience. Stepping on the court where they had won all those Championships, on the same floor with guys like (Dave) Cowens and (John) Havlicek."
Now as the 2003 Spurs embark on their quest for another title, Griffin shares his opinions on the outlook for the season.
"There are a lot of new faces, but I think their chances this year are about the same (as last season)", Griffin said.
"Ginobili and Parker have another year under their belts. Horry is a good solid veteran to give you quality minutes off the bench. Obviously they'll miss Robinson, but Rasho should put up about the same numbers as David did last season. He is in his prime and can flourish next to Tim.
"Duncan will have to step into David's shoes as a team leader. And Parker, in his third year as the quarterback, will have to share some of that. He'll start getting respected, but it's Duncan's team. Tim will have to step up on and off the floor as the Spurs' leader."
As the Spurs begin their journey to repeat as NBA champions on the court, Paul Griffin is living proof that the Spurs' organization is already a winner off the court.
Griffin lives in San Antonio with his wife, Kim. The Griffins have three children, Kacy, Cory and Ryan.
