Tony Parker takes a U-turn; Claims he never said that San Antonio Spurs are also-rans: NBA Update
Tony Parker has dismissed comments he reportedly made to French journalists last month about the San Antonio Spurs not being a title contending force anymore. In the interview, Parker is alleged to have said that the core of the
team is too old and in the next season, they won’t be serious challengers for the NBA World Championship.
Parker is now back in San Antonio and has said the whole thing was blown out of proportion. Tony Parker recently signed a 4 year contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs and pointed to that as testament of his confidence in
the franchise.
"You know newspapers need stories and to talk about stuff, and I'm in a great situation to know what it is," Parker said. "I love the Spurs. I love being a Spur. I re-signed four years so if I didn't believe we can win a championship
I would not have signed."
Tony Parker started his NBA Career as a 19 year old with the San Antonio Spurs. He has since been a regular fixture in the team and his new contract extension means that he will probably see out his career at the franchise. In
his time with the Spurs, Parker has won 3 NBA World Championships.
The man around whom the San Antonio Spurs dynasty has been built, power forward Tim Duncan, turns 36 next spring. Manu Ginobili, the other stalwart of the Spurs team is turning 34 next month. As such the core of the team is way
past its prime.
This was something Parker eluded to in the pre season, when he stated that the 2010-2011 season was probably the last chance for the San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan to win a 5th NBA World Title. His alleged comments
that surfaced on FIBA’s official website after Spurs’ exit from the playoffs were along the same lines.
San Antonio Spurs won 61 games in the regular season and entered the playoffs as the first seeds in Western Conference. However, they were knocked out by the Memphis Grizzlies in the very first round and that might have prompted
Tony Parker’s stinging comments.
The player however said he did not have to justify himself as he has been a loyal servant to the Spurs and will continue to give his all for the cause in the years to come,
"I don't have to justify anything," Parker said. "Me, bottom line, I love being a Spur and that's why I signed four more years. I have nothing to justify to you. The only thing I care about is (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich), Timmy
and Manu, and my teammates."
Tony Parker has established himself as one of the premier point guards in the last decade. His combination with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili has led the San Antonio Spurs to NBA Championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. He averaged
17.5 points and 6.6 assists last season.
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