Former French international and longtime San Antonio Spurs player, Tony Parker, is set to become a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame on August 12th. In an interview with “L’Equipe,” he shared his thoughts on this momentous occasion.
Parker, who had a great career representing France and San Antonio Spurs, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this August 12th.
“That’s sick (laugh). I have always taken the role of ambassador of our basketball seriously. I showed that we know how to play basketball because I became the first Frenchman to win the title and be on the All Star. I’m going into the Hall of Fame with Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol.
It’s so cool to experience this with Dirk and Pau, who I have a relationship with, because I remember Americans telling us at the time that it was impossible to see a European as a franchise player and we are a bit the first.
Now when I see NBA teams don’t mind having [Nikola] Jokic, [Giannis] Antetokounmpo or [Luka] Doncic as a franchise player, it shows that we have come a long way. So I’m very, very proud to enter the Hall of Fame with them, it’s an honor, and it’s cool to have three Europeans in the same vintage.”
“Welcome home, welcome home.”
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) August 3, 2023
– 4x NBA Champion and #23HoopClass inductee, Tony Parker
Watch the #23HoopClass enshrinement, Saturday, August 12 at 8pm/et on NBA TV 📺 pic.twitter.com/2CC30PkkHZ
While Parker has already experienced a significant moment when the Spurs retired his jersey, his upcoming entry into the Hall of Fame holds a special place.
”The retirement of jersey, it was something incredible, especially when you know the tradition of the NBA, but there, I think it is tenfold “, he judges for example. ” The Hall of Fame is still a step above because, when you just look at the Spurs, there are 10 jerseys retired and there are only 4 in the Hall of Fame. So that’s where you see it.
They are doing a split in the United States and I feel like you are entering another galaxy, because there are very, very few players who enter the Hall of Fame. I feel the pressure and I’m very nostalgic, because I write my speech and I watch games, it’s weird. However, I had big things like Legion of Honor or National Order of Merit, but the Hall of Fame… I can compare it to my meeting with [Barack] Obama at the White House. The kind of stuff where you don’t show off too much and where you have to be ready.”
The discussion naturally revolved around Gregg Popovich.
”It’s a relationship that will always be very, very special, it’s like a second father “says Tony Parker. ” I came to San Antonio so young, at 19, and he took me under his wing. We will even say that he took a risk because, at the time, giving the ball to a European leader when your superstar, Tim Duncan, didn’t tell me about my whole rookie year, it’s risky.
I’m the player he’s had the hardest time with at Spurs but, at the same time, we’ve achieved so many things together… It’s almost funny to enter the Hall of Fame together, we could have chosen anyone what a year for him. Plus, there will also be Becky Hammon, who’s like a big sister, so it’s just amazing to be back at the same time as them.”