TP's interview

[Bruno]

It is an interview made by Olivier Pheulpin in the newspaper "L'Equipe":

Will Spurs be NBA champion this year?
I hope so. At least, we have the team to be it. Every year, a lot of teams are saying that their goal is to be champion but only 4 or 5 teams have the ability to win it all. This year, we belong to this group.

Wasn't it the case last year?
No. Lakers were way better than us. However, we really have this year the team to fight with them. They are still the favorites but we have a shot like Boston, Orland and Cleveland have.

Gregg Popovich has talking about resigning if Spurs weren't able to win it with this team. Even if he was joking, There are some pressure on the team. Do you feel it?
Sure, I do. The owner has spend a lot of money this year... The title will be won on details as each year but it's clear that our goal is to be champion and that the minimum is to reach the WCF. Popovich has said to us: "We have an opportunity to win it all and there aren't a lot in the life. Our last title was a very long time ago. The more you win, the more difficult it is. And this title will be really hard to get." He really want to win it all.

On the paper, is this team the best one you've played for?
We could say that if we won. We are fine and strong at every spot but we aren't the only ones to have a nice roster. Lakers and Celtics can say the same. To win a NBA title, you need more than 2 main players, you need 3 or 4 ones.

What do you think about the big moves of the summer: Shaq to Cleveland and Artest to Lakers?
As everyone else, I'm curious to see Shaq with Cleveland. I don't know how it will work with LeBron James. I think Artest will help a lot Lakers. He plays hard and defends. They are going to be even stronger. And even if there are some risks, they have the perfect coach to manage him. Phil Jackson has still coached Dennis Rodman... Artest will respect him.

For the fist time since you've played for Spurs, there will have a SF with offensive skills. What will it change?
We have a true SF. Bruce was very good but mainly on the defensive end. This year, with Jefferson, we have an athletic SF who can score and post up. To sum up, a true SF.

Will this addition changes a little your role?
No, it won't. Pop wants that I continue to play the same way. He wants that I'm aggressive and even more a leader. He asked me to announce the plays and that he will take a full rest. Now, don't expect some 30 or 40 points games this season. My role will be to make the team work. An with all the offensive options we have, we will share a lot the ball.

Will you increase you assists average per game?
Why not... My record is 6.9 per game. It will eb great to beat it and to add 18 or 19ppg at the same time. However, don't expect 10apg with our system.

How are your teammates?
Duncan is in shape. He is well rested as is Manu. I think that vintage Manu will be back and that he will make a huge season.

What about your French teammate, Ian Mahinmi?
It will be hard for Ian. There are so much depth in this team... On top of that, he hasn't played for one year. Honestly, I don't know if he will be able to succeed.

How do you judge your summer with the French national team?
It was a positive one even if I'm a little disappointed not to have won a medal. We have reached our goal by qualifying for the world championship. We have also progressed. Now, we have to continue and start won medals. We have a nice team. Noah and Pietrus will make us better.

How are you physically?
I'm fine. It's true that the summer has been long but I'm fine. I think that the season will be good. In any case, I'm ready.

2 years without a title, is it a little in your mind?
Yes, it is. It's great to say that you've won three times but the last one was a long time ago in 2007. To win one more time, even more to give 5 titles to Tim and Pop, would be awesome.

One more? The last one?
I think that we have a two years window. After that, Duncan will be 35-36 years old and we won't be able to keep Jefferson at $15M per year. And Manu is at the end of his contract. That's why we have to win now. Everybody knows it.

Manu will be a FA this summer. Your contract ends in two years. Do you think about that sometimes?
I'm feeling good here. For the moment, I don't think too much about it.

You've just moved into a sumptuous house in the hills. Could it be a factor to make your choice?
No. I want that Spurs give me what I've deserved. We will see if Tim continue to play and if Pop is still the coach. It's two things I will look at before making a choice. I will take my time to think at it.

So, without Pop, you'll leave the team?
If nobody is left in San Antonio, I rather go in another team to win another title. I don't want to rebuild with young players and do babysitting. I want to play to win titles. To have built the house of my dreams here doesn't count. I can go playing elsewhere during 5 years and be back here at the end of my career. With Eva, we want to live in San Antonio.

[jb4g]

interesting stuff. not much faith in his fellow countryman lol.

[ElNono]

interesting stuff. not much faith in his fellow countryman lol.

Nor in staying in San Antonio post-Duncan/Pop era...
ducks must be crying a river right now...

Thanks for the translation :tu

[raspsa]

If Parker can be so doubtful of Mahinmi's chances, it doesn't look good for Ian.

[hater]

Ian is so close to being a full fledged bust

[Muser]

Parker not staying in SA after Duncan and Pop retire, don't blame him either.

[td_tp_manu]

very candid

[Mel_13]

Thanks for the translation.

Tony's interviews are always brutally frank and honest.

To me, his comments put to rest any of the concerns expressed this summer that the issue of NT participation would affect his future with the Spurs.

Tony has put the Spurs on notice for the summer of 2011. He has two non-negotiable demands:

1. Pay me
2. Provide a championship-contending supporting cast.

Otherwise he'll leave for greener pastures.

The Ian remarks make me think that Tony knows the Spurs won't pick up Ian's option and he's preparing the home front for the news.

[urunobili]

Thanks for the translation Bruno... I was surprised with TP's lack of faith in Ian and the post Pop/Duncan era comments...

[lennyalderette]

parker is not a leader and even he knows it!!! when your a follower you follow, i mean yes duncan had a good team when he came in the league, but you didnt see him leaving as soon as robinson left!!! i think parker wants to play for l.a or something. anyway we should get a ring and trade him before he leaves ha

[lennyalderette]

and screw pop for leaving too...quiter!!!!

[anakha]

i mean yes duncan had a good team when he came in the league, but you didnt see him leaving as soon as robinson left!!!

Conveniently forgetting, of course, that Duncan almost left the Spurs back in 2000.

What a moron.

[anakha]

and screw pop for leaving too...quiter!!!!



What a moron.

[Muser]

Basically Parker doesn't want to play on a rebuilding team, if I was in his position i'd have exactly the same view.

[Bruno]

The Ian remarks make me think that Tony knows the Spurs won't pick up Ian's option and he's preparing the home front for the news.

Not really, nobody (except me :lol) gives a fuck about Mahinmi in France.

From what I've heard/seen, Tony has a good relationship with Ian but is quite low on him as a player.

[Bukefal]

Nice to see Parker always saying what he is thinking, without the BS. It would be a shame to see him leave in the future, but I cant hate him for that, he has a point in what he said.

As for Ian, no surprise. I don't even get what we still are doing with this guy, release the guy, jeezz, we don't need him.

[Mel_13]

Not really, nobody (except me :lol) gives a fuck about Mahinmi in France.

From what I've heard/seen, Tony has a good relationship with Ian but is quite low on him as a player.

So you're saying that millions of French basketball fans are not holding their collective breath until a decision on Ian's future is announced on October 31st?:lol

Actually, what you say is even more bad news for Ian. It makes it seem unlikely that Tony would promote Ian's retention for next year.

[alchemist]

I don't blame him, Tony being good friends with Kobe should have Buford and Holt on alert for the summer of 2011. Tony's one of the most brutally honest interviewers ever and it stings to hear it sometimes but it's good to know his intentions.

[lennyalderette]

listen retard! he had made a promise to the spurs org. and never intended to leave shit head!!!
and yes screw pop for leaving with duncan!!!!

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

^ KBP is back!

[duncan228]

Duncan came close to leaving in 2000. Very close.

[anakha]

listen retard! he had made a promise to the spurs org. and never intended to leave shit head!!!
and yes screw pop for leaving with duncan!!!!

1) Duncan almost leaving:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-06-12-duncan-notes_N.htm

2) Quitting: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/quit

How can Pop be considered a quitter when he hasn't left his job yet?

Also, Pop not being enthusiastic about coaching beyond 2012 is miles apart from Pat Riley leaving his Miami coaching job while the team was sucking.

If Pop's a quitter by your definition, Riley is 10x so.

Who's the retard again here?

[duncan228]

Duncan almost leaving...

Thanks, that's one with one of Duncan's quotes. There are more if anyone needs furthur convincing.


It was probably a lot closer decision than people even think.

[DaBears]

I dont know guys Tp is starting to sound like loyalty doesnt mean much to the guy... Call me old fashion..

Sure if there is money to be made all the power to him but i think he could earn the same amount here.....babysitting for 8 mil a year, sign me up coach...

[Bambililos]

He said he wants to be paid AND have a shot at a title. Being a luxury babysitter doesn't interest him, and for that reason, he'd lack loyalty ?

[thispego]

tp could become one of the greatest of all time by the end of his contract, get a max deal from the spurs and gracefully phase into the tony-parker era without ever skipping a championship contending beat. Anything could happen. Losing tony parker is just as sad a thought as the spurs rebuilding.

[Spurs Brazil]

Thanks Bruno

[Phenomanul]

tp could become one of the greatest of all time by the end of his contract, get a max deal from the spurs and gracefully phase into the tony-parker era without ever skipping a championship contending beat. Anything could happen. Losing tony parker is just as sad a thought as the spurs rebuilding.

I still think they are contenders after 2012:

Tony Parker
George Hill (transitions into a starting 2-guard)
Richard Jefferson
Dejuan Blair
Tiago Splitter

Tim Duncan (6th man role - 1st year of 2-year twilight extension)
Malik Hairston
Manu Ginobili (2nd year of 3 year extension)
Nando de Colo (back-up PG)
x
x
x
x

Add another draft gem and one free agent signing and the team is set.

[thispego]

I still think they are contenders after 2012:

Tony Parker
George Hill (transitions into a starting 2-guard)
Richard Jefferson
Dejuan Blair
Tiago Splitter

Tim Duncan (6th man role - 1st year of 2-year twilight extension)
Malik Hairston
Manu Ginobili (2nd year of 3 year extension)
Nando de Colo (back-up PG)
x
x
x
x

Add another draft gem and one free agent signing and the team is set.

free agent. spurs are definitely in for a draft drought. i mean eventually, right?

[Mark in Austin]

Parker's demands are no different than Duncan's were.

[Spursmania]

Guys, TP is spoiled. He's tasted the good life. He has 3 rings. He wants it all. If Spurs don't have a team that contends in 2 years, we can all say chow to TP.

[Brazil]

TP being TP

[NostalgicSpursFan]

All this depends on how high his standards are. If he thinks that just by pop and duncan leaving they have to "rebuild" then were probably screwed anyway. Both of them seem unsure about the future beyond next season.

[ducks]

Parker's demands are no different than Duncan's were.

yep

[lennyalderette]

1) Duncan almost leaving:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-06-12-duncan-notes_N.htm

2) Quitting: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/quit

How can Pop be considered a quitter when he hasn't left his job yet?

Also, Pop not being enthusiastic about coaching beyond 2012 is miles apart from Pat Riley leaving his Miami coaching job while the team was sucking.

If Pop's a quitter by your definition, Riley is 10x so.

Who's the retard again here?


listen lady!, did you ever think that maybe they just wanted to hype things up a bit, even if so there was a promise he made, he never did state he was going to sign with orlando regardless of what your trying to point out!!! what ever douche your using please stop, those chemicals have a way of getting into the brain, also i would strongly suggest taking midol before you post here! and by the way is there someone comparing pop to pat riley? because im not!! if your best player leaves and the coach follows the same day thats pretty shitty, but i guess no one can have an opinion but you.

[gm5k]

listen lady!, did you ever think that maybe they just wanted to hype things up a bit, even if so there was a promise he made, he never did state he was going to sign with orlando regardless of what your trying to point out!!! what ever douche your using please stop, those chemicals have a way of getting into the brain, also i would strongly suggest taking midol before you post here! and by the way is there someone comparing pop to pat riley? because im not!! if your best player leaves and the coach follows the same day thats pretty shitty, but i guess no one can have an opinion but you.

wow...

:ban:

[anakha]

listen lady!, did you ever think that maybe they just wanted to hype things up a bit, even if so there was a promise he made, he never did state he was going to sign with orlando regardless of what your trying to point out!!! what ever douche your using please stop, those chemicals have a way of getting into the brain, also i would strongly suggest taking midol before you post here! and by the way is there someone comparing pop to pat riley? because im not!! if your best player leaves and the coach follows the same day thats pretty shitty, but i guess no one can have an opinion but you.

:lmao :lmao :lmao


"It was probably a lot closer decision than people even think," Duncan says. "David was here, and that was great. But even beyond that, the staff, the coaches, guys I was comfortable with, guys I enjoyed being around is probably what swayed it in the end."

So not only are you an uninformed moron, you evidently can't read either.

[Bukefal]

listen lady!, did you ever think that maybe they just wanted to hype things up a bit, even if so there was a promise he made, he never did state he was going to sign with orlando regardless of what your trying to point out!!! what ever douche your using please stop, those chemicals have a way of getting into the brain, also i would strongly suggest taking midol before you post here! and by the way is there someone comparing pop to pat riley? because im not!! if your best player leaves and the coach follows the same day thats pretty shitty, but i guess no one can have an opinion but you.

:wakeup :idiot

[Kamnik]

I like to read TP's interviews... always very sincere. Guy says what he thinks and I for one love it without the sugarcoating!

[kace]

i'm the first to say that TP's honesty is good to hear in interview.
but i don't see the point of saying that he could leave after Tim and Pop.

I don't blame him for thinking that, not at all, but i don't find it very clever to say it, as if TP, as usual, ignore that french interviews will be known by SA fans very quickly.

anyway, i think that if/when Tim and Pop leave, it will all depend of what the Spurs will do with the 20 M that Tim makes and who could replace Pop. Nothing says that the team won't be competitive and so that Tony won't stay.
Nothing says either that the Spurs in rebuilding mode would be interested in a "16 M+ per year" TP.


the main thing that annoys me in this interview, and i've seen that a lot of times from TP, and in a lessen way even from others SA players, is the lack of recognition for Bruce.

It seems that Bruce was a liability for SA at his position. Not only he wasn't one, but he was one of the main forces of this team, with his own style, which means defense, pugnacity and a lot of 3's and clutch ones. TP like the show and the player who make it, but he should know better what Bruce brought to this team for years. Without him, TP could very well be ringless.

[Ice009]

i'm the first to say that TP's honesty is good to hear in interview.
but i don't see the point of saying that he could leave after Tim and Pop.

I don't blame him for thinking that, not at all, but i don't find it very clever to say it, as if TP, as usual, ignore that french interviews will be known by SA fans very quickly.

anyway, i think that if/when Tim and Pop leave, it will all depend of what the Spurs will do with the 20 M that Tim makes and who could replace Pop. Nothing says that the team won't be competitive and so that Tony won't stay.
Nothing says either that the Spurs in rebuilding mode would be interested in a "16 M+ per year" TP.


the main thing that annoys me in this interview, and i've seen that a lot of times from TP, and in a lessen way even from others SA players, is the lack of recognition for Bruce.

It seems that Bruce was a liability for SA at his position. Not only he wasn't one, but he was one of the main forces of this team, with his own style, which means defense, pugnacity and a lot of 3's and clutch ones. TP like the show and the player who make it, but he should know better what Bruce brought to this team for years. Without him, TP could very well be ringless.

I agree Kace. They really are not giving Bruce much respect. As you said it's like they are saying he was a liability out there. Not cool at all. I actually thought Bruce was very good out there last season when he got court time especially in the playoffs. Bruce's defense was still pretty decent if you ask me. If was not his problem that all the players bought in for offense sucked at both offense and defense.

I really thought Bruce could play again this season as a defensive role player.

[narmerguy]

i'm the first to say that TP's honesty is good to hear in interview.
but i don't see the point of saying that he could leave after Tim and Pop.

I don't blame him for thinking that, not at all, but i don't find it very clever to say it, as if TP, as usual, ignore that french interviews will be known by SA fans very quickly.

anyway, i think that if/when Tim and Pop leave, it will all depend of what the Spurs will do with the 20 M that Tim makes and who could replace Pop. Nothing says that the team won't be competitive and so that Tony won't stay.
Nothing says either that the Spurs in rebuilding mode would be interested in a "16 M+ per year" TP.


the main thing that annoys me in this interview, and i've seen that a lot of times from TP, and in a lessen way even from others SA players, is the lack of recognition for Bruce.

It seems that Bruce was a liability for SA at his position. Not only he wasn't one, but he was one of the main forces of this team, with his own style, which means defense, pugnacity and a lot of 3's and clutch ones. TP like the show and the player who make it, but he should know better what Bruce brought to this team for years. Without him, TP could very well be ringless.

Liability or not, I think the teammates who played with him for YEARS and worked with him every day have a better understanding of his value and what he brought than us when we see the final results.

[kace]

Liability or not, I think the teammates who played with him for YEARS and worked with him every day have a better understanding of his value and what he brought than us when we see the final results.

you're welcome to give your opinion, agree or not.
but if you post in a sport forum to say that we can't even discuss what the players/staff say, you're probably in the wrong place.

Offensive talent is much rare that defensive one. and that probably made Bruce more replaceable than Tim, tony or manu. still, he was the best at what he did and was part of the core.

i even think that Bruce was more useful than tony and manu in many of our PO wins.

The lack of offensive options, the other teams being loaded with it, and Bruce's age made him less essential for the team, but didn't change what he meant for us the previous years.

[ElNono]

Offensive talent is much rare that defensive one.

This is where I stopped reading...

[spursfan09]

I would hate for TP to leave, but Spurs do need to stay competitive, so we'll see what happens.

[kace]

This is where I stopped reading...

i meant more expensive indeed. much rare at the same price if you want.

not very well said, my bad.

[ElNono]

i meant more expensive indeed. much rare at the same price if you want.

not very well said, my bad.

No problem. :tu

[Whisky Dog]

Looks like the next two seasons are the last charge of the Spurs as we've known them for years.

I appreciate Parker's honesty in his interview and that's a reasonable expectation for him to have. Hopefully the Spurs can remain contenders after next year but I'm thinking they have to have a several year drought sooner or later. 20 yrs of great basketball almost all in a row has to end sometime.

That said I'm going to be honest too. If Parker leaves the Spurs I will sincerely hope the he loses no matter where he goes. I will never want to see him win anything again.

[thispego]

i'd like to see him become the greatest pg of all time

[portnoy1]

If Parker can run this years team to its full offensive potential, then although im not a fan of his I would pay him the money he wants and look at whats available for trades or Tim's money at the PF/C position so he would be happy.

[phyzik]

I actually appreciate Parker laying it down like that. It puts pressure on the Spurs organization to ensure that we remain a contender for years to come. I dont think the Spurs will let Parker go just like that, they will do something when the time comes to make sure he stays.

[SamoanTD]

Damn if TP leaves spurs will be big time rebuilding cuz i dnt think Heavy D will stik around after that either bt maybe he will feel loyal to the spurs for picking him. Anyways lets jus worry about rite nw and worry bout all dat other stuff in like 2 years or so lol.