duncan228
11-29-2009, 12:23 AM
Spurs prepare to honor Admiral (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/Spurs_prepare_to_honor_Admiral.html)
Jeff McDonald
When Tony Parker joined the Spurs as a teenager in 2001, he didn't know much about the city he was about to call home or the team he was about to call his own.
Yet he knew almost all there was to know about at least one of his new teammates. Parker had followed David Robinson's career almost from its beginning.
“I definitely knew who David was,” said Parker, who played alongside Robinson in the final two of the center's 14 seasons. “When I first came to San Antonio, that was the only thing I knew.”
The Spurs will honor Robinson's September induction into the Hall of Fame with a ceremony after tonight's game against Philadelphia at the AT&T Center. For those who played with him, and some who played against him, it is sure to be a special night.
“He was the perfect image of a professional,” Parker said. “Always dressed up, always worked hard. When I first came into the league, I was 19. I always looked up to him.”
Spurs center Theo Ratliff entered the league in 1995-96, when Robinson was the reigning MVP.
“He was always one of my favorites,” Ratliff said. “I always watched how he played, how he carried himself. He was a great example of how a player should be in this league. It's an honor to be a part of that celebration.”
Wounded update: Roger Mason Jr. (hamstring strain) did not practice Saturday and is doubtful tonight. Manu Ginobili (groin strain) did practice, clearing the way for a possible return against the 76ers. He is listed as day-to-day.
George Hill, meanwhile, expects to play after bloodying his nose against Houston. Kyle Lowry got a fingernail inside Hill's nose as they were grappling for a key rebound, opening a gash that required two stitches.
It was the second time this month Hill had taken a shot to the face. In a Nov.19 loss to Utah, an elbow to the mouth loosened one of Hill's teeth.
“I'm trying to get a GQ photo shoot sometime, and they're messing my face up,” Hill said.
Familiar foe: Ratliff, in his 15th season, has spent parts of his career with seven different teams. He is most readily identified with the 76ers, with whom he made his lone Finals appearance in 2001.
“That was where I became recognized as an NBA player,” said Ratliff, who played with the Sixers from 1997-2001 and again last season. “That was a great place for me. It always has fond memories for me.”
Jeff McDonald
When Tony Parker joined the Spurs as a teenager in 2001, he didn't know much about the city he was about to call home or the team he was about to call his own.
Yet he knew almost all there was to know about at least one of his new teammates. Parker had followed David Robinson's career almost from its beginning.
“I definitely knew who David was,” said Parker, who played alongside Robinson in the final two of the center's 14 seasons. “When I first came to San Antonio, that was the only thing I knew.”
The Spurs will honor Robinson's September induction into the Hall of Fame with a ceremony after tonight's game against Philadelphia at the AT&T Center. For those who played with him, and some who played against him, it is sure to be a special night.
“He was the perfect image of a professional,” Parker said. “Always dressed up, always worked hard. When I first came into the league, I was 19. I always looked up to him.”
Spurs center Theo Ratliff entered the league in 1995-96, when Robinson was the reigning MVP.
“He was always one of my favorites,” Ratliff said. “I always watched how he played, how he carried himself. He was a great example of how a player should be in this league. It's an honor to be a part of that celebration.”
Wounded update: Roger Mason Jr. (hamstring strain) did not practice Saturday and is doubtful tonight. Manu Ginobili (groin strain) did practice, clearing the way for a possible return against the 76ers. He is listed as day-to-day.
George Hill, meanwhile, expects to play after bloodying his nose against Houston. Kyle Lowry got a fingernail inside Hill's nose as they were grappling for a key rebound, opening a gash that required two stitches.
It was the second time this month Hill had taken a shot to the face. In a Nov.19 loss to Utah, an elbow to the mouth loosened one of Hill's teeth.
“I'm trying to get a GQ photo shoot sometime, and they're messing my face up,” Hill said.
Familiar foe: Ratliff, in his 15th season, has spent parts of his career with seven different teams. He is most readily identified with the 76ers, with whom he made his lone Finals appearance in 2001.
“That was where I became recognized as an NBA player,” said Ratliff, who played with the Sixers from 1997-2001 and again last season. “That was a great place for me. It always has fond memories for me.”