Parker won't play with French NT this summer.

[Bruno]

http://www.lnb.fr/index.php?pid=50&id_article=18797&cursor_start=0


Edit:

TP's interview:http://fr.tp9.net/%C2%AB-une-decision-irrevocable-%C2%BB-777

Rough translation:

Tony, what has happened during you end of the season meeting with Spurs?
After having talked a lot with Gregg Popovich, I now know that I won't play during the WC. Spurs made me understand that it would be better if I only focus on the team. it was a wasted year because of injuries, they don't want it happens again next year for the last year of my contract. It means that I will start to work out in August in LA for the next year. I will work on my game with Chip and a physical trainer will be there to strengthen my body. I will practice every day. They want to see me at 100% as soon as the start of the training camp. FOr them, it's impossible to do that if I play with the FNT after all the injuries I had this year.

There is really no hope that your choice change?
Not, it's definitive. They know that FNT is really important for me but they can't accept that I had again a year plagued by injuries because I've played too much games . Last summer, when I had to come back to SA, I told them I was unhappy about that. I was mad at hell to have to left the NT while we where in the middle of the training camp. Today, I understand their point of view even if it hurts to renounce playing with the FNT.

But Spurs can't forbid you to pay with the FNT
It's true, they can't say: "You stay with us this summer and you don't have the choice" but I hear their message. What is even more important is that I understand it. I'm disappointed because I've also missed the previous WC in 2006. Contrary to the previous years, I'm not in the driver seat. I will be in the last year of my contract with Spurs and I had to think at my future. They have re-signed Manu for three years. It's now of never with Spurs to win another title Before Duncan's retirement. They have always been nice with me and they never forbid me to play with the NT. It's the first time they ask me not to play with the NT. I've made my choice during the meeting with them.

You said it to Vincent Collet (FNT coach).
I immediately called him to say it. He was off course disappointed. He really counted on me even if he knew that there were some risks I couldn't play. He understand my choice. I'll be back next year for the Euro. I told him that I will play in 2011 and 2012. I also told it to Pop.

Spurs want that work a lot on your game this summer but there are also some rumors about a trade?
We can't fight against rumors. Pop wait for me for the training camp. Even if we lost against Phoenix, he is happy with what I've do during the playoffs. RC agreed and told to the press that there were no reasons to trade me.

But the NBA remains at first a business…
I know it, nobody is safe and can have a bad surprise. Spurs could very well called me this summer to told me that I've been traded. Great players like Nash or Shaq have gone through that. If it happens, I will blame no one. I will leave by thanking Spurs for all the titles they've brought me and I'll continue my career somewhere else. I'm ready to that, I know how the NBA works. But, as I've said during the meeting with Spurs, My goal is to have a great season here. I don't want at all to leave the team. My hear is in SA.

When you hear names like New York and Miami, how do you fell?
There are worse places, aren't they? (Laugh)

How about your negotiations with Spurs?
There are two possibilities. We reach an agreement as soon as this summer and I stay in SA for more years. If it's not the case, I will be a FA in 2011. Id doesn't scare me. If SA doesn't want me anymore, I will continue to play elsewhere.

[DesignatedT]

:toast

definitely saw this coming.

[Blackjack]

That's the first good bit of offseason news. :tu

[z0sa]

It seems pretty clear (to me) that if he did decide to play, Spurs were ready to explore options trading him. Now, he'll be in silver and black forever.

[benefactor]

No surprises here.

[Bruno]

http://fr.tp9.net/%C2%AB-une-decision-irrevocable-%C2%BB-777

A full interview where he explained his choice. I'm going to translate it.

[Спурс_Фан]

Really good news! :hat

Spurs definitely need healthy & rested TP + Manu in the drive for 5 :lobt2:

[Blackjack]

It seems pretty clear (to me) that if he did decide to play, Spurs were ready to explore options trading him. Now, he'll be in silver and black forever.

I don't think you can draw that definitive a conclusion from this.

The chances the Spurs could find a deal worth letting Tony go are slim as it is. But should they find that deal ... this news wouldn't likely prevent them from pulling the trigger.

From Tony's perspective, this should've been a no-brainer decision. He's in the last year of his contract and he's coming off a letdown year after '09. He obviously wants to be in the best shape possible in order to return to his '09 level of play, to either get an extension with the Spurs or maximize his earning potential on the free-agent market.

Is it good news for the Spurs? Absolutely; but it's an even smarter move for Tony.

[Spurminator]

Suck it haters.

That's all.

[Cane]

Excellent. Should've been a no-brainer. Now Tony Parker is even more valuable if the Spurs can find a deal good enough to trade him ;)

[FalleNxWiZarDx]

maybe you guys should try to get delonte west

him and manu would be great coming off the bench

[le13]

Thanks Bruno,

I was going to post it too :))

Guys, i think that you will be quite surprise by this interview!

He is basically saying that he does not care about trading rumors but anything can happen until the summer camp, and other great players as Nash or O'Neal used to be trade before.. But he is saying also that is heart still in SA and he want to keep playing for them... I really hope that Tony will keep playing for the spurs! will see.. but nothing is close..:bang

[pppp]

That's pretty much typical TP in the interview: honest, no bullshit.
- This is a final decision, no turning back
- This year I'm not in a position of force to negociate (because of last year injury).
- Spurs have always be pretty cool with me (for playing with NT)
- Spurs have been pretty clear, first time they directly ask me not to go.
- I took the decision during the meeting

[polandprzem]

:depressed

[timaios]

http://fr.tp9.net/%C2%AB-une-decision-irrevocable-%C2%BB-777

A full interview where he explained his choice. I'm going to translate it.

However, Tony said to the Spurs FO he will play in the 2011 Euro and the 2012 Olympics.
So the haters can have something to talk about. :p:

[Bruno]

Rough translation:

Tony, what has happened during you end of the season meeting with Spurs?
After having talked a lot with Gregg Popovich, I now know that I won't play during the WC. Spurs made me understand that it would be better if I only focus on the team. it was a wasted year because of injuries, they don't want it happens again next year for the last year of my contract. It means that I will start to work out in August in LA for the next year. I will work on my game with Chip and a physical trainer will be her to strengthen my body. I will practice every day. They want to see me at 100% as soon as the start of the training camp. FOr them, it's impossible to do that if I play with the FNT after all the injuries I had this year.

There is really no hope that your choice change?
Not, it's definitive. They know that FNT is really important for me but they can't accept that I had again a year plagued by injuries because I've played too much games . Last summer, when I had to come back to SA, I told them I was unhappy about that. I was mad at hell to have to left the NT while we where in the middle of the training camp. Today, I understand their point of view even if it hurts to renounce playing with the FNT.

But Spurs cna't forbid you to pay with the FNT
It's true, they can't say: "You stay with us this summer and you don't have the choice" but I hear their message. What is even more important is that I understand it. I'm disappointed because I've also missed the previous WC in 2006. Contrary to the previous years, I'm not in the driver seat. I will be in the last year of my contract with Spurs and I had to think at my future. They have re-signed Manu for three years. It's now of never with Spurs to win another title Before Duncan's retirement. They have always been nice with me and they never forbid me to play with the NT. It's the first time they ask me not to play with the NT. I've made my choice during the meeting with them.

You said it to Vincent Collet (FNT coach).
I immediately called him to say it. He was off course disappointed. He really counted on me even if he knew that there were some risks I couldn't play. He understand my choice. I'll be back next year for the Euro. I told him that I will play in 2011 and 2012. I also told it to Pop.

Spurs want that work a lot on your game this summer but there are also some rumors about a trade?
We can't fight against rumors. Pop wait for me for the training camp. Even if we lost against Phoenix, he is happy with what I've do during the playoffs. RC agreed and told to the press that there were no reasons to trade me.

But the NBA remains at first a business…
I know it, nobody is safe and can have a bad surprise. Spurs could very well called me this summer to told me that I've been traded. Great players like Nash or Shaq have gone through that. If it happens, I will blame no one. I will leave by thanking Spurs for all the titles they've brought me and I'll continue my career somewhere else. I'm ready to that, I know how the NBA works. But, as I've said during the meeting with Spurs, My goal is to have a great season here. I don't want at all to leave the team. My hear is in SA.

When you hear names like New York and Miami, how do you fell?
There are worse places, aren't they? (Laugh)

How about your negotiations with Spurs?
There are two possibilities. We reach an agreement as soon as this summer and I stay in SA for more years. If it's not the case, I will be a FA in 2011. Id doesn't scare me. If SA doesn't want me anymore, I will continue to play elsewhere.

[Dex]

Interesting. Sounds like the Spurs FO had a pretty good hand in Parker's decision. Basically, "we can't tell you not to, but we can very strongly recommend against it."

Glad Parker was receptive and is thinking about the Spurs future and his future in league over another WC.

[DesignatedT]

Thanks Bruno :toast

[blkroadrunners]

Thanks for the feed Bru.

:toast

[benefactor]

Good stuff from Parker. Next year is the most important thing. After that, he can do what he wants because the Spurs will be out of contention for while anyway.

[DBMethos]

Good stuff. Now work on your 3's, TP!

[polandprzem]

Rough translation.

:worthy:


Hmm seems like Spurs are leaving the gate open to trade parker. I don't know then which PG is there we could trade for? And if, how the hell he's gonna translate to the spurs system as a playmaker?

[boutons_deux]

He had a bad year with injuries, even the wimpy Suns beat up on his ass.

great news.

[arodz]

If he decided to play this Summer, THEN the trade rumours would be legit.

[TimmehC]

Good stuff. Now work on your 3's, TP!

If Tony develops a reliable 3-point shot this summer, I will soil myself.

[bigzak25]

it reads as if he would be going if next season wasn't a contract year.

whatever. business is business. on both sides.

[timvp]

Good news. Thanks for the translation :tu

Next year is quickly turning into the last chance to add title number five. Both TP and Manu are talking about playing in future summers ... plus Duncan is the age where he probably has one season left before he falls off a cliff.


2010-11: The Last Chance

[DPG21920]

This is not some noble act by tp. This is only bc he is in a contrct year. As soon as he gets his deal it will be back to nt ball and more tired play. Good news short term bc we will get contract year tp, but not so good news long term if we get more years like this one.

[timvp]

This year, Manu used the motivation of an expiring contract to raise his level of play and play with more consistency in the second half of the season. If TP uses the expiring contract as motivation as well, that's a good thing. For the Big 3, the regular season has to be pretty damn boring at this point. Any motivation is welcome.

[timvp]

This is not some noble act by tp. This is only bc he is in a contrct year. As soon as he gets his deal it will be back to nt ball and more tired play. Good news short term bc we will get contract year tp, but not so good news long term if we get more years like this one.

1) I doubt that Manu just happened to decide not to play for his NT days after signing his extension. So yeah, this isn't exactly uncharted territory.

2) TP says that he's playing in those future years right now ... but in the past he said he was going to play this summer. He's also said he wasn't going to play before and then changed his mind. So I wouldn't take it to heart what he's saying now. There's a whole lot that can happen between now and then.

[DPG21920]

Yeah exactly. This year we got contract year play f Manu and next year it will be from Tp. I guarantee he will beast. That part is great news. The long term picture becomes a little more bleak. If we get #5 then wgaf. The question is when to extend tp? Do you make him earn it all year? I would be surprised to see sa extend him early.

[ducks]

I'll be back next year for the Euro. I told him that I will play in 2011 and 2012. I also told it to Pop.

[Brazil]

This is what french posters have repeated over and over.

Nice to have the confirmation, must be hard for tp haters they are going to be short arguments

[Brazil]

he will play the euro and the olympics... I don't know why some posters have still doubts about that

[Spurs Brazil]

Great news. I think next season we'll see the All NBA Team and Finals MVP Tony Parker

Now I also hope Spurs tell Tiago to not play in the summer. I hope he signs and stay working in San Antonio

[Josepatches_]

This year, Manu used the motivation of an expiring contract to raise his level of play and play with more consistency in the second half of the season. If TP uses the expiring contract as motivation as well, that's a good thing. For the Big 3, the regular season has to be pretty damn boring at this point. Any motivation is welcome.


Are you sure? It wasn't so easy to be in the playoffs this year and i would say only Phoenix could be worse next year while the Thunders will be a lot better.

Houston (if Ming returns), New Orleans,Memphis (if Gay stays) ....

It will be a big surprise for me if we have an easy regular season.

About the last chance for Tim....Our last chance was 2008.We aren't going to win with the actual big3 anymore.Book it!

[fyatuk]

I would be surprised to see sa extend him early.

Honestly, I wouldn't expect them to extend him until after the trade deadline, unless it's part of a trade. You might as well keep him as an expiring until you no longer need expirings ;)

[Spurs Brazil]

“I'm happy in San Antonio,” Parker said. “My wife and I are very happy. I built my home base here, so why wouldn't I want to be here?”http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/parker_says_he_wants_to_stay_93647459.html?c=y&page=2#storytop

[Pero]

I will work on my game with Chip and a physical trainer will be her to strengthen my body. I will practice every day.

So "her" here is reffering to Longoria? I'm afraid that'll strengthen wrong parts of the body. :lmao

[Sisk]

It seems pretty clear (to me) that if he did decide to play, Spurs were ready to explore options trading him. Now, he'll be in silver and black forever.

:toast

[Bruno]

So "her" here is reffering to Longoria? I'm afraid that'll strengthen wrong parts of the body. :lmao

Sorry, I mistyped. It's
"I will work on my game with Chip and a physical trainer will be there to strengthen my body."

[bigfan]

This is great news to me and a class decision by Tony. He will get flak from his national team you can be sure. I know there is all sorts of trade Tony talk but I like his attitude in all this, the guy is strongly saying he wants to stay here and what the hell more could you ask for? He is easily one of the top 4 PGs in the league (when healthy) and this decision is very good for his relationship with the team. Franky, Im about ready to give the guy what he wants next year (he would surely get it someplace else) and let him retire a Spur with Tim and Manu.

[Libri]

Parker won't play with French NT this summer.http://www.gifflix.com/files/676dfb5aa5f3.gifhttp://www.spurstalk.com/forums/Parker%20won%27t%20play%20with%20French%20NT%20thi s%20summer.

[stéphane]

Parker is sure good at communicating. Does he share his wife public relation staff or something. I mean he's pretty good about sharing his thoughts in a frantic way but this...
I mean it's pretty clear since he broke his hand that he wouldn't play this summer for France. Though he did an amazing job at managing his image. Not upseting french making it look like "it's the spurs will and I can't do anything against it", reinforcing his image by saying "I love this team and I'm willing to sacrifice the NT I love so much for you my dear san antonians" while it's only a matter of being wise about his physical condition and having the most chances on his side to be able to negotiate a max contract that he's obviously after.
Not really fond of this BS. I'm glad he won't though. More chances for the spurs next year.

[Chomag]

First good news of the off-season. Not a bad start I must say! Thanks for posting this.

[crc21209]

It seems pretty clear (to me) that if he did decide to play, Spurs were ready to explore options trading him. Now, he'll be in silver and black forever.

+1. This is the exact same thing I was thinking...

[edgar]

Haha Parker will be traded...book it :king

[Bukefal]

Its a shame and a shame for french fans, but the most smart decision and best thing to do for the spurs and himself.

Also nice he'll train with Chip.

[Timmy]

what a good news！


TP，practicing your shooting and we'll see it next season again

[gilmor]

Are you sure? It wasn't so easy to be in the playoffs this year and i would say only Phoenix could be worse next year while the Thunders will be a lot better.

Houston (if Ming returns), New Orleans,Memphis (if Gay stays) ....

It will be a big surprise for me if we have an easy regular season.

About the last chance for Tim....Our last chance was 2008.We aren't going to win with the actual big3 anymore.Book it!

It's true. The Big 3 has little motivation to play in the regular season.

Parker said it himself. He is only motivated to play in the playoffs.

[Ax3l]

this is shit, him and manu made a HORRIBLE choice.. for a sportsman, playing for their country is one of the biggest events of their life. i wish i could say "fuck the nba and the spurs organization for holding them like mere rats" but truth is, its part of their choice too. If you are a fan i can understand somehow how you wouldnt like your players to get hurt, but get real, this shit is wrong.
This isnt USA´s NBA anymore, its filled of international players, and this type of behavior("you go to play for the WC and bye bye kansas") should be sanctioned heavily.
At least manu has a much more understandable excuse.

[Danny.Zhu]

I will be fucking pissed if anyone on this team play with any NT this summer.

[chasky]

Ths Spurs should be punished by the nba, They are pressing players, violating the agreement between nba and fiba.

[chasky]

I will be fucking pissed if anyone on this team play with any NT this summer.

Tiago is like Scola, always play for his NT!

[DesignatedT]

Tiago is like Scola, always play for his NT!

its fine to play for your NT.. just until you have an injury that affects your NBA team and season.... spurs pay the bills. not the national team.

manu and now tony have both affected the spurs during the season now. especially manu

[ajh18]

its fine to play for your NT.. just until you have an injury that affects your NBA team and season.... spurs pay the bills. not the national team.

manu and now tony have both affected the spurs during the season now. especially manu

Problem is that right now, NBA teams have zero leverage to tell players NOT to play. Basically, telling a player not to play for their national team is like telling them not to do anything else that's not explicitly forbade in their contract... and in fact, is even LESS acceptable because its strictly stated that teams CAN'T tell players not to play NT ball.

This is a problem that really needs to be worked out at the league level and in the next CBA. The league needs to allow players to attach a monetary value to their desire to play national team ball. If it really matters to a particular player, well, maybe they accept a smaller contract that lets them play any time they want. In THAT case, the team and its fans would need to just back off, because it was understood when that player signed that playing for their country was part of the package. By the same token, a player could sign a larger contract with a "no NT" clause, and would then have no valid complaint because they knew they would not be able to play during the summer when they signed their deal.

[DesignatedT]

Problem is that right now, NBA teams have zero leverage to tell players NOT to play. Basically, telling a player not to play for their national team is like telling them not to do anything else that's not explicitly forbade in their contract... and in fact, is even LESS acceptable because its strictly stated that teams CAN'T tell players not to play NT ball.

This is a problem that really needs to be worked out at the league level and in the next CBA. The league needs to allow players to attach a monetary value to their desire to play national team ball. If it really matters to a particular player, well, maybe they accept a smaller contract that lets them play any time they want. In THAT case, the team and its fans would need to just back off, because it was understood when that player signed that playing for their country was part of the package. By the same token, a player could sign a larger contract with a "no NT" clause, and would then have no valid complaint because they knew they would not be able to play during the summer when they signed their deal.

I understand that under rule the spurs shouldnt be telling players this, but i also understand why the spurs are telling them this.

But yeah, definitely an issue that needs to be resolved.

[Naelven]

Guys....don't forget that this is the only way the american NT can have chance to win this title...

If all NT team have their nba players, US NT could be wiped by Spain, Greece or even France...

Anyway, it is not a big deal, Parker is not needed in the french NT, we have a rodrigue beaubois that will be the next french big nba star, we have Noah, Pietro, Turiak, Diaw, De colo...and many many more ;)

[scottspurs]

Dedication and Loyalty. Extend that man.

[DesignatedT]

Guys....don't forget that this is the only way the american NT can have chance to win this title...

If all NT team have their nba players, US NT could be wiped by Spain, Greece or even France...

Anyway, it is not a big deal, Parker is not needed in the french NT, we have a rodrigue beaubois that will be the next french big nba star, we have Noah, Pietro, Turiak, Diaw, De colo...and many many more ;)

okay? good luck with that.

[sonic21]

The spurs don't want him to be injured before trading him. Makes sense.

[Danny.Zhu]

Tiago is like Scola, always play for his NT!

Just so you know, Splitter is not a Spurs yet.

And if Spurs win the championship this year instead of getting swept, I am fine if everybody on the team play with their NTs.

[benefactor]

Ths Spurs should be punished by the nba, They are pressing players, violating the agreement between nba and fiba.
Stop being stupid.


If all NT team have their nba players, US NT could be wiped by Spain, Greece or even France...

:lol

[Chieflion]

First of all, for those people complaining that the Spurs have no right to convince Parker to not play for the French National Team, last off-season, Mark Cuban talked Dirk into not playing for his German National Team. It is legal to convince a player not to go but if the player really wants to, the team has no choice but to let him go. Nice to see Parker being considerate here. He knows what is at stake come the 2010-2011 season.

[ploto]

...last off-season, Mark Cuban talked Dirk into not playing for his German National Team. It is legal to convince a player not to go but if the player really wants to, the team has no choice but to let him go.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki revealed Friday that the decision not to play for his country's national team this summer stems from a mutual agreement he hatched years ago with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

Irked by press reports suggesting that Cuban barred him for representing Germany at next month's European Championships in Poland, Nowitzki told ESPN.com that his relationship with Cuban is "stronger than ever" and that he had promised his boss that he'd take a step away from international play if the Germans managed to qualify for the Olympics. That happened last summer when Nowitzki's team finally made it to Beijing after missing out in 2000 and 2004.

"I'm not mad at Cubes at all," Nowitzki said in a phone interview. "He's been great to me these last 10, 11 years. He always let me chase my dream. And we always agreed that if I made the Olympics, it would be [time] to take a break.

"This time he basically told me, 'I'd prefer if you not play.' He kind of left it up to me. I think if I would have really kept harping on it, then he wouldn't have tried to stop me. But I think it's the right decision.

"I'm happy I'm keeping my word to him, because he kept his word to me for the last 10, 11 years."

The NBA's agreement with FIBA -- basketball's international governing body -- stipulates that NBA teams cannot prevent their players from participating in international competition in the offseason as long as the players' respective national federations can afford the requisite insurance.

The exception to that rule is when a player is injured or still recovering from a documented injury, as evidenced earlier this week when the Mavericks did invoke their right to prevent reserve guard J.J. Barea from joining Puerto Rico's national team because Barea is still recovering from shoulder surgery in late May...

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=4398590

[ploto]

EVen though the Spurs technically did not forbid Tony to play for his NT, it is quite obvious that they have used it as leverage against a player who is going into the last year of his contract. It is just like they did with Manu signing an extension and his suddenly deciding not to play for Argentina. The main thing to notice is that the Spurs at one tme were one of the biggest supporters in the entire league of their guys playing for their respective National Teams.

[Bukefal]

First of all, for those people complaining that the Spurs have no right to convince Parker to not play for the French National Team, last off-season, Mark Cuban talked Dirk into not playing for his German National Team. It is legal to convince a player not to go but if the player really wants to, the team has no choice but to let him go. Nice to see Parker being considerate here. He knows what is at stake come the 2010-2011 season.

They have the right to convince and talking into not playing for their NT of course. But they dont have the right to forbid anyone I think that's what those people are saying. But the spurs didnt forbid anything, so there is no problem.

It's a shame for French team, for TP and for the tournament, but it's the most wise decision for himself, his body and the team.

[Bruno]

They have the right to convince and talking into not playing for their NT of course.

FYI, they haven't.

In 2007, The league send a memo to all NBA teams saying it after Spurs asked Menu no to play for his NT.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66238


"The NBA/FIBA agreement also provides that NBA teams may not take any steps that are intended to deter players from playing in such competitions," the memo said.

[Bukefal]

FYI, they haven't.

In 2007, The league send a memo to all NBA teams saying it after Spurs asked Menu no to play for his NT.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66238

I know, that's why I said, they do have the right to convince, I mean more as in giving advice, to let the player know what they want and how do they see it. But they do not have the right to forbid a player from going to play for their NT. If the player wants to go 100%, then they must let him go, nobody can stop the player.

But of course a team can tell the player that they are not satisfied if he is going to play for NT.

[Bruno]

I know, that's why I said, they do have the right to convince, I mean more as in giving advice, to let the player know what they want and how do they see it. But they do not have the right to forbid a player from going to play for their NT. If the player wants to go 100%, then they must let him go, nobody can stop the player.

But of course a team can tell the player that they are not satisfied if he is going to play for NT.

No, they can't. Re-read the memo send by the NBA.

Spurs have violated rules by convincing Parker of not playing with his NT. It isn't even debatable.

[stéphane]

No, they can't. Re-read the memo send by the NBA.

Spurs have violated rules by convincing Parker of not playing with his NT. It isn't even debatable.

I'm sure it's like :

"I'm going to the WC!!!"
"You know you might get an extension this year... or not"

[MaNu4Tres]

No, they can't. Re-read the memo send by the NBA.

Spurs have violated rules by convincing Parker of not playing with his NT. It isn't even debatable.

It isn't all that serious. Spurs just gave Parker and Manu their honest opinion about playing in the NT.

I still don't think it effected their decisions.

Manu felt he owed it to the Spurs to finally rest for a summer and actually work on his game with the new contract they gave him.

Parker is not only taking the summer off NT play to work on his game, but also to get stronger and more durable for the biggest contract year of his life. IMO I think preparing for a contract year was the main reason to not play in the NT.

[Danny.Zhu]

FYI, they haven't.

In 2007, The league send a memo to all NBA teams saying it after Spurs asked Menu no to play for his NT.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66238

I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

[bigbendbruisebrother]

If Tony develops a reliable 3-point shot this summer, I will soil myself.

Free throws would be nice to count on as well, with out that waggy tongue thing he does. He looks like Fred Sanford when he shoots free throws.

[Bukefal]

No, they can't. Re-read the memo send by the NBA.

Spurs have violated rules by convincing Parker of not playing with his NT. It isn't even debatable.

I think they told him their opinion and of course the last word was with TP. Yes they probably told him what is better for TP and for the Spurs. But still, the final word is with TP, he has to decide.

The article also speaks about discouraging a player to go. Well yeah, then they did violate it. You are right.

[TJastal]

maybe you guys should try to get delonte west

him and manu would be great coming off the bench

hahaha...

cavs fire sale forthcoming I'm sure

[Spurologist]

:tu tp

The Odds years: Drive for Five

[dbreiden83080]

But Spurs can't forbid you to pay with the FNT
It's true, they can't say: "You stay with us this summer and you don't have the choice" but I hear their message.

They should be able too. Get it put in these contracts that you forfeit half your money if you get hurt playing for these teams and nobody will ever play..

[dbreiden83080]

No, they can't. Re-read the memo send by the NBA.

Spurs have violated rules by convincing Parker of not playing with his NT. It isn't even debatable.

IF the player wants to go and play for these teams go right ahead but your team the same team that is paying you 10 plus mil a year can certainly say "We don't see a future for you here if you keep going over there and coming back to us busted up to shit" I hate the NT team play. Teams can't stop them from going but it becomes 100% their problem when they come back shells of themselves because of injuries.. You make that much money playing in the NBA you should NOT 100% be permitted to play on these teams.. If it means that much to you.. Retire from the NBA, go over there and have a ball..

[dbreiden83080]

I'll be back next year for the Euro. I told him that I will play in 2011 and 2012. I also told it to Pop.

Tony seems determined to shorten his NBA career as much as possible..

[Bruno]

IF the player wants to go and play for these teams go right ahead but your team the same team that is paying you 10 plus mil a year can certainly say "We don't see a future for you here if you keep going over there and coming back to us busted up to shit"

In theory, they can't do it because it against NBA rules.
In the reality, they do it (like Spur did with Parker), they break rules but the NBA let them do it by not sanctioning them.

I'm just stating rules. I'm not giving my opinion at all on these rules. For the record, I find the current NBA rules about NT horrible. It's a system full of hypocrisies with tons of gray areas where players are put in really uncomfortable situations. The NBA and the FIBA should have a way clearer stance about that.

[kace]

In theory, they can't do it because it against NBA rules.
In the reality, they do it (like Spur did with Parker), they break rules but the NBA let them do it by not sanctioning them.

I'm just stating rules. I'm not giving my opinion at all on these rules. For the record, I find the current NBA rules about NT horrible. It's a system full of hypocrisies with tons of gray areas where players are put in really uncomfortable situations. The NBA and the FIBA should have a way clearer stance about that.

like what ? how do you prevent teams to put pressure on their players in private ?

the only way i see it is:

- less games in NBA (82 RS games is just too much, 60 would be enough) and less international competitions (every year is too much, every two years should be better) to make the cohabitation possible.

- big fines for players who refuse to go with their NT without being injured (checked by the medical staff of the NT). they could even be banned from their leagues, including the NBA.


nothing should prevent the international competitions to exist.

but, as usual, money will probably win this fight.

[EricB]

About time they laid down the law on this NT horseshit.

[Bruno]

like what ? how do you prevent teams to put pressure on their players in private ?

the only way i see it is:

- less games in NBA (82 RS games is just too much, 60 would be enough) and less international competitions (every year is too much, every two years should be better) to make the cohabitation possible.

- big fines for players who refuse to go with their NT without being injured (checked by the medical staff of the NT). they could even be banned from their leagues, including the NBA.


nothing should prevent the international competitions to exist.

but, as usual, money will probably win this fight.


IMO, they are only 2 clear positions:
- The NBA splits all his links with FIBA. NBA players aren't allowed at all to play FIBA games when they are under contracts with a NBA team.
- Do the same system as in soccer. NT coaches are the ones who decides who plays with their NT. A player can't turn down playing for his NT.

It's easy to understand why the NBA doesn't make a choice:
- If the NBA splits with FIBA, the NBA product will be less popular outside the USA. It will cost money.
- If you do the soccer system, the NBA (and the FIBA) must, as you said, shorten their competitions. It will cost money.

And the whole situation is really complicate since the money generated by the NBA mainly goes back to its players. Are NBA players ready to take a pay cut to solve this situation while most of the NBA players aren't concerned by NT?

[smeagol]

About time they laid down the law on this NT horseshit.

Yep, it is horseshit to want to represent your country in a sporting event :tu

[benefactor]

He's been injured all year. What about that are you NT homers not understanding? Him getting hurt again does not help the FNT or the Spurs.

[senorglory]

praise the lord.

[ForeignFan]

TP not playing with FNT makes one of the headlines on France 2 TV news (8pm) !

[ForeignFan]

Well more like a 20 sec brief actually.
still...

[DesignatedT]

Tony seems determined to shorten his NBA career as much as possible..

so does manu.....

[Bruno]

Parker was on the French radio today. He basically said the same thing that this interview but he added an interesting tidbit: Spurs owners have lost $20M this year. :wow

[dbreiden83080]

Yep, it is horseshit to want to represent your country in a sporting event :tu

When you make 10 plus mil a year or more and get hurt it is 100% horse-shit. These guys have no fear of not getting paid, the money is there for them injured or healthy.. It's a joke.. Like i said if it means that much to them retire and have a ball playing for your NT teams..

[dbreiden83080]

so does manu.....

And i hate it..

[TD 21]

I knew months ago that Ginobili and Parker wouldn't play in the World Championships, but obviously it's still good to get confirmation.

As many have said, Parker is doing this because it's a contract year and he more than likely has one very good contract left in him. But, it's just as true that he's also doing this because he's a realist and he knows, like most of us know, that next season is probably the final realistic chance to win a championship. There's an outside chance of one more run after that, but I can't see it. It's now or never.

This team is already facing an uphill battle, mainly because of the ages and mileage of their two best players, but they got quite a bit going for them; more than I think many realize or acknowledge. So it's still doable, but it wouldn't have been had Ginobili and/or Parker played in the World Championships. The Spurs need them healthy and rested from day one next season to have a chance.

This was step one to (having a chance at) winning championship number five. The next step is the draft (though there's a very real chance that they don't get any help for the up coming season out of it), followed by signing Splitter, a backup veteran wing who provides 3D and a depth big, most likely a shooter.