Parker to play for French NT in september

[Shifty]

Just to get spurstalkers riled up:
355744991366225923

[Brazil]

old news already 2 or 3 threads about it over the last three weeks

[playblair]

limit parkers minutes ala duncan................. let cojo develop .........................

[Shifty]

old news already 2 or 3 threads about it over the last three weeks
Really? I have been reading quite a lot during that span and haven't seen it mentioned.

[Brazil]

Really? I have been reading quite a lot during that span and haven't seen it mentioned.

I made a thread about it tbh

[Brazil]

here we go

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218343&highlight=Parker

[poeticism707]

What an IDIOT.

Tony Parker didn't have enough juice to help the Spurs finish off as 2013 Champs,

but he all of sudden forgets that, and thinks he's 20 again instead of 30.

He'll be just like Gino in his 30s because of stupidity like this.

There is only so much gas in the tank. And once it's empty, the Spurs are broke down on the side of the road.

[Texas_Ranger]

cool, gonna go and watch him play.

[Sean Cagney]

Me as a Spurs fan want him to sit and rest and I don't get a shit about their damn national teams...... Thats just me as a greedy fan though and wanting the Spurs to be fresh come playoffs.

[Cane]

Sacrebleu!

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

What an IDIOT.

Tony Parker didn't have enough juice to help the Spurs finish off as 2013 Champs,

but he all of sudden forgets that, and thinks he's 20 again instead of 30.

He'll be just like Gino in his 30s because of stupidity like this.

There is only so much gas in the tank. And once it's empty, the Spurs are broke down on the side of the road.
Leave these boards. Please.

[milkyway21]

there goes another title run.. he will be exhausted next season will miss games again... he has to completely heal his calf & forget about it.

it is almost impossible to win against an all-star U.S.A team, anyway.

well, if he will be in the Olympics and Kawhi will be selected they will be facing each other. I want to watch that

[Chinook]

What about Jean-Charles? Is he even good enough to make the big squad in France? They have a lot of competent bigs.

[ElNono]

cue :madrun who pays their salaries rant :madrun

[Lady M]

the only news will be if he don't play for national team

[Kingsly Alexander]

This is bullshit. What is this complex in basketball where these internationals play till they drop. In soccer guys announce their retirement from anywhere between 30 to 35 depending on if there are players capable of replacing them. Considering France has Beaubois and De Colo at PG and Mahinmi, Piétrus, Noah and Petro, non of which are on Frances roster besides De Colo, their no f-ing reason why Parker and Diaw are still playing at their age.

And I swear their better be a mandatory clause in Manu's new contract that forces his to not compete in FIBA comps.

[Mel_13]

And I swear their better be a mandatory clause in Manu's new contract that forces his to not compete in FIBA comps.

After all these years, people still think that the Spurs can do a damn thing about this.

[Kingsly Alexander]

After all these years, people still think that the Spurs can do a damn thing about this.

There comes a time when enough is enough.

if he elects to play, I hope the mother f-cker breaks tears his acl in the process and we can void his contract somehow.

Loyalty is two pronged

[Mel_13]

There comes a time when enough is enough.

if he elects to play, I hope the mother f-cker breaks tears his acl in the process and we can void his contract somehow.

Loyalty is two pronged

:lmao

[Plum Island]

There comes a time when enough is enough.

if he elects to play, I hope the mother f-cker breaks tears his acl in the process and we can void his contract somehow.

Loyalty is two pronged


C'mon man...

[Kingsly Alexander]

I mean really. I exaggerate when I wish I'll will upon him, but wtf does a 36 yr old guard going on 37 have any business doing anything but resting on a beach somewhere.

Its not like he's Timmy and can conserve himself during play. He's a guard that has to be in constant movement at a consistently fast pace.

Argentina's golden generation is done. Let it die,with dignity

[ducks]

tp has said when he is old he would have to think about not playing in it


I would think he would not play if his hamstring is still an issue
he also will be able to test it in sept
I still prefer hime not to go but he is the player leader over there

[EVAY]

This is bullshit. What is this complex in basketball where these internationals play till they drop. In soccer guys announce their retirement from anywhere between 30 to 35 depending on if there are players capable of replacing them. Considering France has Beaubois and De Colo at PG and Mahinmi, Piétrus, Noah and Petro, non of which are on Frances roster besides De Colo, their no f-ing reason why Parker and Diaw are still playing at their age.

And I swear their better be a mandatory clause in Manu's new contract that forces his to not compete in FIBA comps.

So, according to the logic you are utilizing (and I use the term logic advisedly), DeColo and Cory Joseph, both of whom are playing on the Spurs Summer League team, should similarly not be allowed to do so. The fact that they are playing this summer at the request of the team paying their salaries does not change the potential impact of too much play on their bodies.

[Skull-1]

How silly and stupid to play for a national team that won't medal any way, thereby screwing with your chances at an NBA title...

Idiotic.

[wildchild]

And Diaw? I didn't read about him.

[Kingsly Alexander]

So, according to the logic you are utilizing (and I use the term logic advisedly), DeColo and Cory Joseph, both of whom are playing on the Spurs Summer League team, should similarly not be allowed to do so. The fact that they are playing this summer at the request of the team paying their salaries does not change the potential impact of too much play on their bodies.

Same reason I didn't pinpoint De Colo as a problem as well as Bellineli. Relative youth. And I'd read into other ppl's comments a little more advisedly, if I were u

[EVAY]

Same reason I didn't pinpoint De Colo as a problem as well as Bellineli. Relative youth. And I'd read into other ppl's comments a little more advisedly, if I were u

De Colo is only 4 or so years younger than Parker. Parker's age is not the issue...he is at prime age. His minutes during the game and the fact that he had to carry the team on his back almost all year are the issues. De Colo is not only playing for the Spurs this summer, he will presumably play for the French NT as well come the fall. The French NT play the same plays as the Spurs because Tony is their defacto coach.
So playing for them is like another development league for the Spurs, and Tony will try to bring De Colo along as his potential backup.

If Tony has a decent backup during the Spurs season, his play for his national team (just like the US players play for our NT) is not a factor.
Ginobili's play for his NT is not the issue either...the way that Ginobili has played for so many years, whether in Europe or the US, has much more to do with his body breaking down.

If we cannot get Tony some decent back-up, he will break down too, but it won't be because of playing for his NT. It will be because our team can't function without him so far.

[PlayNando]

limit parkers minutes ala duncan................. let cojo develop .........................
Trade Cojo........... Play Nando............... tbh...........

[PlayNando]

Tony is almost 31. While he is still in his prime, he is going to decline soon, and without a consistent jump-shot, it may not be pretty. Will that be next season or in three seasons? I don't know, but it will happen. Let's hope that he can transform his game in the meantime because his current style of play isn't going to work when he's Manu's age, tbh.

[Kingsly Alexander]

De Colo is only 4 or so years younger than Parker. Parker's age is not the issue...he is at prime age. His minutes during the game and the fact that he had to carry the team on his back almost all year are the issues. De Colo is not only playing for the Spurs this summer, he will presumably play for the French NT as well come the fall. The French NT play the same plays as the Spurs because Tony is their defacto coach.
So playing for them is like another development league for the Spurs, and Tony will try to bring De Colo along as his potential backup.


If Tony has a decent backup during the Spurs season, his play for his national team (just like the US players play for our NT) is not a factor.
Ginobili's play for his NT is not the issue either...the way that Ginobili has played for so many years, whether in Europe or the US, has much more to do with his body breaking down.


If we cannot get Tony some decent back-up, he will break down too, but it won't be because of playing for his NT. It will be because our team can't function without him so far.



He's been playing pro ball and for his national team full time since he was 17 just the sheer amount of basketball he's the played his whole career is bound to wear him down then the usual 31 ur old. De Colo plays SG with the national team anyways, so it isn't as if he's Parker's direct back up.

Concerning De Colo, I don't mind how many minutes or rest he'll get during the summer because it wasn't as if he played 82 games last season playing 25 min a game. The more he plays, summer league or national team the better in my opinion, because with our guard depth, he could potentially be 3rd string at either the 1 or 2, and the experience carrying these teams will only serve his maturation.

[Lady M]

And Diaw? I didn't read about him.

he's the captain

[mudyez]

I'll never get how Amercans don't understand/tolerate that NT > NBA for most players as long as they feel they can help this team.

[K-State Spur]

Tony is almost 31. While he is still in his prime, he is going to decline soon, and without a consistent jump-shot, it may not be pretty.

LOL. His mid-range jumper is one of the best in basketball.

[Leetonidas]

I don't get why he does this because the French NT sucks ass and they won't win shit...at least we won't have to worry about him going deep into the competition.

inb4 french posters get mad at me

[PlayNando]

LOL. His mid-range jumper is one of the best in basketball.
No. He only makes them at a decent click because he is usually wide open, tbh. And he's only wide open because the defenders have to play him so far off because of his blazing speed, which he will loose with time.

And he needs to develop a three-point shot.

[Dirtywhisk]

Hey came up with some fairly clutch 3's this season, I think he can totally do it

[K-State Spur]

No. He only makes them at a decent click because he is usually wide open, tbh. And he's only wide open because the defenders have to play him so far off because of his blazing speed, which he will loose with time.

And he needs to develop a three-point shot.

He's already lost a step from the "blazing" rookie. He gets to the rim as much with craft (and deceptive strength for his size) as he does pure speed.

And there are quite a few NBA guards blessed with incredible speed - virtually none of them can match him on the midrange jumper.

He's 31, he's not "developing" a 3 point shot at this point. In fact, one of his biggest strengths is that he knows exactly who he is. He picks his spots - rather than jacking them up at 2-3 per game (compared to say DWade, who has shot 1.8 3s per game throughout his career at less than 29%).

[elmanutres]

cool, another story for spurstalkers to bitch about nothing

[PlayNando]

He's already lost a step from the "blazing" rookie. He gets to the rim as much with craft (and deceptive strength for his size) as he does pure speed.

And there are quite a few NBA guards blessed with incredible speed - virtually none of them can match him on the midrange jumper.

He's 31, he's not "developing" a 3 point shot at this point. In fact, one of his biggest strengths is that he knows exactly who he is. He picks his spots - rather than jacking them up at 2-3 per game (compared to say DWade, who has shot 1.8 3s per game throughout his career at less than 29%).
Can't fight Father Time, tbh. The decline will begin.

Some pathetic SpursTalkers will be calling for Tony to retire soon, just like they have with Timmy and Manu.

[K-State Spur]

Can't fight Father Time, tbh. The decline will begin.

Some pathetic SpursTalkers will be calling for Tony to retire soon, just like they have with Timmy and Manu.

Of course it will, possibly next season.

But more likely at age 33 or 34. Point guards of Tony's size/build who held their skills into their 30s typically kept them until mid-30s.

[Johnny RIngo]

Stupid Frenchie's going to regret this decision when he misses the playoffs with an injury or runs out of gas due to fatigue. Fuck FIBA - Mark Cuban has been wrong about a lot of things but his stance on international basketball being a corrupt joke of a sport was correct.

[wildchild]

he's the captain

Thanks Lady M. Then he'll play too.

[look_at_g_shred]

but...but...it's a great challenge lol

[TheGreatYacht]

Stupid Frenchie's going to regret this decision when he misses the playoffs with an injury or runs out of gas due to fatigue. Fuck FIBA - Mark Cuban has been wrong about a lot of things but his stance on international basketball being a corrupt joke of a sport was correct.
I don't get why he does this because the French NT sucks ass and they won't win shit...at least we won't have to worry about him going deep into the competition.
inb4 french posters get mad at meI agree. The last time that Manu rested during the summer, he ended up playing a lot more games that his usual average of 20-30 games of DNP. A huge price that we all have to pay as Spurs fans is watching our international players not rest during the summer because of their NT's.

Belinelli is already contemplating playing for his NT as well. At least he will ask for the Spurs permission even though it's not necessary. Oh yeah and fuc* all these international Spurs fans bitc*ing at us for wanting our players to rest. They don't know what it's like to live in SA and be a diehard Spurs fan.

BTW, I hope that Boris Diaw plays 48 minutes per game for his NT. I rather see him on a basketball court than him tweeting pictures of himself eating.

[Leetonidas]

Boris is the only one who doesn't need to be resting this summer :lol

[PlayNando]

Stupid Frenchie's going to regret this decision when he misses the playoffs with an injury or runs out of gas due to fatigue. Fuck FIBA - Mark Cuban has been wrong about a lot of things but his stance on international basketball being a corrupt joke of a sport was correct.
Quit with the HATING.

Parker wants to play for his COUNTRY. It's not my fault that you are an unpatriotic hater. Parker is a FRENCH NATIONALIST and wants to bring GLORY to FRANCE. If you got a problem with that, then you need to go back to the Middle Ages, where nationalism didn't really exist yet.

Personally, I am THRILLED for TONY that he is playing for his COUNTRY. NATION >>>> professional sports team. Parker is making a SACRIFICE to bring GLORY to his NATION. That anyone has a problem with that makes me sick.

[TheGreatYacht]

Quit with the HATING.
Parker wants to play for his COUNTRY. It's not my fault that you are an unpatriotic hater. Parker is a FRENCH NATIONALIST and wants to bring GLORY to FRANCE. If you got a problem with that, then you need to go back to the Middle Ages, where nationalism didn't really exist yet.
Personally, I am THRILLED for TONY that he is playing for his COUNTRY. NATION >>>> professional sports team. Parker is making a SACRIFICE to bring GLORY to his NATION. That anyone has a problem with that makes me sick.Why are you being so defensive on this matter? Are you from France? If not, then you are either trolling or you just have very different opinions from an average person. Seriously, these international fans would be more happier if TP won a stupid gold medal for his national team than if our beloved Spurs won a championship. Most of us Spurs fans that live in SA prefer that our international players rest. I can't really bitc* (well I can but not like it will matter) if one of our players wants to represent his country for the Olympics but come on, TP wants to participate in some stupid tournament for France? What a joke.

[PlayNando]

Why are you being so defensive on this matter? Are you from France? If not, then you are either trolling or you just have very different opinions from an average person. Seriously, these international fans would be more happier if TP won a stupid gold medal for his national team than if our beloved Spurs won a championship. Most of us Spurs fans that live in SA prefer that our international players rest. I can't really bitc* (well I can but not like it will matter) if one of our players wants to represent his country for the Olympics but come on, TP wants to participate in some stupid tournament for France? What a joke.
It's not a JOKE. TONY is a COMPETITOR. He wants to WIN for his NATION>

[romain.star]

I don't get why he does this because the French NT sucks ass and they won't win shit...at least we won't have to worry about him going deep into the competition.

inb4 french posters get mad at me

You are actually right, the French NT won't win shit this year.

French posters are mad at our big men who have declined their selections for various reasons

[SpursSerb]

You are actually right, the French NT won't win shit this year.

French posters are mad at our big men who have declined their selections for various reasons

Well they should be mad,one big guy actually playing would make a big difference for France.They backstabbed their country.Tony just showed how much he loves his country,French people should be proud of him.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Why are you being so defensive on this matter? Are you from France? If not, then you are either trolling or you just have very different opinions from an average person. Seriously, these international fans would be more happier if TP won a stupid gold medal for his national team than if our beloved Spurs won a championship. Most of us Spurs fans that live in SA prefer that our international players rest. I can't really bitc* (well I can but not like it will matter) if one of our players wants to represent his country for the Olympics but come on, TP wants to participate in some stupid tournament for France? What a joke.
How is it a joke? You getting pissed at this is a joke. TP has a life and he can do whatever he pleases. His life doesn't resolve around you of the Spurs. Everyone plays for their country. The fact that you say our opinions are either trolling or not popular is actually pretty ignorant when trying to support a point. Especially considering you're wrong.

[Johnny RIngo]

Quit with the HATING.

Parker wants to play for his COUNTRY. It's not my fault that you are an unpatriotic hater. Parker is a FRENCH NATIONALIST and wants to bring GLORY to FRANCE. If you got a problem with that, then you need to go back to the Middle Ages, where nationalism didn't really exist yet.

Personally, I am THRILLED for TONY that he is playing for his COUNTRY. NATION >>>> professional sports team. Parker is making a SACRIFICE to bring GLORY to his NATION. That anyone has a problem with that makes me sick.

France and FIBA aren't paying his salary. France and FIBA aren't putting food on his table. The Spurs are. FIBA and the Olympics are both bullshit organizations that STEAL money from the NBA by having athletes compete for free so they can make an easy profit. I usually find Mark Cuban to be an annoying douche but his thoughts on this subject are the most rational I've seen:

Cuban: M.C.: I think international basketball is a joke to start with. If I had the time and funds I would sign contracts with all National Teams which would establish a company with NTs as shareholders and they would share the money amongst themselves instead of giving $2 billions to the Olympic committee. [...]

So instead of giving our best players for free to their National Teams so the Olympic Committee and GE (General Electric who owns NBC, who owns Olympic Games TV rights) can make free money I would create an International NBA Basketball Tournament which would allow for NBA to make more money and our players could play without any problems.

If the Olympics were just about fans there would be no problem, but it is a multi-billion business. You know what kind of person gives his player for free to another person to make money off them? An idiot. And we are all idiots.

[ElNono]

cue :madrun who pays their salaries rant :madrun

[romain.star]

Well they should be mad,one big guy actually playing would make a big difference for France.They backstabbed their country.Tony just showed how much he loves his country,French people should be proud of him.

We were one Noah away from a potential Gold Medal at the Euro. Yeah it sucks because IMO, it was Parker's last and best chance to get International Gold.

[romain.star]

France and FIBA aren't paying his salary. France and FIBA aren't putting food on his table. The Spurs are. FIBA and the Olympics are both bullshit organizations that STEAL money from the NBA by having athletes compete for free so they can make an easy profit. I usually find Mark Cuban to be an annoying douche but his thoughts on this subject are the most rational I've seen:

Cuban: M.C.: I think international basketball is a joke to start with. If I had the time and funds I would sign contracts with all National Teams which would establish a company with NTs as shareholders and they would share the money amongst themselves instead of giving $2 billions to the Olympic committee. [...]

So instead of giving our best players for free to their National Teams so the Olympic Committee and GE (General Electric who owns NBC, who owns Olympic Games TV rights) can make free money I would create an International NBA Basketball Tournament which would allow for NBA to make more money and our players could play without any problems.

If the Olympics were just about fans there would be no problem, but it is a multi-billion business. You know what kind of person gives his player for free to another person to make money off them? An idiot. And we are all idiots.

You're missing the point here, and I guess it is because of a massive cultural difference between the US and the rest of the world. Here in Europe, the NTs matter big time to the fans and the players (with the exception of every French Big men, but that is another problem).

The important matter is not "who pays who" or "who makes profit". What really matters here is to represent your country, beyond any business consideration.

But I guess that in a world where money is everything, it is a little bit complicated to understand...

[Chinook]

You're missing the point here, and I guess it is because of a massive cultural difference between the US and the rest of the world. Here in Europe, the NTs matter big time to the fans and the players (with the exception of every French Big men, but that is another problem).

The important matter is not "who pays who" or "who makes profit". What really matters here is to represent your country, beyond any business consideration.

But I guess that in a world where money is everything, it is a little bit complicated to understand...

I'm not going to attack players who play for their national teams. Indeed, I might be one of the few on this board who is looking forward to Leonard playing for the US when the time comes. I think playing games in the summer can be a good way to stay in shape, while allowing some players to play roles they can't in the NBA. And hell, as a fan, I want to see great players play as much as possible. But I don't think your characterization of the argument against NBA players participating in FIBA tournaments is correct.

From what I gather, people are not upset because players are, as you put it, representing their country above any business consideration. Indeed, they're NOT doing that, hence the need to get insurance and the general reluctance of many players to participate in tournaments while they're free agents. Players are very well aware of the business considerations of their participation, and they take precautions to protect themselves.

What people see as the problem with this is that the NBA teams then carry the risk for the player, while receiving none of the gain. (So goes the argument. Pop disagrees with that part.) In essence, Parker in this case isn't taking any risk himself. The Spurs have to pay him even if he breaks his leg while playing in September. Although insurance would compensate San Antonio, they'd still lose out on investing Parker's $12.5 Million into making their team better, or at least get diminished returns. Even if Parker survives the games unscathed, if he runs out of gas later in the year because of his extra games in September, then it's the Spurs and not Parker who will have lost out on the money they could have gained.

Players aren't putting nationalism over money by entering the tournaments. If they were doing that, they'd assume the financial risk themselves. Instead, they get to have their cake and eat it to. What they're actually doing is choosing their countries' interests over their NBA teams' interests. They're risking screwing over their NBA teammates for their friends and family back home. There's nothing particularly virtuous about that.

[anakha]

cool, another story for spurstalkers to bitch about nothing

[SpursSerb]

We were one Noah away from a potential Gold Medal at the Euro. Yeah it sucks because IMO, it was Parker's last and best chance to get International Gold.

I still think France has a legit chance for the title.You have the best player on the tournament,the best Sf,and hell there are no better pf's than Diaw tbh,at least not much better.But yes you needed Noah,basically just to fight with Marc Gasol.With Noah you would be the clear favourites.

[romain.star]

I still think France has a legit chance for the title.You have the best player on the tournament,the best Sf,and hell there are no better pf's than Diaw tbh,at least not much better.But yes you needed Noah,basically just to fight with Marc Gasol.With Noah you would be the clear favourites.

It is not just that Noah is out, it is that most of our best big men are out (Noah, Seraphin, Mahinmi, Traore, Turiaf and Vaty)! No offense to Petro and Ajinca but I don't think we can win it all without at least one decent big man

[romain.star]

I'm not going to attack players who play for their national teams. Indeed, I might be one of the few on this board who is looking forward to Leonard playing for the US when the time comes. I think playing games in the summer can be a good way to stay in shape, while allowing some players to play roles they can't in the NBA. And hell, as a fan, I want to see great players play as much as possible. But I don't think your characterization of the argument against NBA players participating in FIBA tournaments is correct.

From what I gather, people are not upset because players are, as you put it, representing their country above any business consideration. Indeed, they're NOT doing that, hence the need to get insurance and the general reluctance of many players to forgo tournaments while they're free agents. Players are very well aware of the business considerations of their participation, and they take precautions to protect themselves.

What people see as the problem with this is that the NBA teams then carry the risk for the player, while receiving none of the gain. (So goes the argument. Pop disagrees with that part.) In essence, Parker in this case isn't taking any risk himself. The Spurs have to pay him even if he breaks his leg while playing in September. Although insurance would compensate San Antonio, they'd still lose out on investing Parker's $12.5 Million into making their team better, or at least get diminished returns. Even if Parker survives the games unscathed, if he runs out of gas later in the year because of his extra games in September, then it's the Spurs and not Parker who will have lost out on the money they could have gained.

Players aren't putting nationalism over money by entering the tournaments. If they were doing that, they'd assume the financial risk themselves. Instead, they get to have their cake and eat it to. What they're actually doing is choosing their countries' interests over their NBA teams' interests. They're risking screwing over their NBA teammates for their friends and family back home. There's nothing particularly virtuous about that.

I never said players should represent their country at all cost. They won't risk their NBA career (and NBA money) for International glory, we can agree on that.

Now looking at the big picture and from a $$$ perspective, it is in the NBA own interest to send all of its best players in these International tournaments (Worlds, Euros, Olympics). This is how the NBA could turn into a real world wide product: send your best embassadors in order to attract new customers from all around the world (when Jordan played in Barcelona 92', it did not hurt the NBA finances)
Like it or not but NBA and FIBA Baskeballs are two sides of the same coin. With common goals and a concerted strategy, it'd be a win-win situation.

[Mel_13]

I'm not going to attack players who play for their national teams. Indeed, I might be one of the few on this board who is looking forward to Leonard playing for the US when the time comes. I think playing games in the summer can be a good way to stay in shape, while allowing some players to play roles they can't in the NBA. And hell, as a fan, I want to see great players play as much as possible. But I don't think your characterization of the argument against NBA players participating in FIBA tournaments is correct.

From what I gather, people are not upset because players are, as you put it, representing their country above any business consideration. Indeed, they're NOT doing that, hence the need to get insurance and the general reluctance of many players to forgo tournaments while they're free agents. Players are very well aware of the business considerations of their participation, and they take precautions to protect themselves.

What people see as the problem with this is that the NBA teams then carry the risk for the player, while receiving none of the gain. (So goes the argument. Pop disagrees with that part.) In essence, Parker in this case isn't taking any risk himself. The Spurs have to pay him even if he breaks his leg while playing in September. Although insurance would compensate San Antonio, they'd still lose out on investing Parker's $12.5 Million into making their team better, or at least get diminished returns. Even if Parker survives the games unscathed, if he runs out of gas later in the year because of his extra games in September, then it's the Spurs and not Parker who will have lost out on the money they could have gained.

Players aren't putting nationalism over money by entering the tournaments. If they were doing that, they'd assume the financial risk themselves. Instead, they get to have their cake and eat it to. What they're actually doing is choosing their countries' interests over their NBA teams' interests. They're risking screwing over their NBA teammates for their friends and family back home. There's nothing particularly virtuous about that.

Nice post. I've been saying the same things for several years in this forum.

btw, pretty sure that you meant the opposite of what you typed in the bolded part above.

[Chinook]

Nice post. I've been saying the same things for several years in this forum.

btw, pretty sure that you meant the opposite of what you typed in the bolded part above.

Indeed I did. Edited. Thanks.

[ace3g]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0aIyeKe7R2d80/1400x.jpg

San Antonio Spurs (http://features.rr.com/topic/San_Antonio_Spurs)' Tony Parker (http://features.rr.com/topic/Tony_Parker) of France (L) shoots next to Oklahoma City Thunder (http://features.rr.com/topic/Oklahoma_City_Thunder)'s Thabo Sefolosha (http://features.rr.com/topic/Thabo_Sefolosha) of Switzerland during a charity basketball match organised by Sefolosha on July 17, 2013 in Clarens near Montreux, western Switzerland.

http://features.rr.com/photo/0aIyeKe7R2d80?q=san+antonio+spurs

[Yuixafun]

parker looking a little haggard

[mathbzh]

Although insurance would compensate San Antonio, they'd still lose out on investing Parker's $12.5 Million into making their team better, or at least get diminished returns. Even if Parker survives the games unscathed, if he runs out of gas later in the year because of his extra games in September, then it's the Spurs and not Parker who will have lost out on the money they could have.

Parker has always been clear about international games. If the Spurs were not happy with that, they just had not to give him a new contract.

Just like Cuban... always speaking about what people should do to run their business.
But never said Anything to Dirk about playing with Germany.

[milkyway21]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0aIyeKe7R2d80/1400x.jpg

San Antonio Spurs (http://features.rr.com/topic/San_Antonio_Spurs)' Tony Parker (http://features.rr.com/topic/Tony_Parker) of France (L) shoots next to Oklahoma City Thunder (http://features.rr.com/topic/Oklahoma_City_Thunder)'s Thabo Sefolosha (http://features.rr.com/topic/Thabo_Sefolosha) of Switzerland during a charity basketball match organised by Sefolosha on July 17, 2013 in Clarens near Montreux, western Switzerland.

http://features.rr.com/photo/0aIyeKe7R2d80?q=san+antonio+spurs

sleepless nights? TP looks a lot older than his age :oops

[Chinook]

Parker has always been clear about international games. If the Spurs were not happy with that, they just had not to give him a new contract.

Just like Cuban... always speaking about what people should do to run their business.
But never said Anything to Dirk about playing with Germany.

First, Cuban's had plenty to say about Dirk playing for the German national team. That's why Dirk's only done it once or twice in the last 10 years. Dirk says he and Cuban decide together when he gets to play for FIBA. Most of the time, they decide against it.

Secondly, what does that have to do with my post? I was just showing that the players that participate for their national teams aren't choosing their country over their teams -- they're risking their NBA teams' success for their national teams. That the Spurs are okay with Parker doing that is another matter entirely.

[Johnny RIngo]

That's a LOT of nonstop basketball for Parker :depressed. Everybody better keep their expectations at a reasonable level next year(2nd round exit) - I doubt TP's going to survive the entire season. He's not a china doll like Manu but he's not exactly an iron man either. He REALLY should be resting this summer especially after all the bitching he did about his hamstring the last few months.

[TheGreatYacht]

sleepless nights? TP looks a lot older than his age :oopsAgree. Parker looks so much older. Maybe all the playing for his NT during the summer instead of resting is taking its toll on him. I wish he understood this.

[Brazil]

Agree. Parker looks so much older. Maybe all the playing for his NT during the summer instead of resting is taking its toll on him. I wish he understood this.

I really understand both side of the argument but your conclusion based on a picture of a charity game after more than one month of Parker playing 0 bb is at best foolish.

[DesignatedT]

Is Diaw playing in this as well? jw

[ace3g]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vTe0Ifghvr0

[mathbzh]

First, Cuban's had plenty to say about Dirk playing for the German national team. That's why Dirk's only done it once or twice in the last 10 years. Dirk says he and Cuban decide together when he gets to play for FIBA. Most of the time, they decide against it.

http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/p/q/Dirk%20NOWITZKI/pid/21377/_//players.html
Once or twice?

I did not quote your whole post. Just the part about the Spurs money. They knew what they were doing.
And it looks like Parker was not too greedy. Who knows maybe he accepted the discount for the "right" to play FIBA games.

[Chinook]

http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/p/q/Dirk%20NOWITZKI/pid/21377/_//players.html
Once or twice?

I did not quote your whole post. Just the part about the Spurs money. They knew what they were doing.
And it looks like Parker was not too greedy. Who knows maybe he accepted the discount for the "right" to play FIBA games.

Sorry, he's played four times in the last seven years. Big difference.

And no, the whole point is that players aren't choosing country over money. The NBA mandates that the teams let their players play in international tournaments if the players want to. It's not the teams' decision. The Spurs could have gone with a domestic point-guard, but they would have been worse off.

The whole idea about Parker taking a discount to play overseas is just wild speculation, with absolutely no support. We already know that players like Ginobili didn't. And they're not bad people for it. But it's not a nationalism vs. capitalism thing as the poster I originally quoted suggested. It's a national team vs NBA team thing. Whether or not the teams are okay with players doing so is completely irrelevant to that.

[Skull-1]

Agree. Parker looks so much older. Maybe all the playing for his NT during the summer instead of resting is taking its toll on him. I wish he understood this.

[mathbzh]

Sorry, he's played four times in the last seven years. Big difference.

I count 7 out of 10 years... Why are you looking at the last 7 years only?

Anyway, I agree with most of what you said.
Player don't chose country over money because they don't have too.

But for some players, including Parker and Ginobili, representing their country is something special.
For some others (Noah for France) it is not.

[Chinook]

I count 7 out of 10 years... Why are you looking at the last 7 years only?

Anyway, I agree with most of what you said.
Player don't chose country over money because they don't have too.

But for some players, including Parker and Ginobili, representing their country is something special.
For some others (Noah for France) it is not.

I only counted five. I don't count the qualifying tournaments. The reason why I'm looking at recent history so much is because as Dirk's gotten older, Cuban's convinced him to play less. I doubt Cuban cared about Dirk playing before he started to show his body couldn't handle it anymore.

Again, I am not ragging on players for participating in the tournaments. As I said in my first post, I actually support it. I just don't like the characterization of the issue to be about greedy, materialistic American fans verus virtuous, nationalistic international players.

[Brazil]

Is Diaw playing in this as well? jw

Yes, he is captain

[Mel_13]

You're missing the point here, and I guess it is because of a massive cultural difference between the US and the rest of the world. Here in Europe, the NTs matter big time to the fans and the players (with the exception of every French Big men, but that is another problem).

The important matter is not "who pays who" or "who makes profit". What really matters here is to represent your country, beyond any business consideration.

But I guess that in a world where money is everything, it is a little bit complicated to understand...


I'm not going to attack players who play for their national teams. Indeed, I might be one of the few on this board who is looking forward to Leonard playing for the US when the time comes. I think playing games in the summer can be a good way to stay in shape, while allowing some players to play roles they can't in the NBA. And hell, as a fan, I want to see great players play as much as possible. But I don't think your characterization of the argument against NBA players participating in FIBA tournaments is correct.

From what I gather, people are not upset because players are, as you put it, representing their country above any business consideration. Indeed, they're NOT doing that, hence the need to get insurance and the general reluctance of many players to participate in tournaments while they're free agents. Players are very well aware of the business considerations of their participation, and they take precautions to protect themselves.

What people see as the problem with this is that the NBA teams then carry the risk for the player, while receiving none of the gain. (So goes the argument. Pop disagrees with that part.) In essence, Parker in this case isn't taking any risk himself. The Spurs have to pay him even if he breaks his leg while playing in September. Although insurance would compensate San Antonio, they'd still lose out on investing Parker's $12.5 Million into making their team better, or at least get diminished returns. Even if Parker survives the games unscathed, if he runs out of gas later in the year because of his extra games in September, then it's the Spurs and not Parker who will have lost out on the money they could have gained.

Players aren't putting nationalism over money by entering the tournaments. If they were doing that, they'd assume the financial risk themselves. Instead, they get to have their cake and eat it to. What they're actually doing is choosing their countries' interests over their NBA teams' interests. They're risking screwing over their NBA teammates for their friends and family back home. There's nothing particularly virtuous about that.

The latest example of a prominent player putting personal business interests ahead of representing his country:

Basketball Federation of Montenegro confirmed that Nikola Pekovic won't be at Eurobasket in Slovenia next September. The big man is restricted free agent in the NBA and is negotiating with the Timberwolves on a new deal. The contract problems in the NBA did not allow him to join the Montenegrin National Team Training camp. Pekovic, his agent and the Federation agreed that Pekovic won't travel to Slovenia with his National Team.

http://www.sportando.net/eng/national-teams/national-teams/61004/nikola-pekovic-won-t-play-eurobasket-with-montenegrin-nt.html

[look_at_g_shred]

Everytime I see Parker's stats, it's always like limited minutes 3 pts 2 assists 1 reb. Why even play?

[Mel_13]

Everytime I see Parker's stats, it's always like limited minutes 3 pts 2 assists 1 reb. Why even play?

The tournament doesn't start until September 4th. These games are just exhibitions, part of the train up for the tourney.

[hooperflash]

Parker was hit above his right knee during practice but the injury doesn't sound at all serious, and he should be fine for the duration of the EuroBasket tournament.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NBA&id=780&line=212409&spln=1