Tony Parker: 5th Option Or Last Resort

[Spurtacular]

This article about Pau being a third option behind Kawhi and LMA got me to wondering what Parker's role would be.

http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/nba-w...-45-pau-gasol/

[egtonecity]

Casserole

[cascaders]

3-4th option tbh #faith in Parker

[cutewizard]

If he learns to be a playmaker first......

[Seventyniner]

Parker will be the 4th option in the SL but will still handle the ball more than some posters would like.

[Dex]

Parker will be the 4th option in the SL but will still handle the ball more than some posters would like.

Wait, you mean our starting point guard will be handling the ball on a consistent basis?

[Spur-Addict]

1st scoring option with the second unit. Facilitator with the first unit.

[Seventyniner]

Wait, you mean our starting point guard will be handling the ball on a consistent basis?

Shocking, isn't it.

[SupremeGuy]

Wait, you mean our starting point guard will be handling the ball on a consistent basis?

There's a difference between handling the ball on a consistent basis, and dribbling around for 20 seconds and then passing to someone forcing them to take a bad shot.

[GSH]

Wait, you mean our starting point guard will be handling the ball on a consistent basis?

Yeah, but only for the first 20 seconds of the shot clock.

[SASdynasty!]

There's a difference between handling the ball on a consistent basis, and dribbling around for 20 seconds and then passing to someone forcing them to take a bad shot.

If it were true that Parker kept the ball more than most other point guards, that would be great. Fortunately he doesn't statistically.

[SASdynasty!]

Top 3 option like he's been for the last 15 years (unlike any other Spur).

[GSH]

If it were true that Parker kept the ball more than most other point guards, that would be great. Fortunately he doesn't statistically.

Those other PG's don't play for the Spurs, where ball movement and unselfish play are a big part of the team's success. Statistically, a Spurs PG should probably hold the ball significantly less than most other PG's, don't you think?

There is no doubt that Tony dribbles the ball too late into the shot clock, too often. He also loafs getting the ball across the time line too often, which leaves less clock time for the Spurs' offense to work. Years ago, I remember commentators talking about how important it was that Tony got the ball across mid-court quickly, and got the Spurs into their offense with more time left on the shot clock. (And getting the offense running before the defense had a chance to set up.) I don't know if it's age, or just bad habit, but he doesn't do that much anymore.

The combination of barely getting the ball across mid-court in time, and dribbling too much is bad for the team. I don't take part in the pro/anti-player bull that goes on here. Tony is still capable of playing. But there are too many times where he dribbles out way too much of the clock. Sometimes it's because his teammates aren't moving without the ball, which isn't on him. But he doesn't appear to have the jets to blow past defenders and get to the rim like he once did. And that was always his strength.

[dabom]

Those other PG's don't play for the Spurs, where ball movement and unselfish play are a big part of the team's success. Statistically, a Spurs PG should probably hold the ball significantly less than most other PG's, don't you think?

There is no doubt that Tony dribbles the ball too late into the shot clock, too often. He also loafs getting the ball across the time line too often, which leaves less clock time for the Spurs' offense to work. Years ago, I remember commentators talking about how important it was that Tony got the ball across mid-court quickly, and got the Spurs into their offense with more time left on the shot clock. (And getting the offense running before the defense had a chance to set up.) I don't know if it's age, or just bad habit, but he doesn't do that much anymore.

The combination of barely getting the ball across mid-court in time, and dribbling too much is bad for the team. I don't take part in the pro/anti-player bull that goes on here. Tony is still capable of playing. But there are too many times where he dribbles out way too much of the clock. Sometimes it's because his teammates aren't moving without the ball, which isn't on him. But he doesn't appear to have the jets to blow past defenders and get to the rim like he once did. And that was always his strength.

He does that 100% of the time. He thinks he's "too good" for it.

[Solid D]

got me to wondering what Parker's role would be.

As far as I'm concerned, Parker should stick to whatever role he's given and not try to do too much himself. I think his usual, primary role is to defend, enter the offense, push the break and distribute the ball to the open player, and to shoot when he has a great (great, not good), open shot. This role transcends 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. options.

[TheDoctor]

[SASdynasty!]

Those other PG's don't play for the Spurs, where ball movement and unselfish play are a big part of the team's success. Statistically, a Spurs PG should probably hold the ball significantly less than most other PG's, don't you think?

There is no doubt that Tony dribbles the ball too late into the shot clock, too often. He also loafs getting the ball across the time line too often, which leaves less clock time for the Spurs' offense to work. Years ago, I remember commentators talking about how important it was that Tony got the ball across mid-court quickly, and got the Spurs into their offense with more time left on the shot clock. (And getting the offense running before the defense had a chance to set up.) I don't know if it's age, or just bad habit, but he doesn't do that much anymore.

The combination of barely getting the ball across mid-court in time, and dribbling too much is bad for the team. I don't take part in the pro/anti-player bull that goes on here. Tony is still capable of playing. But there are too many times where he dribbles out way too much of the clock. Sometimes it's because his teammates aren't moving without the ball, which isn't on him. But he doesn't appear to have the jets to blow past defenders and get to the rim like he once did. And that was always his strength.

I agree with this for the most part. When Parker was young, he was lightning fast. Then when he started his prime around '07, he could get up the court and finish at will. This was especially true in the Finals, where he would consistently blow past Lebron on the break to the basket. He doesn't have that speed anymore, so that's not an option, but the first unit has become Kawhi/LMA ISO ball for the most part. That's fine because both are really good at ISO ball, but it changes the flow and makes it less necessary for Parker to run breaks, especially if those guys have to spend times in motion getting to their spots.

[kaji157]

3 or 4 depending on the lineup.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Wait, you mean our starting point guard will be handling the ball on a consistent basis?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

As far as I'm concerned, Parker should stick to whatever role he's given and not try to do too much himself. I think his usual, primary role is to defend, enter the offense, push the break and distribute the ball to the open player, and to shoot when he has a great (great, not good), open shot. This role transcends 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. options.

That would be nice. Pushing the break is key...if he can move the ball quickly and facilitate the ball movement the entire offense will benefit. Problem with Parker is he can disappear completely when he isn't being asked to carry the load. Can Tony leave his ego at the door and truly try to help the team win? I'll be curious to see how he does with that.