Parker : "A big season "

[lefty]

I'm going to try to translate the spurs related part. Lefty instead of writting you dislike TP (we already knew) help me out.

Sorry

[galvatron3000]

What are your thoughts on the departure of LeBron James in Miami?

T.P. : It is always difficult. Whatever he does, we knew that there were people who were not unhappy . It is true that I would have liked to see in New York. It would have been nice. Miami is not bad too . But they are not champions. There are good teams in the East with Boston, Chicago or Orlando . It will be a conference noted.


man, sounds like that was going to help get him in NY because there is nothing in NY when Wade and Bosh were in Miami.

[Brazil]

Wasn't it hard for you to not play this summer with FNT ?

I have to admit I'm feeling a little bit sad to have missed this opportunity, it's weird for me to not play with the guys during the summer. Well, it's quite political... Some many things happened with the Spurs therefore I needed to choose. Nevertheless I think it will be a good thing at the end because I rested well. I took this opportunity to get back in shape and be ready for the next 5 or 6 next years because there big challenges coming with FNT and a big season coming for me.

You already announced you will be there next year for the 2011 EURO with Ronny and Noah.

I think everybody will be there. It's a big compe ion. Besides it's a key compe ion for the olympics. It would be nice to see this team complete for once to see what we can do. Nevertheless the first objective is the 2012 olympics. I already missed the olympics twice. I would like to have the opportunity to be part of that at least once. This is a dream.

Before that you need to bounce back after a tough season with the spurs..

It's true I had a lot of health issues. I think it was a signal. My boddy warned me it was too much. Since I'm 14 years old, I played 11 summers out of 13. This is the reason why I decided to rest to be ready for the years coming.

How was your preparation ?

I rested two months and half but then I worked hard. I never worked that much during the summer before. it's the first time that I work so much on my game and I did so much fitness to be ready to avoid these small stupid injuries that happened when you are fragile.

[Brazil]

Everybody announced you to sign with NY...

This is just rumors. I cannot control it. When you have one year contract left, everybody will talk. Tony will go here or there... there's nothing I can do about it.

What Tiago can bring to the spurs ?

I think he can bring a lot. He is a smart player. He won les in Europe therefore he knows what it takes to win. He is going to play with Tim Duncan so he will have less pressure. Pressure will be on Duncan, ginobili or my shoulders. He will have more liberty to do what he wants and he will have time to learn.

This is the last journey for the big 3 ?

Yes. I think this is our last chance to win a le. Duncan is aging... this is our last shot.

What do you think of Lebron playing for Miami ?

Its always difficult, no matter what, there will be unhappy people. It's true I would have been happy to see him in NY. It would have been nice but Miami is good too but they are no champs yet. There are good eastern teams with Boston, Chicago or Orlando. It's going to be a challenging conference.

[Mel_13]

Wasn't it hard for you to not play this summer with FNT ?

I have to admit I'm feeling a little bit sad to have missed this opportunity, it's weird for me to not play with the guys during the summer. Well, it's quite political... Some many things happened with the Spurs therefore I needed to choose. Nevertheless I think it will be a good thing at the end because I rested well. I took this opportunity to get back in shape and be ready for the next 5 or 6 next years because there big challenges coming with FNT and a big season coming for me.

You already announced you will be there next year for the 2011 EURO with Ronny and Noah.

I think everybody will be there. It's a big compe ion. Besides it's a key compe ion for the olympics. It would be nice to see this team complete for once to see what we can do. Nevertheless the first objective is the 2012 olympics. I already missed the olympics twice. I would like to have the opportunity to be part of that at least once. This is a dream.

Before that you need to bounce back after a tough season with the spurs..

It's true I had a lot of health issues. I think it was a signal. My boddy warned me it was too much. Since I'm 14 years old, I played 11 summers out of 13. This is the reason why I decided to rest to be ready for the years coming.

How was your preparation ?

I rested two months and half but then I worked hard. I never worked that much during the summer before. it's the first time that I work so much on my game and I did so much fitness to be ready to avoid these small stupid injuries that happened when you are fragile.

Thanks for the translation.

As others have said, Tony is always open and honest.

[Brazil]

i'm not sure if my translation is better than the google one but I tried.

[Nathan89]

When does the season start?????

[mountainballer]

This is the last journey for the big 3 ?

Yes. I think this is our last chance to win a le. Duncan is aging... this is our last shot.

doesn't sound as if he is planning to stay beyond next summer.

[nbaman99]

Wasn't it hard for you to not play this summer with FNT ?

I have to admit I'm feeling a little bit sad to have missed this opportunity, it's weird for me to not play with the guys during the summer. Well, it's quite political... Some many things happened with the Spurs therefore I needed to choose. Nevertheless I think it will be a good thing at the end because I rested well. I took this opportunity to get back in shape and be ready for the next 5 or 6 next years because there big challenges coming with FNT and a big season coming for me.

You already announced you will be there next year for the 2011 EURO with Ronny and Noah.

I think everybody will be there. It's a big compe ion. Besides it's a key compe ion for the olympics. It would be nice to see this team complete for once to see what we can do. Nevertheless the first objective is the 2012 olympics. I already missed the olympics twice. I would like to have the opportunity to be part of that at least once. This is a dream.

Before that you need to bounce back after a tough season with the spurs..

It's true I had a lot of health issues. I think it was a signal. My boddy warned me it was too much. Since I'm 14 years old, I played 11 summers out of 13. This is the reason why I decided to rest to be ready for the years coming.

How was your preparation ?

I rested two months and half but then I worked hard. I never worked that much during the summer before. it's the first time that I work so much on my game and I did so much fitness to be ready to avoid these small stupid injuries that happened when you are fragile.

[ohmwrecker]

i'm not sure if my translation is better than the google one but I tried.

It's a of a lot better than the first one. Even though the first translation was difficult to read, it wasn't difficult to understand what he was saying.

[Brazil]

It's a of a lot better than the first one. Even though the first translation was difficult to read, it wasn't difficult to understand what he was saying.

I do agree, there was no major misunterpretation in the google translation.

[Brazil]

doesn't sound as if he is planning to stay beyond next summer.

does sound he honestly doesn't know what is going to happen next year.

I do think he is just letting clear what are his priorities for his future after the next season.

FNT will be one of his priority, fighting to get a long solid contract (5 years) is the second one with the spurs or another franchise.

We can say what we want about parker but he has a very nice quality: he is honest and direct. If the spurs want to keep him, they will have to give him a 5 years contract for a solid amount and let him play with the FNT. From that, Spurs have time to define how they want to build the future of the franchise.

[slick'81]

please dont go tony we need you lol

[duncan228]

NBA PM: Parker, Spurs Feel Urgency
By Yannis Koutroupis
Hoopsworld

The End Of The Big Three: Not too long ago it was the San Antonio Spurs that had the league's marquee big three with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Since coming together in 2001 they've won three championships and at least 50 games every season. Like all great combinations, they can't stay together forever and the 2010-2011 season very well could be their last as teammates. Duncan is 34 years old, Ginobili is 33 and Parker is in the final year of his contract. Parker, who has the freedom to sign wherever he wants next summer, definitely sees the end of their run in sight and is looking to make the most of what's left of it.

"Personally I think this will be our last real chance to win a le," admitted Parker in an interview with EuroSport. "Duncan's aging, this is our last chance.

"This is the last year of my contract, so we'll have to have a big season. But I do not want to waste my time thinking about these things. When you think about it too much, you're not performing. I'm going to focus more on the fact that we need to play well. We must again become a headliner, because last year we did not really have a big season. With the new players added and the fact that I, Manu and Tim did not play with our national teams, I hope we will be there right away and will succeed big."

Parker, like Ginobili with Argentina, is one of the faces of basketball in his home country of France. They greatly needed him in the FIBA World Championships, but an injury-riddled season in 09-10 convinced him that it was best to get some rest.

"It's true that I had a lot of small injuries (last year)," stated Parker. "I think it was a sign. My body told me to stop because I played all these years with the NBA and the team of France. I played 11 out of 13 summers. That's why I decided to rest this time to rebound in the coming years."

Parker further displayed his focus on the upcoming season by dismissing the rumors that have him leaving San Antonio for a bigger market like New York at season's end.

"Those are rumors," pointed out Parker. "I cannot control them. When you have one year on your contract everyone will speak. 'Tony will go here, Tony will go there.' I cannot do anything about that."

The only thing Parker has control over is his play on the court. He had a down year last season after a career year prior to that. He's healthy now, though, with as talented of a supporting cast as he's ever had. Parker has already pinpointed newcomer Tiago Splitter, a Brazilian big man that the Spurs drafted in 2007, as someone who can be a difference-maker in their quest for another championship.

"I think he will bring a lot," Parker predicted. "He is a very intelligent player. He won les in Europe, so he knows what it takes to win. Thanks to playing with Duncan, I think there will be less pressure on him. The pressure will be on Duncan, Ginobili or me. He will be freer to do what he wants."

Only in the best-case scenario do the Spurs have a realistic chance of preventing the Los Angeles Lakers from winning the Western Conference for the fourth year in a row. It's certainly possible, however, if they play with the "there's no tomorrow" mentality. Making the most of the big three's last days could lead to their inevitable breakup being harmonious, which is only fitting after all they've accomplished.

[ezau]

I would be surprised if the Big Three doesn't play with a sense of urgency at the start of the season.

[GSH]

I have to admit I'm feeling a little bit sad to have missed this opportunity, it's weird for me to not play with the guys during the summer. Well, it's quite political... Some many things happened with the Spurs therefore I needed to choose.

Nevertheless the first objective is the 2012 olympics. I already missed the olympics twice. I would like to have the opportunity to be part of that at least once. This is a dream.

It's true I had a lot of health issues. I think it was a signal. My body warned me it was too much. Since I'm 14 years old, I played 11 summers out of 13.

I rested two months and half but then I worked hard. I never worked that much during the summer before. it's the first time that I work so much on my game and I did so much fitness to be ready to avoid these small stupid injuries that happened when you are fragile.

Well I think that pretty much shoots down the people who have always insisted that Tony's summer play didn't affect his play, or contribute to his injuries. If you don't believe anyone else, you at least should believe Tony himself. Small, stupid injuries happen more often "when you are fragile" from not taking a rest.

I can understand and respect his desire to play in the Olympics - especially when he describes it as being "a dream" of his. It's a big deal, and he deserves the opportunity. But I would be even more sympathetic if he hand't played all those other summers. Because you can spin it any way you want to, but all that summer ball has cost the Spurs by watering down what he would have been able to contribute.

He did piss me off with the bit about it being "quite political". That part is just disrespectful to the Spurs. He was injured, and risked his NBA season by continuing to play. (What does he care? He gets paid either way.) Saying that it was political was bull . What he should have said was, "I was injured, and I had to honor my commitment to the Spurs." But he obviously didn't feel that way, or he would have come back on his own.

[duncan228]

Parker's anxiety a Spurs advantage
Buck Harvey

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...wFullArticle=y

[GSH]

Parker's anxiety a Spurs advantage
Buck Harvey

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...wFullArticle=y

I hope Buck Harvey is right. One way or the other, this season will probably prove one way or the other what Parker is made of. At his age and experience, he should be at his absolute prime. All the pieces are in place for him to have an outstanding season. Anything short of that is on him.

[spurs10]

It seems pretty clear that Tony intends to have the best season of his career. Last year was obviously disappointing to him. It's going be great to watch the Spurs this year. Sure they're older, but these guys know how to win and are very hungry. Thanks for the translations!

[gilmor]

Well I think that pretty much shoots down the people who have always insisted that Tony's summer play didn't affect his play, or contribute to his injuries. If you don't believe anyone else, you at least should believe Tony himself. Small, stupid injuries happen more often "when you are fragile" from not taking a rest.

I can understand and respect his desire to play in the Olympics - especially when he describes it as being "a dream" of his. It's a big deal, and he deserves the opportunity. But I would be even more sympathetic if he hand't played all those other summers. Because you can spin it any way you want to, but all that summer ball has cost the Spurs by watering down what he would have been able to contribute.

He did piss me off with the bit about it being "quite political". That part is just disrespectful to the Spurs. He was injured, and risked his NBA season by continuing to play. (What does he care? He gets paid either way.) Saying that it was political was bull . What he should have said was, "I was injured, and I had to honor my commitment to the Spurs." But he obviously didn't feel that way, or he would have come back on his own.

So what do you think of Manu when he played injured during the Beijing Olympics and that cost his leg to be operated on and hence missing the entire season?

[alchemist]

Parker's anxiety a Spurs advantage
Buck Harvey

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...wFullArticle=y

aka get your popcorn ready.

[Brazil]

Well I think that pretty much shoots down the people who have always insisted that Tony's summer play didn't affect his play, or contribute to his injuries. If you don't believe anyone else, you at least should believe Tony himself. Small, stupid injuries happen more often "when you are fragile" from not taking a rest.

I can understand and respect his desire to play in the Olympics - especially when he describes it as being "a dream" of his. It's a big deal, and he deserves the opportunity. But I would be even more sympathetic if he hand't played all those other summers. Because you can spin it any way you want to, but all that summer ball has cost the Spurs by watering down what he would have been able to contribute.

He did piss me off with the bit about it being "quite political". That part is just disrespectful to the Spurs. He was injured, and risked his NBA season by continuing to play. (What does he care? He gets paid either way.) Saying that it was political was bull . What he should have said was, "I was injured, and I had to honor my commitment to the Spurs." But he obviously didn't feel that way, or he would have come back on his own.

Point is TP has never missed one PO game and he played most of them fully healthy. Last year was one of the few times he wasn't 100% because he broke his hands before and he healed in 3 ing weeks: this kind of injury has nothing to do with summer.

In my books and IMHO TP health never costed a spurs play off run.

TP's fragility is more linked to the fact he played during 10 years 82 bb games in 6 months every year. The NBA schedule is just ing crazy. Of course playing during the summer is not helping but main reason of health issues is on NBA calendar not international plays.

[Russ]

In the clearing stands a boxer
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that layed him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
"I am leaving, I am leaving"
But the fighter still remains

-- Tony Parker

[phxspurfan]

Tony is gonna ball this season. And by that I mean he will be an MVP candidate. You heard it here first.

[DAF86]

Tony is gonna ball this season. And by that I mean he will be an MVP candidate. You heard it here first.

I disagree.