HoopsHype.com - Tony Parker: "Miami may have too many stars"
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Tony Parker: "Miami may have too many stars"
by Raul Barrigon / September 7, 2005
What comes to your mind when you hear the word "dynasty?"
Tony Parker: I know what you're talking about. We're going to try to be that. Of course we will. We are aware that the back-to-back is a difficult task, but I think we have the team to do it. I am 23, Manu is 28 and Timmy is 29. So if we can keep the core of our team together, we can win another two or three rings.
How do you feel about the moves the Spurs have made this summer?
TP: I think that the most important move made by our team was re-signing Robert Horry. It was also important to sign Oberto… Anyway, we have a very strong frontcourt right now. In the backcourt, there is Manu and me... Nick and Michael Finley will be very helpful. And Beno Udrih had a good year as a rookie although he didn't play very well in the Finals.
We saw how angry Gregg Popovich got with him...
TP: Well... You know, Popovich is a tough coach – especially with the rookies. Gregg is a great one and I know Beno is going to improve this year. Brent Barry had to handle a lot of pressure last year and now will do better too.
What do you think about the moves of the other contenders?
TP: I think Phoenix has improved, but only in a way... Now they are stronger, but I am not sure if they are better. They are better on the defensive end, but I feel that they are a worse team on the offensive end. In Miami, they have signed a lot of stars. Maybe too many. Shaq, Wade, plus Antoine Walker and Jason Williams… Damon Jones was a good fit because he only shot threes. Now with Williams on board, the thing can go out of control. But who knows? Maybe I'm wrong. By the way, Detroit is still a very good team. I think the contenders are still the same.
What does it mean for you to play with France in the Eurobasket?
TP: This is a big thing for me. I've been playing for my country since I was 14. I have a lot of good memories, like the time when we won the Under 18 European Championship. I hope we can keep winning with the National Team this year!
You dream about the gold medal?
TP: My dream was to play in the NBA. Now that I've won another ring, I want to play in the All-Star… But for now, it's all about France. I am willing to be involved with the French team. There are times when it's hard to focus on something. For example, right now we have to play a lot of friendly games... At least Spain is a good place to stay. Better than Slovenia.
You return to the National Team two years later. How do you feel about it?
TP: Very happy. Really. Playing for France is very important for me. Right now, I'm a little bit tired. You have to consider that I've played 110 games with the San Antonio Spurs this season... So with this friendly games, my goal is just to feel ready and 100 percent when the European Championship begins.
Did you find any problem with the Spurs because of your intention to play in the Eurobasket?
TP: The fact is I did. Gregg didn't like it. Obviously he's looking for the best for the franchise. But we spoke and I told him how important for me was to lead the National Team to the World Championship. In my career, I want to play the World Championship and the Olympic Games at least once each. As for the medals, I think the favorites in this tournament are Serbia and Lithuania.
Orlando's first-round pick Fran Vazquez chose to remain in Europe instead of going to the NBA. What do you think about that?
TP: That's his call. Maybe playing in the NBA wasn't his dream. For most players playing there is the biggest thing. But, well, maybe Fran feels great in Europe and wants to stay in Spain with his family and friends... I don't know and I don't think I should judge his decision. Personally, my dream was to play in the NBA. And after four years and two rings... What can I tell you? I feel so good.
Raul Barrigon writes for Gigantes and is a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com
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Tony, tired? and the European Championship has not begun yet? When would that be?. Right now, I'm a little bit tired. You have to consider that I've played 110 games with the San Antonio Spurs this season... So with this friendly games, my goal is just to feel ready and 100 percent when the European Championship begins.
I was hoping TP would say he's trying to get ready for the new NBA season
At least Spain is a good place to stay. Better than SloveniaOUCH!, that's got to sting...
Tony is taking it to Slovenia. Has France played them yet?
fat tony, pops goin to bust a cap in his ass if his not ready when season starts.
Your hilarious buddy....
no really.
well good thing we have a solid backup
We have 3 solid backups
NVE
Udrih
Barry
If there all injured were screwed anway but......
Manu
I'm sure what Parker said wasn't as harsh as it seems here. Obviously the interview was done in French and then translated to English.
Funny things can happen in translation. Slovenia shouldn't be worried.
At least Spain is a good place to stay. Better than Slovenia.
See ya in September 18th motha a!
j/k (or maybe not)
It's missing a few "Ya know, uhh.."'s in the mix... timvp's right, funny things happen in translations.
Two things nobody will ever excuse Tony Parker of being; clutch or intelligent.
Yeah! 18th September. TP better be ready to be owned. By Slovenia!
Im soooo looking forward to this game!
TP better be ready to be owned by Beno!!
Tony seems to have forgotten Game 2 of the Finals when he was in foul trouble and Beno played a great second half.
And if he doesn't pick up his game and prove he's worth the contract, he'll go from winning championships with the best team on the planet to playing in front of 68 fans in Atlanta......The guy is 23 years old and will be making around $64 mil over the next couple of years.....yea he sure is a dumbass.
Tony talks a big game for a kid that has marginally improved in four years. He should just shut up, finish this European crap and get ready for the season. By the sounds of it, he'll be watching Nick Van Exel close out games anyways......
And he's going out with the sexiest girl of the moment! damn
I think you guys are getting too excited for nothing.. TP is just saying that Spain
is a nicer place than Slovenia which is kinda true..
He prefers Spain's Sun & Beaches, for European people Spain is one of the best place for vacation!
I'm not even going to bother with the stats that completely dispute your "Tony Parker has only marginally improved the past 4 years" Anyone with half a brain can see that he has improved some aspect of his game every season the past 4 years.
And just who do you think the Spurs would trade for him in Atlanta? The only PG's the Spurs would consider trading Parker for would probably be Billups (who's under contract), Nash(under contract), and Kidd (who clearly doesn't want to come here).
Get over the hate.......it's getting old, fast.
I'm sure some of the things he said were translated incorrectly. He isn't the brightest bulb and his English isn't the best, but he doesn't mean any harm. People in this forum can be so sensitive. He can't be too dumb though. As you all stated earlier, he is making over $60 mil and is dating a very sexy Hispanic and is probably messing around with some other hot girls right now.
Finals in 2003- benched in favor of Speedy ClaxtonI'm not even going to bother with the stats that completely dispute your "Tony Parker has only marginally improved the past 4 years" Anyone with half a brain can see that he has improved some aspect of his game every season the past 4 years
Finals in 2005- pulled two minutes into game seven by Pop for playing like a high school kid. Go back and look at video of the second half of game 7- Parker looked like dear in the headlights.
I rest my case.
Finals in 2005 - played stellar defense, including sticking on Rip Hamilton like white on rice as time ran down at the end of Game 5, forcing Rip into a horrible shot.
Just go.
Does he really call Pop "Gregg"?
The thing that was scary in this interview was him talking about being tired after playing so many games--with more to come in Europe this summer.
How can he not realize that his first obligation is to his Spurs team and profession? Sometime during the regular season he's gonna run out of gas and there will be a big controversy about whether he should be benched.
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