Parker may get new deal
Web Posted: 10/06/2004 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b....ef9942ad.html
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
For three years, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has used a variety of methods, many of which apparently involved his face turning crimson red, to encourage Tony Parker to take more ownership of the team.
This past summer, Parker did Popovich one better.
He bought his own franchise.
Parker and his agent, Marc Fleisher, teamed together to purchase Paris Basket Racing, the same professional club Parker played for prior to joining the Spurs. The cost of the team, which plays in France's Pro A League, reportedly was less than $250,000.
As the 22-year-old co-owner of PBR, Parker spent part of the summer scouting French and American players to fill out his roster.
"I call them and tell them we're interested, but I'm not talking prices," Parker said. "That's Marc. He is taking care of all the contract stuff."
Whether Fleisher and the Spurs can resolve Parker's contract stuff before the start of the season remains to be seen. Though the Spurs did not begin negotiations on an extension until two weeks ago, they have indicated they would like to complete talks by the end of the week.
Under NBA rules, teams have until Oct. 31 to extend rookie contracts, but Popovich said he does not want negotiations to create a distraction during training camp. If Parker does not sign an extension by the end of the month, he will become a restricted free agent after the season.
"Everybody knows I like San Antonio and I would love to stay here, so why not do it now?" Parker said. "But if we can't find an agreement, I will wait one more year. I am not in a rush."
Though Parker is not seeking a maximum contract, he is eligible to receive up to $86 million over six seasons. New Jersey forward Richard Jefferson (six years, $76 million) and Memphis forwards Pau Gasol (six years, $86 million) and Shane Battier (six years, $37 million) are the only players from Parker's 2001 rookie class who have signed extensions. Fleisher also is talking with Utah about an extension for forward Andrei Kirilenko.
Sacramento's Mike Bibby, another of the league's top young point guards, received a seven-year, $80 million contract two years ago. Washington lured Gilbert Arenas from Golden State last season with a six-year, $64 million deal.
Spurs officials have indicated they have no problem tabling negotiations until next summer because it will allow them to see how the league's salary structure is altered after the current collective bargaining agreement expires.
Suspending negotiations, however, is not without risk. Though the Spurs could match any offer Parker receives at the end of the season, if another team makes him a maximum offer — and the league's salary rules aren't significantly changed — they might have to spend more to keep him than they would now. Parker also could sign a one-year deal with the Spurs then become an unrestricted free agent after the 2005-06 season.
Parker's rookie contract, which was determined by his position in the draft, paid him less than $900,000 each of his first three seasons. He will make $1.5 million this season, regardless of whether his contract is extended. He would prefer to get a deal done now, but said he will play this season with his future in limbo, if needed.
"It's like that Jason Kidd stuff," Parker said. "Nothing changes for me. There's always a lot of pressure on my shoulders."
Parker may have gone public with his displeasure over the Spurs' pursuit of Kidd, but he has kept any complaints about his contract negotiations private. He spoke with Popovich about his situation Monday night and, publicly, has continued to toe the company line.
"If we can't do (an extension), let's focus on the team," Parker said. "If I'm still playing the same way and improve, (the contract) is going to come. The main thing is to win the championship."
Parker remains dedicated to helping the Spurs achieve that goal. He didn't play with the French national team this summer, perfecting his own game at the Spurs' practice facility.
After the Lakers shut down Parker in the final four games of the Western Conference semifinals by often forcing him to his left, he has worked to finish his drives with his left hand. He was a frequent visitor to the weight room this summer and the Spurs coaches even put him in some post-up situations to utilize his quickness.
Perhaps most important, he put up countless jump shots in an effort to develop consistency in his follow-through motion.
"As quick as he is," said Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, "if he all of a sudden becomes a great shooter, how do you guard him?"
Parker had his own difficult questions to answer this summer when he and Fleisher started to put together the roster for PBR. Last week, they reached an agreement to terminate the contract of Laurent Sciarra, the point guard who used to start ahead of Parker.
"He had been there for a long time, but we let him go," Parker said. "It was too expensive."
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Spurs notebook: Tender knee prevents Udrih from practicing
Web Posted: 10/06/2004 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
Beno Udrih said his bruised right knee is feeling better, but the Spurs held him out of contact drills in Tuesday's practices.
"I thought it was going to be worse," Udrih said. "I feel a little bit in some movements, but I think I will be able to work through it."
Udrih injured his knee while playing for Slovenia's national team last month. Udrih's knee is structurally sound, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, but the team may continue to limit his participation in scrimmages depending on how he is feeling.
The Spurs also kept Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili out of the contact portion of Tuesday's practice. Popovich wants to make sure Duncan and Ginobili, who both played in the Olympics, aren't overworked in training camp.
The team is scheduled to have two-a-days through Friday. The Spurs will hold an open scrimmage, free to the public, at 2 p.m. Sunday at the SBC Center.
Eyes of Texas: At least one member of the Spurs will be interested in the outcome of Saturday's Red River Shootout between the universities of Texas and Oklahoma.
In the four years forward James Thomas played at UT, he never saw the Longhorns beat the Sooners in football.
Said Thomas: "They're going to get 'em this year."
Faces in the crowd: UT coach Rick Barnes, a friend of Spurs assistant P.J. Carlesimo, attended Tuesday's morning practice.
The Spurs also are hosting a group of coaches from Serbia and Montenegro this week.
TP is a cold-hearted bas . Good thing he doesn't own the Nets.Parker had his own difficult questions to answer this summer when he and Fleisher started to put together the roster for PBR. Last week, they reached an agreement to terminate the contract of Laurent Sciarra, the point guard who used to start ahead of Parker.
"He had been there for a long time, but we let him go," Parker said. "It was too expensive."
Haha, that was clever shoogar
There's your max."As quick as he is," said Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, "if he all of a sudden becomes a great shooter, how do you guard him?"
I expect Parker to have a breakout year this season. He spent a lot of time working on his game over the summer but also had plenty of rest. He's added some strength and is getting to the age where his body will fill out even more.
If he adds a consistent jumper and a left hand, he'll be deadly.
That's why the Spurs shouldn't be fooling around and sign him up now. If they wait and he has a great yr, they'll be paying more next yr. I also think this is his yr, he'll even have a better yr if he's playing for a contract.
Even if they regret the contract and he slumps a little, there will always be takers for him.
I agree ..the spurs had better count their lucky stars Parker has not taken the trade talks and Pops coaching method too personal...we know it is business but in today's climate...you can never tell how a player will react. ...after all it is just business.
I think the Spurs are pursuing a risky strategy. There has already been some discord between him and the team (the Jason Kidd situation).
They wanted Manu and they gave him a contract. If they want Tony should act like it, and not set an artifical date to cut off negotiations.
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