Tony Parker says he’s giving back to the Spurs by skipping FIBA World Championships
By Sam Richmond
Tony Parker is not participating in the FIBA World Championships this summer and his relationship with the San Antonio Spurs is a big reason why.
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It would be obviously be in the Spurs best interest for Parker to take some time to rest this summer after two consecutive deep playoff runs, and it appears Parker took that into account when he made his decision to not suit up for France.
From Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express-News:
"“Obviously it’s always tough to see my teammates start without me,” he said. “It feels like my second family is playing right now. But I have to be smart. I think it’s the right decision for me, for the Spurs if I want to play a long career. I want to play two more summers (with France) and then I’ll be done.“I think for all those years, being with San Antonio, (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) has always been great with me and the national team. I felt like this was a summer I can give back to the Spurs.”"
The Spurs are going to need Parker as fresh as possible next season if they are to repeat as NBA champions and Parker has to watch the basketball mileage he puts on his body at age 32, so this is the best decision for both parties.
Parker averaged 16.7 points (49.9 percent shooting from the field) and 5.7 assists per game this past season with the Spurs.