NBA Draft 2016: Every team’s most underrated pick ever
By Brad Rowland
San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker, No. 28 pick, 2001 NBA Draft
Tim Duncan and David Robinson were the NBA Draft picks that helped San Antonio build their dynastic run at the top of the NBA. Manu Ginobili was the incredible value pick at the end of the second round, and he is bound for the Hall of Fame thanks in large part to his International basketball contributions.
So… what about Tony Parker?
Parker remains incredibly underrated in the context of a draft investment, as he was available until late in the first round in 2001 before unleashing a Hall of Fame career. The 6-foot-2 point guard is certainly winding down at the age of 34, but Parker’s 15-year run has been something to behold.
The French point guard “peaked” when he averaged 22.0 points and 6.9 assists per game in 2008-2009, but Parker’s prime extends comfortably from 2005 through 2014, when he averaged a combined 18.4 points and 6.3 assists per game in 706 contests. Though it is fair to say that Parker was never the best point guard in the sport, he was among the elite tier for a full decade and championships came as a result.
Grabbing a Hall of Famer at the end of round one is always a good thing, but some folks seem to forget Tony Parker and that is unwise.
Next: Toronto Raptors