Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA
By Connor Learn
Tony Parker
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Tony Parker has turned in a Hall-of-Fame career in San Antonio. He has averaged 16.3-point and 5.8-assist career averages across 16 seasons as a Spur. During that time, Parker has earned six All-Star nods, made All-NBA four times, and won four championships. He consistently shot around or above 50 percent from the field and finished amongst the league leaders in points in the paint during his prime. After Tim Duncan, no player has been more important to the Spurs dynasty.
The 2016-17 version of Tony Parker is 34 years old, 35 by the time the NBA Finals start. He is a more limited player than he was during his prime. His 10.2 points and 4.7 assists per game are the worst averages of his career other than his rookie season. This is partially a result of only playing slightly over 25 minutes per night and partially a result of Parker’s play beginning to decline. His shooting splits of 46.6/35.6/75.8 are low for him as well. Even at his age he is steady, but his play has slipped slightly.
It is possible, even somewhat likely, that Parker is being preserved so he can save his best basketball for the playoffs. He will draw tough defensive assignments in the West and vintage Parker will be necessary if San Antonio has visions of winning another championship this season. But he has flashed that high level of play at times this season and has had the luxury of being able to play on cruise control if he so chooses. Parker isn’t the player he once was, but he can still create plays and be a high level point guard. The story of his career may not quite be fully written yet.