Did Tony Parker just spurn the Spurs for the Hornets? Or maybe I should say Tony Parker stung Gregg Popovich and the dying Spurs to join the irrelevant Hornets? No, okay, I’ll try again some other time. Anyway, Parker is the newest member of the Michael Jordan run Charlotte Hornets after inking a 2-year deal worth $10 million.
French National teammate, Nic Batum was actually the first to bring light to the signing:
Number 9, I see you soon in Buzz City my big bro… 🇫🇷x🇫🇷
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) July 6, 2018
Batum may have been part of the recruiting process. In reality, it’s going to be tough to see Parker playing for any other city outside of San Antonio. Parker, 36, spent 17 long seasons with the Spurs winning 4 titles with the franchise. Parker also won Finals MVP in 2007 and has 6 All-Star selections to go along with his shiny resume. The Spurs certainly got their money’s worth after selecting Parker 28th in the 2001 NBA Draft.
As for Charlotte, Parker now has a defined role getting a chance to backup stud, Kemba Walker. In San Antonio, his minutes would probably continue to shrink sitting behind Patty Mills and Dejonte Murray. The latter will move into the starting role for the Spurs. In 55 games this past season, Parker averaged 7.7 points and 3.5 assists. In Charlotte, he will get to pair with his former assistant coach, James Borrego who was just named the head coach this offseason. The only reason why Charlotte could even afford to sign Parker in the first place was because of the prior trade with Timofey Mozgov. Sending off Dwight Howard saved the team money in the short term.
It’s starting to look like the end instead of the beginning for the Spurs. Tim Duncan has now been retired for three years. Kawhi Leonard is begging to get traded. Manu Ginobili lost all of his hair and is on his last legs.
