The Hall of Fame class for 2023 will probably go down as one of the best. Whether it’s MVPs, champions, or legendary performances, this group has done it all. It would be impossible to tell the story of the 2000 and 2010 decades without these names. In his speech, 4x champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker, turned reminiscent about his connection and rivalries with the group.

However, there was one name whose connection to the French wonder was undeniable. Throughout most of his career, Tony Parker was under the expert tutelage of one Gregg Popovich.

Tony Parker tips his cap to Gregg Popovich

While all his players would wax poetic about Pop and the relationship he shares with them, there is one common denominator. The key ingredient to making the Spurs dynasty a legendary success was camaraderie.

Even on stage, that candor was on full display when Tony came to talk about Pop. Leaving his heart on the table, the 6x All-Star was at his hilarious best. Driving in with a mixture of love and hilarity, the two shared a touching moment together.

Firstly, he revealed an astonishing fact about their induction. “It was the first time that a player and a coach were going at the same time to the Hall of Fame together, so that’s pretty cool. Yes, I can’t get rid of him. It’s crazy.”?It was, in essence, the true mantra of the Spurs dynasty. Born out of a player-friendly system, each part had an equal say. That became the norm and was evident in the love and candor that the player and coach shared on stage.

Soon after, Parker turned emotional. But not without cracking a few jokes in between as well. In a touching speech, Tony laid it bare for his coach of 17 years, but not before a little more ribbing. “Coach Pop, you’re unbelievable… I can say a lot of stuff about you, Papo, the way you cursed on me and the language that you used to push me. But I have my kids here so…”

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“At the end of the day, you threw me in the fire. At 19 years old, 5 games into my rookie year, you put me in the back of the plane, you call me and you’re just like, ‘You’re starting tomorrow.’ I was like, ‘Really? Did you talk to Timmy [Tim Duncan]?’…And the rest is history.”

As his voice began to break, Parker signed off with, “You’ve always been a second dad to me, Pop. Everything you did for me and my family, I appreciate it. Thank you, Pop. I love you.”?

Read More: Walking Into HoF With His ?Dad? Who Threw Him Into the ?Fire?, Tony Parker Mulls in Disbelief

As the Spurs move on to another French talent, the bond between the old guard and their coach can allow Victor Wembanyama to sleep comfortably at night knowing he’s in the safest and best hands imaginable.