Lakers Legend Honors “Big Three” Member Tony Parker as Spurs Welcome 41 YO HoF for Special Night

The San Antonio Spurs recently unveiled Tony Parker’s jersey with a Hall of Fame distinction. Parker was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year. The recent honor also turned out to be a special reunion of The Big Three that caught Pau Gasol’s attention.

Congratulating Parker on his Hall of Fame distinction jersey, Gasol said that the 4x NBA champion deserves this honor and that he is very happy for him. The Los Angeles Lakers legend also mentioned the Big Three in his congratulatory post.

Pau Gasol’s heartfelt wishes for Tony Parker

The Spurs Big Three consisted of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili. These icons played together from 2002 to 2016 and were able to achieve great success in that time. The trio boasts 4 NBA championships to their name in the 14 years that they played together. During Parker’s jersey unveiling, Gasol noticed the trio’s jerseys hanging next to one another in the rafters. He posted, “So deserved, happy for you @tonyparker!! The big three all together.” Interestingly, Gasol’s NBA career lasted for the same number of years, (2001-2019) as Parker.

Despite the fact that they were rivals throughout their career, the 2x NBA champion showed great admiration for Parker with his post on X. After a montage of his career and achievements was displayed for the fans in the arena, the 41-year-old stepped onto the court to say a few words to the fans. Parker thanked them for being so supportive of him. He also said that when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in August of this year, it was “super nice.” However, this experience was even more special for him because he could share this moment with the fans of the franchise.

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This was the highlight of the evening as it was an otherwise dull day for them, because they got crushed by the New Orleans Pelicans.

What makes Tony Parker a true Spurs legend?

A player’s contribution is often measured by the numbers they produce for the franchise or the accolades they bring in. However, someone like Parker cannot be judged on these parameters alone. Although he has 4 NBA titles, 6 NBA All-Star appearances, and a Finals MVP, his role in the team was far greater.

Mostly seen as playing second fiddle to Duncan, Parker was the glue that held the team together. He was the undeclared emotional leader of the squad, and apart from his brilliance on the court, would also help keep the team intact behind the scenes. From coming into the league as another European player to making his special place in the Spurs organization and San Antonio’s fans, Parker has come a long way.

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