Four-time champion Tony Parker may not be as talked about as Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Still, the prowess he displayed on the hardwood placed him on a pedestal amongst the greatest NBA players ever seen. One of the greatest Europen players of all time, Parker was a through-and-through underdog. Very few, even among the Spurs, expected him to reach the heights he did.

The Naismith books have only honored 436 other players over 64 years. Having recently been chosen for that honor, Parker spoke about the players who will present him during the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Tony Parker opens up about choosing his former teammates

Marc J Spears, an NBA senior writer for Andscape, recently sat down for an interview with Tony Parker. While they touched base on various topics, the main point of discussion was Parker’s soon-to-be induction. Spears talked about Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, Parker’s former teammates with the San Antonio Spurs.

Of course, the trio did win 4 championships together. So it makes sense for Duncan and Manu to present their teammate during the prestigious ceremony.

“It’s pretty crazy. And why I chose them is because, yes on the court we had an unbelievable relationship, but off the court, it was even better,” said Parker during the interview.

He explained that it was something unique to have a circle consisting of a “Frenchie”, a “little guy” from Argentina, and another from the U.S. Virgin Islands. And to achieve success at the highest level together.

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Praising his comrades, and patting his own back at the same time, the 6x NBA All-Star emphasized how their trio helped the Spurs win four championships. He maintained that “for all those years”, a bond and connection continues to exist. He admired their values of not letting their egos get in the way of team success.

In a few hours, the iconic Spurs trio will reunite on stage to see their point guard commemorated.

Who else is in the 2023 Hall of Fame class?

Tony Parker is one of the many players who will be inducted into the 2023 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Amongst the other people selected are Kobe Bryant’s “brother” Pau Gasol and Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade made headlines after he snubbed his good friend Chris Bosh and chose Allen Iverson to be the one to present him during the ceremony.

In fact, Parker presented Duncan and Ginobili when they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and 2022 respectively.

Over 18 years, the Frenchman tallied 18943 points, 6829 assists and 1032 steals. After this weekend, the San Antonio Spurs “Big Three” will officially hold this distinction till the end of time. Notably, their head coach Gregg Popovich will also be presented with the same honor this weekend.

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