He’s more than halfway there, and Spurs point guard doesn’t see why he can’t become the first player to have a 20-year career in San Antonio.
Per the Express-News: “Having joined the Spurs as a 19-year-old in 2001, Parker already is in his 13th season in silver and black. With the recent announcement of the two-year contract extension that will take (Kobe) Bryant to a 20th season with the Lakers, Parker has envisioned a similar run. ‘Why not?’ Parker said before the Spurs departed Oklahoma City for Friday’s game against the Magic at the Amway Center in Orlando. ‘The way I play, I think I can definitely play that long. When I see (Lakers point guard) Steve Nash being an All-Star at 38, I feel like I’ve got the same kind of game,’ he said. ‘Neither one of us jumps that much. We’re sort of like the kings of layups and great pick-and-roll players, so I can see myself playing that long, too.’
Parker began playing professionally in France at age 17 but says he remains in peak condition and believes he is just hitting his prime. Parker long has admired Bryant’s devotion to conditioning and preparation and is a firm believer in the Lakers star’s ability to make a full comeback after his rehab from a ruptured left Achilles tendon. ‘Personally, I think he’s going to be great again when he comes back,’ Parker said. ‘Knowing the (rehabilitation) guys that he uses in L.A. and the way he takes care of his body, I’m sure he’s going to be great.’ Parker led the French national team to its first EuroBasket championship in September and plans to play with Les Bleus at the 2016 Olympic tournament in Brazil. He has pledged to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich the Brazilian Olympic tournament will be his final international competition.”
