NBA News: Tony Parker Believes He Can Play 20-Years With the Spurs
All-Star point guard Tony Parker believed he can have a 20-year playing career with the San Antonio Spurs, the French floor general said in a recent interview with San Antonio Express news.
Parker, who will turn 32-years old in May next year, is really confident he can last in the league for 20 years, perhaps as long as Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, who signed a two-year $48 million deal extension.
Why not?" Parker told Mike Monroe of San Antonio Express News. "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," Parker added 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, who recently powered France to its first EuroBasket championship, has already made a commitment to play for his national team in the 2016 Summer Olympics. The Spurs guard said it would be his last stint in international competition.
"It all depends on what Coach Pop and the Spurs are going to decide with the team, but me, I'd like to play a long time," said Parker. "I feel like I'm in my prime and my body feels great.
"I take care of my body, and I've already told Coach Pop that after 2016 I will be done with the (French) national team. So I think I can play a long time," said Parker, who is averaging 17.7 points and 6.2 assists this season.