San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker to do rehab assignment in G-League

The latest update on San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, who will take another step toward returning to the court.

The San Antonio Spurs remain without Tony Parker, who continues to rehab the torn quadriceps he suffered in the 2017 NBA Playoffs. He started full-contact drills in practice, including 2-on-2 and 3-on-3’s. It was an encouraging sign, despite him not being expected to return for another month.

On Wednesday, another update was provided on Parker’s rehab. ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reported the 35-year-old point guard will start a rehab assignment with the Austin Spurs, San Antonio’s G-League affiliate.

This obviously gets Parker one step closer to live game action for the Spurs. He’ll get this soon, though, as Austin starts its training camp this week.

From @MarcJSpearsESPN and I: Tony Parker to do a rehab assignment w/Austin Spurs per sources. Austin Spurs are holding camp in SA this week.

— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) October 25, 2017

Austin doesn’t start its season until Friday, Nov. 3, so it’s a little over one week before Parker’s rehab assignment can begin. However, it’s no guarantee he plays games for Austin, and could just be working out with them for the next week.

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If the Frenchman won’t return for one month and gets G-League game action, there are 11 games for him to play in for Austin. It’s difficult to expect him taking part in all of those before rejoining the Spurs. Maybe he plays about half of that, returning in the middle of November, rather than the month’s end. That’s just speculation, however, as it doesn’t look like he’s going to play actual games for them, for now.

When Parker returns to the main roster, will his be starting spot guaranteed? Dejounte Murray took over these duties in the preseason and regular season, and looked impressive at every opportunity. He posted a double-double in Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, flashing the length and athleticism that made him a coveted prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft. The 21-year-old is finding his way to the basket, too, scoring in double digits in two of the three games.

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It’s possible Murray will have one month of starting experience, and a chance to impress the coaching staff, before Parker returns. Will it be enough to usurp this 16-year veteran? We’ll find out once this Austin rehab assignment ends in the fall.