San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker recalled from rehab assignment
By Rob Wolkenbrod
After a short-lived stay with the Austin Spurs, the San Antonio Spurs recalled Tony Parker from his rehab assignment.
Last week, the San Antonio Spurs sent Tony Parker on a rehab assignment, with the organization’s G-League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. The big club was on a four-game road trip, so he stayed in Texas to practice with Austin.
On Wednesday, San Antonio announced the end of Parker’s G-League stint. He was recalled, with the statement saying he “continues his rehabilitation from left quadriceps surgery.” No timetable was included, either.
The timing doesn’t come as a coincidence. The Spurs just finished their four-game road trip on Monday, and will be in San Antonio for the next six contests. Beginning Thursday, with the Golden State Warriors on national television.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 1, 2017
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess when Parker will return. The Spurs have stayed mum on their injured players’ timetable from injuries, including Kawhi Leonard (quad) and Joffrey Lauvergne (ankle). That may be the case with the Frenchman, up until the organization publicly declares him fit.
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Dejounte Murray has held the starting point guard position in Parker’s absence. Through seven games, he has 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 40 percent shooting. After scoring 40 points in the first three games and grabbing hold of this newfound spot, Murray has just 21 points in the four since. Each appearance came in 20-plus minutes per game.
Does this mean Parker’s path to reclaiming the starting spot remains? For now, it’s difficult to know, while his timetable stays uncertain, along with Murray potentially breaking out of this slump — maybe by Thursday night.
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Parker’s role on the new-look Spurs will be an interesting storyline for the end of fall or early winter, as he tries to fit in with the younger roster that received a few changes in the offseason. Does he have the inside track on the starting job?