San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker should retire in the Alamo City

After creating his legacy with the San Antonio Spurs, it would only be fitting for legendary point guard Tony Parker to finish his career with his team.

In 2001, the San Antonio Spurs drafted legendary point guard Tony Parker. Since joining the Spurs, Parker’s game has been engraved in the franchise. His achievements include the a Finals MVP trophy in 2007, four NBA championships, three All-NBA 2nd Team selections, an All-Rookie 1st Team selection and one All-NBA 3rd Team that are just minor cornerstones of his rich legacy in San Antonio.

After everything Parker has achieved as a Spur, the final games in his NBA career should be in a silver and black jersey. The problem with that wishful thinking is that Parker will become a free agent after playing in Charlotte for two seasons.

Shocking reports confirmed that Parker and the San Antonio Spurs mutually agreed to part ways in the summer of 2018. Shortly after, the French native hit the free agency market and signed with the Charlotte Hornets, getting his dream opportunity to work for his idol, Michael Jordan.

It’s understood that while NBA teams are a business, it’s undeniable that the connection between players, coaches, front office staff and fan bases are much deeper than the banners that hang suspended over the basketball court.

Witnessing Parker’s career flourish and grow in San Antonio makes his ending just as important as his beginning. While Parker did claim that he wanted a shift in his career after being in Texas for 17 seasons, the change in scenery doesn’t change the hearts of where his mic drops at.

The 37-year-old point guard has mentioned that he wanted to play for 20 years. Now that we’re approaching his 19th season in the NBA, inquiring minds would like to think or at least hope that Tony Parker’s free agency next summer will be inked with San Antonio Spurs for one final remarkable season.

Looking back at the 2007 Finals MVP’s illustrious career, starting in the French Basketball League to this point where he has prospered for 18 seasons, is exceptional to say the least. The six-time NBA All-Star is a global legend, but most importantly, he is without a doubt a San Antonio Spurs Legend.

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Tony Parker’s greatest moments as a point guard for the San Antonio Spurs came in abundance, which makes it difficult to choose just one play, one game or even one season that emphasize the greatness in his career tenure in San Antonio. The silver lining to Parker’s career would be his return for one final season as a Spur.

As a key player in the history of the Spurs, Parker retiring with the team would only be appropriate because of his contribution to the banners and the winning tradition that continuously evolved every year after his arrival. Parker’s accolades don’t just connect him to the Spurs or make him an associate in history books, it is a part of the foundation of success that today’s Spurs continue to build on and learn from.

If he retires a Spur, it will be the perfect opportunity for the fans, the staff and the coaches to properly pay tribute to Parker, who has left a lasting impression on the entire franchise. We’ve witnessed the separation of Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, but we’ve also been rewarded with their reunion and his farewell tour.

The Spurs’ fan base would be honored to have front row seats to witness the future Hall of Famer cross the finish line in the Alamo.