Tony Parker is a multiple-time champion, but is he discussed enough in terms of all-time great point guards? How about just in terms of his era?
When talking about great teams from the 2000's era, one cannot overlook the achievements of the San Antonio Spurs. This side would go on to win no less than three championships in five years, and a total of five between 1999 and 2014.
Naturally, the first name that would come to mind with this particular Spurs side is legendary big man Tim Duncan — and rightfully so. He is regarded by more than a few as the greatest power forward in league history, and is one of the main reasons why San Antonio was so dominant during his prime.
With Duncan at the helm, it's easy to overlook the contributions of those around him in building the Spurs dynasty. One man who has somewhat been overshadowed by Duncan's legacy is none other than Tony Parker. It's easy to be underappreciated when playing alongside a future Hall of Famer, and perhaps this is the very reason why Parker could be the most underrated player not only in the Spurs, but of his entire era as well.
First, a look at his credentials: six-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA team member, one Finals MVP, and a four-time NBA champ. In 17 seasons in San Antonio, Tony Parker holds career averages of 15.8 points (on 49.2 percent shooting), 2.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.3 triples per games. Let's not forget that these numbers were pulled down by Parker's last few years in San Antonio, where his role for the squad would slowly diminish year after year (he averaged just 9.5 points and 3.7 assists coming off the bench in his final season).
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was already load managing even before the term was coined, and at times when either (or both) Duncan and Manu Ginobili were on the shelf, Parker was there to put the team on his broad shoulders. Come playoffs time, the diminutive 6-foot-2 point guard was as clutch as they come. Parker understood when there was a need to let Duncan (or Ginobili) take the forefront, but he also knew when it was time for him to take over games. And take over he surely did.
Finally, we also need to take into consideration that during his era, there was also a myriad of great point guards in the league. Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Chris Paul were all arguably in their respective peaks during this time, and a handful other point guards could easily be named. The reality is that for some, Tony Parker might not have even been considered as a Top 5 point guard in his generation.
For what it's worth, the truth is that Tony Parker might not even mind all this. He is a humble servant who is well aware of all that he has accomplished during his time, despite the same being undervalued by some. One thing is clear: this legend and future Hall of Famer deserves much more praise than he is given.
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