Former San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker claims he was misunderstood during a recent visit to China, saying that while his jersey will likely hang on the rafters at the AT&T Center, his days wearing the silver-and-black are surely “over,” according to French site L'Expresso.
via Jeff Garcia of News 4 San Antonio:
“My jersey will be retired in San Antonio, surely, but that's why there was a little misunderstanding when I was in China,” said Parker. “They said I was going to finish my career with the Spurs, but what I was saying in fact is that my jersey will be hanging out there. Otherwise, as a player, go play, it's over with the Spurs.”
Parker was reportedly offered the same exact deal he signed with the Charlotte Hornets, but his role with his new team looked more enticing, having turned the keys over to Dejounte Murray midway through last season.
The 6-foot-2 point guard noted his desire to play for owner Michael Jordan, the player who ignited his love for basketball — seeing it as a suiting way to end his career full circle.
“And when Michael Jordan called me, my idol, I thought, let's go,” said Parker. “For me, I feel like closing the loop, to finish my career in his club, it's something special for me because it's him that made me want to play basketball.”
Those hoping for Parker's last hurrah will likely have to settle for a one-day contract to retire his jersey, much like what Paul Pierce did with the Boston Celtics.
Regardless of whether he laces them up for the Spurs or not, Parker will surely have a special place in the community after bringing in four titles throughout his 17-year career with the team.
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