Tony Parker, the former NBA superstar, is making that jump. In other words, he was already a head coach—just not for France’s national basketball federation, which makes his recent appointment all the more surprising. His appointment follows as the team sets its sights on the 2026 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, the qualifying cycle for which begins next summer. Parker enjoyed a Hall of Fame, 16-season career with the San Antonio Spurs before ending his career with one season in Charlotte. He retired in 2019 after topping out at 15.5 points and 5.6 assists per game.
Parker’s illustrious career—which includes four NBA championships—has been nothing short of remarkable. He fought on the floor with Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. In 2007, he went down in history. He became the first European player to win the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. Along with winning this great honor, Parker received four different All-NBA selections over his career.
The switch to coaching has been on Parker’s mind for quite a while now. He’s been public about his coaching ambitions for more than a year. So much so that this past summer he declined multiple opportunities to join a staff as an assistant in the NBA. Instead, he hopes to leave his legacy by guiding the next generation of stars and through the talent within his native France.
Parker is in the process of acquiring a new compulsory French coaching certificate. He views this qualification as fundamental to his success in his new role. He does plan on seeking more coaching opportunities after the Under-17 World Cup.
His decision to coach couldn’t have come at a more poignant moment. Parker’s father, Tony Parker Sr., died on Oct. 5 at age 70. The elder Parker was the first black full-time guard for Loyola University Chicago. He further demonstrated his background by playing professionally in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In reflecting on his father’s legacy, Parker shared how deeply his father’s aspirations influenced him.
After he left this world, I found myself digging through his notes. One itinerary outlined the 10 objectives he wanted to achieve for his children. Parker noted. And when it got down to me, it was coaching in the NBA and coaching the national team. And that’s what he just set on those goals for me. So, that’s it provides me a wonderful encouragement and wonderful inspiration to pursue this dream.”
“My dad was my hero. He was my inspiration,” he said, expressing how this experience is both a personal journey and a commitment to honor his father.
Parker’s involvement in French basketball extends well beyond the court. He has emerged as the largest stakeholder in LDLC ASVEL, a bastion club of sorts based mainly in Lyon, France. He has trust that LDLC ASVEL will be among the teams to join this NBA Europe effort when it starts. This was a colorful move that could significantly pump up the international profile of French basketball.
As a newcomer to coaching, Parker wants to teach fundamentals, some of which go beyond football. He wants to create a winning mentality in the competition’s young players. “I want to give back because I miss the court. I miss the adrenaline, the challenge, the drive to win something,” he remarked. “The front office is fun, but it’s not the same as being on the court.”
As he dives into this next step, Parker hopes to elevate his collaborative, team-oriented approach with a focus on coaching. I’ll pass along this moment immediately,” he said, reminding us all that he’s part of an effort to develop both the player and the assistant coach and the nurturing atmosphere.
Parker’s experience as a high-level athlete will play a big part in his coaching approach. He brings a unique perspective having played at the highest levels of basketball. Now he is more than prepared to help the next generation of players along their development path and light their fire for the game.
Leave a Reply