NBA: Tony Parker pays tribute to teammates as Spurs retire No 9 jersey

Tony Parker will be remembered for his amazing buzzer-beater shot that he hit against Miami Heat during 2013-2014 NBA Finals. During the final seconds of Game 1, he dribbled the ball past middle of Miami’s “Big Three” defence. He almost lost the ball with Bosh, then stumbled in front of James with Wade trying to poke the ball away before taking the shot – and eventually winning the game.

Also Read: Luka Doncic Slap During Timeout Just A Retaliation From Jamahl Mosley

Tony Parker honoured

San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday raised the jersey of their long-time point guard to the rafters of the AT&T Center. The 37-year old former point guard will be the last player from the Spurs’ “big three”, following fellow stars and future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

Also Read: PHX Vs LAL Dream11 NBA: Prediction, Top Picks And Injury Updates

Parker played for 17 seasons with the Spurs, and along with Duncan and Ginobili, led the team to win four NBA titles.  
He was also the first European to win Finals MVP in 2007 and a six-time All-Star. Parker is considered the greatest Spurs point guard and is the franchise's all-time leader in assists (6,829). He finished his career playing for the Charlotte Hornets last season.

Tony Parker speech 

Parker in his speech said that he accepted coach Popovich's apology, called him a second father and thanked him for "believing in him." The Frenchman called Robinson by his nickname "5-0" and said he was the "picture of how to be a professional" and that he did a lot for him off the court. 

The former guard also told Duncan and Ginobili that he would not want to start a team with any two other players and that he loves their friendship and bond the most. His speech lasted nearly about 17 minutes and he finished by saying, that before he goes he wants to do one thing with the Spurs fans altogether.

Also Read: NBA Rumours: Portland Trail Blazers Interested In Draymond Green?

The 6-foot-2 Frenchman also made his mark on the world stage where he became the EuroBasket’s all-time scorer during their game against Poland in 2015. That record, though, would soon be broken by former teammate Pau Gasol two years later.

Also Read: NBA: Miami Heat Suspend Dion Waiters After Consuming Ban Substance