Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Tony Parker leaning towards retirement?
After completing his 18th season in the NBA, and his first with the Charlotte Hornets, Tony Parker may be ready to call it a career and retire.
I know that it’s coming, but it’s going to be a very sad day for me when Charlotte Hornets guard Tony Parker retires from the NBA.
Parker has always been one of my favorite point guards in the entire NBA. He’s had one hell of a career, and is a first-ballot Hall of Famer in the future. Watching him play brings back memories of me in the backyard practicing my tear drop in his honor.
According to Rod Boone of The Athletic (subscription required), Parker has probably played his last game as a member of the Charlotte Hornets and in the NBA in general. Retirement is looking likely for the 36 year old.
More from Swarm and Sting
- Hornets: Where does Brandon Miller’s ceiling rank among other rookies?
- Charlotte Hornets grade out mostly average in position-by-position ranking
- Hornets News: P.J. Washington makes bold statement on Brandon Miller
- Grade the mock trade: Hornets snag Tyler Herro, flip Gordon Hayward
- Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
Parker was a strong piece to the Hornets rotation throughout most of the season, but he was sent to the bench in favor of Devonte’ Graham late in the season. Whether he was playing or not playing, though, Parker had a big impact on this team.
He provided the Hornets with championship experience, and was a mentor for some of the guards on the roster like Kemba Walker, Malik Monk and others.
On the season, Parker averaged 9.5 points and 3.7 assists for the Hornets. He willed them to wins many times during the season, and was one reason why the Hornets finished just one game shy of the playoffs.
Prior to joining the Hornets for the 2018-19 season, Parker was with the San Antonio Spurs for 17 years — most thought he would retire a Spur. He has won four championships, one Finals MVP and has been named an All-Star six times.
He decided to join the Hornets instead of re-signing with the Spurs because Charlotte was willing to give him a bigger role. After suffering a potentially career-ending quad injury at 34 years of age, he’s found away to still be effective and he deserves credit for that.
His contract for the 2019-20 season is non-guaranteed until July 3rd. If he does indeed decide to retire, the Hornets will simply waive him and his $5 million salary won’t count towards the Hornets payroll.
It would not be surprising at all to see Parker end up in an NBA front office one day, or maybe even become a Head Coach. He’s a basketball mastermind and will have success during his life after basketball.
If this is the end of Parker’s playing career, then it’s been a pleasure watching him work. Selfishly, I’d love to see him continue playing, but he has to do what he feels is right, and that very well may be spending more time with his family and transitioning to the next point in his life.
Next. Borrego to represent team at Draft Lottery. dark
It was strange seeing Parker wear a Charlotte Hornets jersey, but very cool at the same time. He’ll always be remembered for his days in San Antonio, but he did have a pretty awesome year in Charlotte.