Tony Parker had the opportunity to be a San Antonio Spurs lifer but gave that up when he joined the Charlotte Hornets in 2018. It turned out to be his last stop in the NBA, having retired after just one season. However, he might soon return to the NBA, as he reportedly wants to be a coach in the league.
After making a successful career out of serving as the primary offensive initiator for the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, Parker has the potential to be a respectable figure in coaching circles. It also helps that he spent all but one season of his playing career in the NBA being guided by the legendary Gregg Popovich.
In addition, the Hall of Famer has remained connected to basketball. He is currently the president of LDLC ASVEL, a pro hoops team that competes at LNB Elite, a league that's considered the highest level of the French basketball system.
It remains to be seen if Parker can realize his newest dream. Perhaps the Spurs can give him a chance, especially since Popovich runs the show in San Antonio.
The franchise has also seen a transition on the coaching front after Pop officially stepped down as head coach after months of unavailability because of health concerns. His successor, Mitch Johnson, could use the help of a familiar voice. Bringing in the retired French star might also be beneficial to the organization's relationship with its budding superstar, Victor Wembanyama.
Gauging Hornets' interest in a reunion with Tony Parker
Maybe Charlotte will show interest in its former player. After all, it has an opening following the departure of Chris Jent. It did bring in Will Weaver as coaching advisor, but the top brass could still decide to add one more staff member to the fold.
Parker has the potential to help the Hornets' offense, provided he can effectively translate his basketball smarts from his playing days into coaching. The squad and its fans weren't able to witness it that much during his one-year stint with the Hive. However, he was once a premier offensive threat, particularly in the playoffs, despite not being equipped with the most imposing physique and elite athleticism.
Another interesting angle to the possible but improbable Parker-to-Hornets move is that the team has two French youngsters who could benefit from a highly esteemed figure from their home country. Both Moussa Diabate and Tidjane Salaun have shown promise, although they still have a long way to go in their development. Maybe having a compatriot for a mentor could push them to progress more quickly than expected.