William Anthony Parker Jr. is a French-American former professional basketball player and majority owner of ASVEL Basket in LNB Pro A. Himself the son of a basketball pro, Parker started his career at ...
Tony Parker was born on May 17, 1982 in Bruges, Belgium. His mother is a Dutch-born former professional basketball player, and his father is a French professional basketball player. He began playing basketball at the age of two when his father introduced him to the sport. Parker grew up in France and attended INSEP, a prestigious athletic training center outside of Paris. He was highly recruited by college teams in the United States, but chose to remain in Europe and signed with Paris Basket Racing of the French LNB Pro A League.
In 2001, Parker joined the San Antonio Spurs as their first round draft pick and has been with them ever since. At 19 years old he quickly became an integral part of the team's success, being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and winning four NBA championships with the Spurs (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). In 2007 he was awarded the NBA Finals MVP award for his performance during the series against Cleveland Cavaliers.
Parker has also had a successful international career representing France in multiple Olympic Games (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing) as well as several FIBA World Championships (2002 Indianapolis, 2006 Saitama). During this time he was named MVP of both tournaments and led his country to their first ever gold medal at a major international event in 2013 EuroBasket tournament.
Off court he is an entrepreneur and investor who owns over 40 businesses ranging from entertainment companies to real estate investments. He also serves on various boards including The Tony Parker Foundation that helps underprivileged children around the world gain access to education.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1982</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Tony Parker is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On May 17, 1982, Tony Parker was born in Bruges, Belgium.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1999</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Parker Signs Pro Contract</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Parker signs a pro contract with Paris Basket Racing Club in France.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2001</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Drafted by San Antonio Spurs</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Selected 28th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2003</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins his First NBA Championship</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Parker and the Spurs defeat the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals 4 games to 2.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2007</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins his Second NBA Championship</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The Spurs defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals 4 games to 0.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2014</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Parker Wins his Fourth NBA Championship</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The Spurs defeat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals 4 games to 1.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2018</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Retires from Professional Basketball</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Tony Parker announces his retirement from professional basketball on June 10th.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Great Team Player</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Tony Parker is a great team player. He has the ability to make his teammates better by getting them the ball in the right spots and playing unselfishly. He also understands the importance of communication and chemistry with his teammates which helps him be an effective leader on the court.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's an Amazing Scorer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Tony Parker is an amazing scorer. He has the ability to score from all three levels, whether it be from long range, mid-range or at the rim. His ability to finish around the basket is exceptional and he can score in bunches when needed.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's a Good Role Model</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Tony Parker is a good role model for younger players. He shows that hard work and dedication can lead to success. He also displays sportsmanship and respect for opponents, referees and coaches, which is something that should be emulated by all young athletes.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First European to be Drafted in the NBA</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Tony Parker was the first European player to be drafted in the NBA when he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in 2001.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Four Time NBA Champion</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Tony Parker has won four NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs, making him one of the most successful players in league history.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Owns a Professional Basketball Team</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Tony Parker is the owner of Paris Basketball, a professional basketball team based in Paris, France.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Won EuroBasket in 2013</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Tony Parker led the French National Basketball Team to victory at the 2013 EuroBasket tournament, earning himself MVP honors.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Youngest Player to Reach 10,000 Points</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">At 25 years and 11 months old, Tony Parker became the youngest player to reach 10,000 career points in the NBA.</p></div>