Every day for the next few weeks we’re gonna take one active NBA star with at least arguable Hall of Fame credentials and break down his chances of getting into the Springfield, Mass., hoops mecca. We’re looking at not just past accomplishments, but also how a player’s career realistically projects for the future. For a full explanation of the process, click here. Today’s candidate: Tony Parker.
TONY PARKER (7th year, Spurs)
15.6 points, 5.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals per game
Why: At 25 years old, TP already has three NBA championship rings and copped the Finals MVP in ‘07. In this Spurs’ run of dominance, he’s been the main straw after Tim Duncan stirring the championship cocktail. His numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he typically ups his scoring in the playoffs (20.8 ppg last postseason) and has proven to be clutch. As long as Duncan’s around, there’s no reason Parker can’t gather a fistful of rings before he’s done.
Why not: Is he just riding Duncan’s coattails? Some people have said so, but the Cavs series deaded a lot of that talk. The true test of Tony’s game will come when Duncan retires and he’s The Man on San Antonio.
Our call: IN
The H.O.F. Watch archive
10/29 - Elton Brand
10/26 - Carmelo Anthony
10/25 - Vince Carter
10/24 - Penny Hardaway
10/23 - Alonzo Mourning
10/22 - Allen Iverson
10/19 - Dwyane Wade
10/18 - Chauncey Billups
10/17 - Stephon Marbury
10/16 - Jason Kidd
10/15 - Shawn Marion
10/12 - Ray Allen
10/11 - Chris Bosh
10/10 - Chris Webber
10/9 - Paul Pierce
10/5 - Jermaine O’Neal
10/4 - Gary Payton
10/3 - Tracy McGrady
October 30th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Mike says:
Three rings ain’t no joke..
And he was a valuable contributor for all of them too.
Plus, he causes match-up problems for the opponents almost as much as Duncan does.
Yeah, if he keeps it up for few more years statistically and keep making those deep runs in the playoffs, he shouldn’t even need another ring to get in.
October 30th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Gee says:
At the rate he is going and things he is doing. In. He still needs some more time to shine. Without Duncan, I still think he would put up numbers the same if not more. T.P. is in.
Dime you all should start doing to candidates that we could compare and still rate whether they should be in or not. Like today could have been T.P. and Baron Davis or any other really good guard just for comparison basis. That way we are knocking out a lot of candidates and comparing at the same time. Just a thought homey!
October 30th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Gee says:
Aww man that to should be two lol. Dang fingers!
October 30th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Celts Fan says:
Can we get to Robert Horry already?
Enough of the young guys w/ the numbers that only need to stay healthy to get in type guys. Let’s get to the vets that are close that don’t have 10 more years to prove their candidacy. Great piece, but let’s get to one that we don’t already KNOW the answer to before we click the link…
October 30th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
smity says:
Tony Parker is as much a beneficiary of Duncan’s greatness (and the other team’s attention paid to that greatness) as Bowen is, in my opinion. When he dominates on his own, with Duncan watching from the stands in the same way that David Robinson now watches Duncan, then he will have elevated his status, in my eyes, from that of a very good role player. Austin Burton a while back asked the question of whether or not Ben Gordon was a star or just a glorified role player. Whats the difference between these two (excluding the obvious differences which would be that tp has championships and is quick as hell while ben gordon has none but can shoot like crazy). Gordon shines without the help of a dominant forward (one of the greatest of all time) and center (before ben wallace came), has tony parker done the same and can he? is the cleveland series really that good an indicator of him being able to dominate without duncan? cleveland’s level of skill in comparison to other teams is a whole nother post… I’m not convinced that he’s deserving of HOF acceptance on the strength of his 3 championships (thanks tim and dave…manu thanks you too tim.) alone. like you all already said, the true test of his candidacy will be holding his own while leading his team without the help of a HOF lock. is steve kerr a hall of famer? ok then.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Myrie in NY says:
Celts Fan–
I don’t think there is much of a debate on Robert Horry. He’s in. Chips with Houston, LA and San An….whats to discuss on Horry? And he hits clutch shots for all those teams. No just a bench rider.
As for Smity–
Parker is the starting point guard on a championship team. I don’t see that as coat tailing on Duncan. A player has to earn Finals MVP and TP earned it. I mentioned to a couple of peers last yr that Parker was the key to the Spurs; not Duncan. Same holds true this yr.
Parker has out shined Steve Nash in the playoffs (repeatedly), outplayed Billups and outshined Jason Kidd in the finals head-to-head (even when the Spurs wanted to sign Kidd as a FA).
Hall of Fame?…I dunno yet. I am not sold on him being a Hall player, but I am sold on TP holding his own.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
sans says:
c’mon, In? And Elton Brand is out? That just don’t make sense. Elton was the go-to guy that bad teams and GMs would not let go. If he had stayed in Chi, eddy Curry would have developed a lot faster (and rookie Ty Chandler for Eddy Curry was the worst trade in the history of NBA draft days).
Elton is worth the Hall with his 20 and 10 lines. TP plays the Spurs system well, cannot hit a jump shot, and yeah, has three rings. Robert Horry should never be mentioned to get in the Hall.
I know I should have brought this up yesterday, but when did the Pistol go deep into the playoffs? Dominique? Alex English? Tiny Archibald? Bernard King (is he in the Hall?)? Playoff performances are memorable, but being saddled with a shitty owner that does nothing to improve his team if it costs money, who barely spends enough to make the league required minimum amount of salary for a team should not cost someone their post-career honors. At least Elton didn’t cry like a bitch to get traded. He just put his team on his back, night after night.
Tony Parker does not have that ability.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
djKianoosh says:
agree with Myrie, and you can’t compare Kerr to Parker. Kerr was much more of a role player. Parker has taken the mantle of fastest player with the ball and his point production in the paint last year was sensational. In the playoffs he showed off his 3 point range. We all said if he starts draining outside shots it’s over for everybody else.
You can’t separate Duncan’s greatness, or even Ginobili’s contributions (should have been finals MVP in 2004-5) along with all the other role players, from what TP has done and is projected to do. Nor can you separate that system and the coaching they get. it’s a package deal. I think all three of them get in, especially once you start considering their contributions to international basketball. and then you add Popovich to that too. and then maybe Horry, and obviously the Admiral before all of them. That’s a lot of HOF material there.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Andy Buckets says:
Real Talk,
Parker is nice but he would be Mike Bibby at best without Tim Duncan. Parker never has had to prove himself without a bomb ass squad to back him up. TD, Manu, Big Shot Bob, Finley…I mean, this guy is blessed.
It’s not like Scottie Pippen, Joe Dumars ,or Kevin McHale who played alongside NBA Legends. You know those guys would’ve put it down with out Jordan, Thomas, and Bird respectively.
People talk about Tony shooting such a high percentage. That’s because he knows his J is shakey (which I am not mad at. More power to him. Lol), and also because he has Tim Duncan which teams double.
Parker is good but he isn’t HOF worthy. Yeah he has three chips but that doesn’t get him in. Shit, Ron Harper has a few rings and his career is crushing Parker’s.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
sans says:
TP does hold his own on the court nonetheless. Robert Horry on the other hand, is just a role player, not a Hall of Famer. Like Luc Longely, John Paxson, Steve Kerr–just because he was Steve Kerr for Hakeem, Shaq & Kobe, and TD 7 crew doesn’t mean anything. I doubt Robert Horry finished with more than 10ppg for his career, or any meaningful rpg. He hit a couple of big shots in his career. So did a lot of people.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Gee says:
I would have to put Rob in. He is that player that has people saying “If it wasn’t for R.H. then this or that”. He had a decent career not H.O.F. but decent still. He had a little over decent college career and raised his game in most playoffs even it was just a little. I would say he is a player who has just been at the right place (team or spot on the court for the winning shot) at the right time. I would say his rings and memorable plays and key rolls in the playoffs is what sends him in. I am really torn on Rob. but I would put him in. I mean yes if you take away those shots, and rings then no. He has them though and he had a major part in getting some of them. So yea he in.
Let the flood gates open.
I already said T.P. was in.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Celts Fan says:
sans, Horry hit A TON of big shots, throughout his career, in every spot, with every team, in every post season. The most successful “glue guy” of our generation. That’s what I’m getting at. This guy profoundly impacted every team he was on and hit big shots at every stop. That’s a Hall of Famer to me, despite the career numbers, and that’s why I want to see a piece on him. He’s the rare guy who will make you ask the question, “Is a successful career on great teams, with the “whatever coach asks,” team-first mentality worthy of the hall? Does doing all of the little things at every stop, being wildly successful, and hitting big shots everywhere make you worthy of the Hall despite numbers that would never dictate it?” To me, he should definitely be in, but I know there are others that want to look just at box scores and averages that will disagree. That’s why Dime needs to step up and do that HOF Watch!
October 30th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Celts Fan says:
Horry is one of those guys that every title team needs to win a title.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
smity says:
He has the oppurtunity to outshine other pgs because of his speed and skill but mainly because of the attention paid to duncan. How has parker outshined nash? offensively you mean?. the detroit series had tim duncan and his effect on the rest of the game stamped all over it. and jason kidd had no one on his team that was in anyway comparable to duncan (’s skill level) so i could understand why he could be outshined in a head to head match-up when he has to be concentrating on a lot more than just defending tony parker (namely helping out on duncan among other things). i would just rather give him props for undoubtedly being the main component to his teams success than for being a regular component (an arguably replaceble one) to his teams success. and i know that thats not what the HOF discussion is all about but thats what i’m saying anyway. In my opinion, he’s one of the luckier gaurds in the league to have been fortunate enough to play with duncan. just like jefferson is to play with kidd (even though he hasnt been rewarded as handsomely as parker has been) or raja bell is to play with nash (or even dalembert is to play with dre miller). i respect more and appreciate more the pg that makes the game easier for his teamates and makes them better rather than the pg that is made better as a result of another player’s play. and if the pg doesnt noticably make his teamates better, then put them on your back like a.i., baron, or abdul rauf.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
fiyaman says:
TP is over-rated..He hasnt done anything by himself (has he even started an all-star game?) he did win final MVP but I think that was more to the fact they were tired of giving it to TD and giving it to Parker helps the NBA globally (which is what they are all about now).. If u replace TD with Stoudamire, JO,Gasol, Dirk, (any powerfwd except KG) I dont think the Spurs would have won the chip. Now put TD on Phoenix and they beat TP and Dirk/Stat/Gasol….
My vote ..out but I still think he is good(but over-rated) and can still make theHOF
October 30th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
TBone says:
Smity sledgehammered the nail on the head!!!! Perfectly stated. Toilet Paper will never be a hall of famer, and should never even be included in the discussion. Do you think that if the team had Nash these past 7 years in Toe-nee’s place that they would only have 3 rings????? Are you joking me???? You could replace the frenchman with CP3 and they would still have at least 2 rings. Parker is servicable. Parker is above average. I will even go so far as to say Parker is a star. PARKER IS NOT AND SHOULD NEVER BE A HALL OF FAMER.
October 30th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Souss says:
Parker is 25, 25 years old…
October 30th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Myrie in NY says:
Smity–
Is Tony Parker supposed to apologize for being drafted by San Antonio and playing along side Duncan? Is that why he loses your respect?…for that? Are you serious?..What then do you want him to do?
I know….why don’t you (Tony Parker) show that your more than just toilet paper and a pretty boy marrying a pretty woman and go out and beat Steve Nash in a playoff series. And when your done, beat Deron Williams. And then when your done—go get the finals MVP.
Oh yeah….he did all that already. Hall of Fame—I don’t think so. Solid player who’s more than just a Duncan sidekick–fo sure.
October 30th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
AY says:
better than elton brand, but he’d need a few more years. If he got injured, he’d get as much consideration as chauncey billups. out.
October 30th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Celts Fan says:
ya, those of you saying he hasn’t done anything and is only good cuz of Duncan are insane. Is he better cuz he’s playing w/ Duncan? Yes, of course, but that doesn’t mean Duncan made him. DWade is better cuz he plays with Shaq, does that mean Shaq made him? Of course not. You play the cards you’re dealt. It’s not TP’s fault he was dealt a royal flush.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Duke says:
Starting for the all stars doesnt mean a damn thing. You fail for even mentioning that is does.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Austin Burton says:
All this “If you replaced Parker with So-and-So on the Spurs” arguing is pointless. Besides, I think you could put Parker on the Suns and he’d put up Steve Nash numbers easy. Anyway, the fact of the matter is that Parker is 25 years old, has been the starting PG and a major contributor on three championship teams (moreso than Ron Harper or Derek Fisher or BJ Armstrong or any other Triangle system PG) and has a Finals MVP. He could realistically have FIVE championships by the time he’s 30, possibly more. He scored 20 ppg in the postseason and hits big shots. If his career ended now he might not be a HOF guy, but since we’re going with realistic projections and its realistic Parker will win at least one more chip, I say he’ll be in.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
smity says:
I never said or even implied that he is a garbage player and not worthy of my respect because of the fact that he plays (and benefits from playing) with one of the greatest power forwards (players) of all time. He definately has my respect. I say that his true value has yet to be revealed being that he hasnt established himself as a stand alone player who is capable of baring the load that many others bare and that he is a (very good) role player (how much does him marrying eva help his case for stardom? just askin?). More than a “duncan side kick”? No, not in my opinion. “A pretty boy”? What do i care? But for the record, pretty boys dont drive to the hole like he does and don’t take the beatings he sometimes takes when doing so (but they do get the ghost foul calls that he gets sometimes)…Also, everyone on that team should be considered a side-kick of Duncan because no one else is his equal (talent wise). Robin was a sidekick cause he wasnt as great at (fill in the blank) as batman. Batman and Robin and Alfred (here’s lookin at you Manu)together were kickin ass, (Alfred in the kitchen and household chores kind of way). Robin by his self? He could probably beat up a few regular thugs or whatever but he couldnt beat the joker. Thats batman. Thats tim duncan. Parker by his self (at this point, and its still all speculative) can hit a few jumpers, get some lay-ups, a steal and be a recognizable good player in the league but it ends there. with no batman (duncan) he wont beat a steve nash or deron or another potential finals mvp canidate which leads me to my final statement.
you (Tony Parker)go out and beat Steve Nash in a playoff series. And when your done, beat Deron Williams. And then when your done—go get the finals MVP. Then when you get your MVP trophy, go and stand by Tim Duncan and Manu and let them both hold it as you carve out their names (with Duncan’s in all Caps) on the name plate…while you rap your french rap song.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
djKianoosh says:
Smity, LMAO that was hilarious.. and I gotta say it’s basically on point.
October 30th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
E-ROC says:
Tony Parker is in. The bad part of about is that he’s getting better. That jumpshot is getting more consistent. He could be nearly impossible or at least close to it.
I do think Robert Horry is in. He has had more memorable moments than some HOFers.
October 30th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Captain America says:
I would vote Tony in just on the strength of his wife.
October 30th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Girlybballluver says:
Parker’s numbers may not be impressive, but that’s because of the system he plays in. He has a slew of other all star caliber players to share with…but he still gets his!!
Honestly I think it’s too early to call this one. But it’s ridiculous to claim he’s just coasting along with Duncan. He’s proven he can take control of the team, and the game when necessary…WITHOUT DUNCAN ON THE FLOOR!!!
Oh yeah, not to mention he’s only 25!!!
Am I the only that has seen the improvement in his jumper? (as it should improve with him being so young, and not even in his prime yet) Anyone else notice those 3’s he hit in the playoffs?
This guys got all the time in the world, and if he stays on course…he’s definitely IN when it’s all said and done.
October 31st, 2007 at 12:18 am
Bron42 says:
its like the old kobe debate. Kobe had shaq, imposed his will and won rings. Shaq left, kobe still imposed his will but doesn’t win anything.
If any when duncan leaves, will parker still hold his own? thats the question, and parker is no kobe.
October 31st, 2007 at 12:28 am
Data says:
Playing on a good team with a great player (Duncan) is not a reason to be denied a place in the HOF. Regardless of the fact that he was helped by Duncan you cannot look past the fact that at 25 he has 3 rings in a position where young guys get eaten up. He’s the PG, yes it helps ti be able to pass to a guy like TD but he still has to be the floor general. How many point guards at his age could you throw in that position of being the starting pg amist trade talks and constatnt criticism about your place on the team and still bring it? Yes if you put Nash in there he would have 3 or more rings, but nash is a 2-time MVP and future HOF guy himself so that’s not saying much. And i’m not convinced that nash would have 3 rings with SA if he was thrown in there at tp’s age. Stockton played with one of the greatest pf of all time and has 0 rings and 0 finals mvp yet he is in (deservingly) why all the hate for tony? The main thing is you cannot speculate what ifs when considering the HOF debate. The facts are what they are. He did his thing with the he was drafted by. Bottom line is he’s a great pg and improving every year and is still young. If he keeps it up there is no way you can keep him out of the hall. TP got it done, bottom line.
IN!
October 31st, 2007 at 4:07 am
skywarp says:
Because tony is good but hall of fame?? are u serious put tony in baron davis shoes i dnt think he can do anything.. he did beat nash 1on1 but who contributed more to their teams sucess?..and marbury can beat nash also 1on1..theres no question about it if u put parker in then u have to put ginobly in this guy are good but he simply just ride on timmys back.. to simply put it his just lucky to have been able to ride tim duncans back he hasnt done anything hall of fame… he just play gud and playing gud cant get u in the hall of fame
October 31st, 2007 at 4:12 am
Knickhopeful says:
“But for the record, pretty boys dont drive to the hole like he does”……?
October 31st, 2007 at 7:33 am
Joris says:
Borderline HOF but I don’t like him, kind of too presumptuous.
And for the record I’m French
October 31st, 2007 at 9:15 am
Yowiz says:
I think Tony will eventually be in the HoF when all is said and done as I presume he will win one or 2 more titles and be selected in All Star Game at least 4 more times, of course playing alongside Duncan helped his growth but he has proven that he can be a leader like when Duncan is hurt or off his game and in international ball. Keep in mind there is nobody his size that can finish like he does at the basket.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:35 am
In....the future says:
I agree…if TP keeps it up at this rate he is a shoe in. TP should be better than Isiah. I think he will have a MVP or 2 before its all said and done.
Celtic fan is right. When do we get to Big Shot Bob???
October 31st, 2007 at 10:08 am
Bron42 says:
your pointing out tonys age alot meanwhile the guy was considered a pro overseas since what? 16? so its not like he was some straight from high school-started on the spurs. So saying nash at his age wouldn’t have been as good (keep in mind i hate nash) is kinda a weak argument since parker already technically had pro experience running the point before even coming over.
October 31st, 2007 at 10:25 am
Bron42 says:
and nobody his size that can finish as well? theres this guy, i think his name is ummm iverson? not sure if you’ve heard of him.
October 31st, 2007 at 11:34 am
Myrie in NY says:
I am not a great big fan of Tony Parker. But to say dude is a role player is foolish. Role players don’t get selected to All Star games by coaches. Role players do not win Finals MVP awards. Jacque Vaughn is a role player, Brent Barry is a role player. Matt Bonner is a role player (provided he actually gets minutes), Tony Parker is not. Please correct yourself sir. He is a star player.
And if you think his worth is still to be determined, ask the coaches on the French national team. Parker is the reason other French-NBA players want to play on that team.
PS
Sorry I do not have any references to comic characters like that of post #23; but I live in the real world.
October 31st, 2007 at 11:54 am
doc says:
no and his french team aint shit he cant put them on his back.
October 31st, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Bron42 says:
ya the french team is kinda sorry…and the comic character refence makes alot of sense. parker is a wing man, a sidekick, a assistant. With duncan there, parker has free reign. hes not a role player but I wouldnt call him a superstar either. Like i said, Its the same way it was with kobe and shaq. Only difference is, parker isnt as athletic or as dominant as kobe to be as effective if duncan were to ever leave. And if were talkin super heros i guess that would make the spurs the justice league. You got your one main super heros and then a bunch of other guys with lame powers but still serve their purpose lol
October 31st, 2007 at 2:36 pm
ian says:
smity
stupid comments
parker is in
so then pippen shouldnt bein because he played with jordan thats what u r saying
the kid is 25 has three rings and if you trade him for nash he gets better numbers than nash’s right now
he is better than iverson finishing and for the guy that said he doesnt have a jump shot LOL
the only knock i read here is that he plays with duncan lol thats really dumb
then pip , mchale , kobe and all those second best players shouldnt be in
when duncan retires tp will put up the best numbers for a pg
like someone said better than isiah’s
October 31st, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Cory Clay says:
Consider me in the middle camp. As of right now in 2007 I would have to say Tony Parker is on his way to the HOF but not quite there yet, mainly due to the fact that he is just establishing himself as a top tier PG. Manu IMO opinion is in b/c not only does he have the 3 titles but he also has the international resume.
But here is something that nobody brings up, both guys could easily avg 3-5 more Points per games and 1-3 Assist more per game but since the Spurs have so many blowouts and POP is always concerned about the long season, he intentionally plays them no-where close to as much as other teams star guards.
06-07 Season
A.I.-42.5 minutes per game
Deron Williams- 36.9 minutes per game
Chris Paul- 36.8 minutes per game
Tony Parker- 32.5 minutes per game
Manu Ginobili- 27.5 minutes per game
November 1st, 2007 at 10:54 am
Austin Burton says:
Joe Dumars: 2 rings, 1 Finals MVP, 16 ppg, 4.5 apg, 6-time All-Star in 14 seasons, All-Defensive Team staple.
Tony Parker: 3 rings, 1 Finals MVP, 15 ppg, 5 apg, 2-time All-Star in 6 seasons.
If Dumars is in the Hall of Fame, why wouldn’t Parker get in? TP doesn’t match Dumars defensively, but he averages more steals per game. And he has one more championship with a great chance to get maybe 4-5 rings before he’s done.
November 1st, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Ian says:
cory clay
thank u
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:04 am
Drew says:
Has he even made an all-star team yet?
November 2nd, 2007 at 1:39 am
VCsuxA$$ says:
HAHAHAHAHAHA….seriously, i needed a good laugh….TP in the HOF???…HAHAHAHAHA….sorry guys, he’s not HOF worthy….and he’s DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY, never going to be better than Isiah…EVER….and if he traded spots w/ Nash, his PPG would probably be better, but the suns wouldn’t be….what kind of starting, “top tier” PG, avg’s 5 assists/game only? c’mon man…if those numbers are good enough to get into the HOF, then why don’t u induct Kenny “Jet” Smith? his numbers are comparable…that’s funny right? well that’s how the next generation will react to TP making it into the HOF…who’s making these decisions anyways??? is that you Eva?
November 4th, 2007 at 12:40 am
billy says:
even nash not the one for sure a HOF, how can TP be in
but still, he is only 27, if he can develop to another lever when TD is setting sun, it would be considerable
November 4th, 2007 at 6:02 am
ride01 says:
IF he keeps on pace, he’s in. Nash is in too. Maybe not 1st balloters, but they’ll get in.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
averagejoe says:
I disagree. TP is a good complement to his team and a very good player a la Jeff Hornacek or Detlef Schrempf, but he is definitely not HOF worthy. Is he Magic Johnson or Isiah Thomas or GP? Hell no. Hey, if he gets in, it’s like saying Tim Hardaway and Baron Davis are HOF caliber.