Tony Parker talks about hiring Pozzecco, Victor Wembanyama in Spurs / News - Basketnews.com

Tony Parker, the president of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and former star player, gave an extensive interview where he talked about Gianmarco Pozzecco, the new San Antonio Spurs, and sports in France.

Credit: AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski - Scanpix

The president of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Tony Parker, gave a comprehensive interview to Javier Molero of MARCA, where he addressed a multitude of matters, including Gianmarco Pozzecco becoming the new coach of ASVEL, his time in the San Antonio Spurs, and French sports.

Tony Parker

Position:PGAge:41Height:188 cmWeight:84 kgBirth place:Bruges, BelgiumProfileNewsStatistics

A previous NBA Finals MVP, among many other accolades, Parker has enjoyed a busy life after his retirement from being a player, becoming the owner of ASVEL, a mainstay of EuroLeague basketball.

"I have always enjoyed managing a team," Parker said. "I decided to invest in ASVEL in 2009 and then decided to buy the majority of the team in 2014. It has been a long process, and I feel like I have been doing this forever."

"In 2017, I bought the women's team, and then the academy was built in 2019... It has been a very fun process," he continued.

Parker also illuminated the process that led to the dismissal of T. J. Parker and the arrival of Gianmarco Pozzecco, a former player, to ASVEL as the head coach.

"There weren't many options, especially at this time of the year, but I have very good memories of him as a player. He was a player with a lot of energy, very talented. He played with a lot of emotions," Parker praised Pozzecco.

"That was what we needed; in ASVEL, we needed that electro-shock, some change, and Pozzecco, that's what he brings."

The French-American was also asked about the new model San Antonio Spurs, which includes the latest French generational talent, Victor Wembanyama.

"I feel that they have a bright future.We have some great young players.We have a great prospect with Victor [Wembanyama], who is playing very well.But, as a team, it will take us time to become a championship contender again," Parker empathized with his former team. "We will need more pieces.But, at the moment, we have very good young people."

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The talk about Wembanyama naturally brought to the fore the increased dominance of European players in the NBA.

"I think this was David Stern's vision and dream. He made sure the NBA grew internationally long ago," Parker explained. "Starting with the 'Dream Team', in 1992 in Barcelona. And from there, there were many children who dreamed of being like them and playing in the NBA. I was one of them," said the former NBA All-Star.

"Also Pau [Gasol], Dirk [Nowitzki], we all had the same dream when we were children. Now, it's a global league; talent comes from everywhere. And it no longer surprises me that there are great players who are dominating the NBA like [Nikola] Jokic, [Luka] Doncic or Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. They are introducing a new generation that is playing very well," Parker concluded.

Parker also commented on the fact the 2024 Summer Olympics will be organized in Paris, France.

"For me, I am very happy for my country," he began with pride."It is a huge privilege and honor to host the [Olympic] Games.And I hope that our men's and women's teams do very well.It will be great for our country and for European basketball," Parker explained.

"The competition is going to be very close. And especially because it is in Paris, the best players will want to go, and it will be beautiful."

On the subject of sports, the former NBA Finals MVP had some comments to share about football, particularly regarding the latest World Cup, where Argentina beat France in the final to claim the trophy.

"We have a great team, we have the best player [Kylian Mbappe] in the world. It was very hard in the last World Cup.I was a little happy for Argentina because [Lionel] Messi had been looking for it for a long time," Parker said.

He also had a personal angle towards Argentina's victory.

"I was also happy for Manu [Ginobili] because I played with him for many years, so I knew well what this meant for his country. I hope we can do something very good. We know that sport depends on many things, whether they are healthy or not..."

Parker further hinted at his affinity for football on the topic of SKWEEK, where he hosts a show and his inclusion in the world of podcasts. When asked which podcast guest he liked the most, he was clear.

"Well, I am very happy with the last one, with [Zinedine] Zidane. As a Frenchman, I love Zinedine, he means a lot to our country.He won the first World Cup in 1998."

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