FanPost

Tony Parker, Metaphor


In the fight game, it's well known that the fighter is often the last to know the legs are gone, and yet, the legs are always the first to go. Fighting isn't solely about jabs, hooks, uppercuts, the right cross or counter punching. What happens below the waist is profoundly important.

The legs allow the fighter to change levels, slide, slip, switch stances when needed, stay on the outside foot of his opponent's dominant hand. When a bit of arthritis sets in around the knees, or the muscles just don't twitch as fast, the fighter might still be able to do these things, but not as quickly as he could when his legs were fresh. Half seconds lost become careers redefined .

Often the fighter finds out the legs are gone in the worst of ways, after regaining his consciousness and ability to think clearly after being knocked out. Even then, some fighters, because the fire still burns inside, dismiss the warning signs and think if they train differently, or even harder, that next time, the result will be different.

Some fighters never accept the conclusion of their career until they have suffered defeat after defeat, going down swinging, shells of their former selves. Beaten into the final submission of retirement.

It happens in almost every sport, a great athlete being the last to know it's time to hang it up, that his run is over. It's Emmit Smith in an Arizona Cardinals uniform, lowering his shoulder trying to make that cut he made for years so effortlessly, being stuffed at the line of scrimmage. It's Michael Jordan in a Washington Wizards uniform not being the Jordan we knew from the run of the Bulls.

It's hard to watch.

A few things are going on with the greats who hang on too long. One is the very thing that made them so great also blinds them to when it's time to walk away: the greats burn inside with a competitive fire few can understand. They were always different, always worked harder, always competed harder, never backed down, they convince themselves they'll be the one to keep Father Time at bay, that they will determine when 'over.'

Only they won't. Father Time is undefeated and always will be.

The other thing that often happens with great athletes is they often believe their press and are surrounded by yes men (people making money off their continued athletic careers) who won't sit them down to tell them the painful truth: 'hang it up. It's time. Go out now and be remembered for all the good you do. Stay longer and you'll be remembered for these moments, the times you are a shadow of what you once were.'

Tony Parker played all of 6 minutes in Game Two of the WCF and was absolutely inconsequential. In Game One he played 13 minutes and was abysmal. So far, in the 19 combined minutes he has played in the playoffs, Parker has scored a total of 2 pts on 2 of 11 shooting, dishing out a total of 1 assist and turning the ball over 1 time. His plus/minus in Game One -17; in Game Two it was -3.

This is not to say that Parker is the reason the Spurs are down 2-0. It is to say that it is hard to see him spending his time on the bench, knowing it's where he should be, not out on the floor because he would be a liability, seeing him sit and knowing he really wouldn't make a difference when once, perhaps 4 years ago, he would in a meaningful way.

And, its even harder watching him on the floor, a step or two too slow, his mind fully understanding what he needs to do, but his body unable to execute it. The sad thing is, Parker could have a great 7,8 minute stretch. He could capture lightening in a bottle and in doing so, convince himself he still 'has it.'

But we all know he doesnt.

This is not to bash Parker. The Frenchman worked like crazy after his quad was surgically reattached, rehabbing and coming back ahead of schedule, a testimony to his passion, love for team, the game and his competitive spirit. And, yes, reattaching a quad is a serious injury. Parker is amazing just in coming back at his age.

The thing is, Parker has a lot of mileage on those legs. He's played professionally since he was 15 and often almost year round as he played deep into the playoffs and then for the French National Team. Parker will turn 36 next month, but his legs may well be 46 in terms of mileage, wear and tear.

Father Time catches up.

Parker has said he wants to play until he's 40, which again shows just how much he loves the game and yes, the Spurs. He wants to play until he's 40 and retire a Spur, like Timmy, like Manu.

But Parker failed to do something that both Ginobili and Duncan figured out early: adapt his game to prepare for getting older.

Parker, in his youth and in his prime was a blur, this small action figure that was able, because of his speed and that tear drop, to blow by defenders, and somehow, get his shot off deep in the paint. It was amazing to see. His mid-range was always 'iffy,' and did improve in these last few years, but he never developed a reliable three, nor the subtle nuances of the point as did, say, an Andre Miller, that would allow him to play in his late 30's, or until he was 40. He stuck with what he knew, and what he knew required those legs to be able to explode, to cut, accelerate, stop and start on a dime.

Those days are long gone.

Now, in the playoffs against an athletic, frenetic Warriors team, Parker looks hopelessly slow. The Parker of four years ago could contribute, break his man down from time to time, disrupt the Warriors defense. Now, he can't keep up defensively and can't get past his man offensively.

Whether Parker is able to look at things objectively or not remains to be seen. Ideally, the Spurs would bring in a solid, veteran point guard next year with Murray as the backup. Speaking of painfully obvious, it's obvious that for all the potential Murray has, he's still another two years away (along with a mid-range jumper and reliable three point shot) from being a ready for prime time pg.

And, I guess, if that were the situation, Parker would be content to sign a small contract this offseason and be the third pg off the bench. The only problem, the Spurs have another young pg who needs minutes and experience: Derrick White.

Is there even room for Parker on the Spurs next year? Is there a need for Parker next year? I don't write this with joy. I write it with a sense of sadness. What an incredible run Parker has had. He played with passion and respected the game and became a consummate professional. His competitive fire will never be doubted.

But, Father Time comes for every athlete, and Parker is no exception. Parker is a shell of his former self whether he accepts it or not.

And as I watch the Spurs against the Warriors, the thought crosses my mind: 'it's time for a change.' Tony needs to ride off into the sunset, head held high. He gave his best and then some. His run, however is over.

In that way, Parker is a metaphor for the Spurs. The competitive fire is there, but the abilities have diminished. Accepting reality and changing is in order.

We all knew this time would come, but not as it has, not this way, not with the Enigma known as Kawhi sitting out somewhere not even willing to sit on the bench to feign support for his team. Leonard's lack of interest and presence is in contrast to Parker who no doubt believes he can summon magic if he just gets enough minutes on the court, waiting expectantly for a Pop to put him in the game when we all know that's not a great idea. Well, all but Tony.

Tony sits while watching Gay and Aldridge and 40 year old Ginobili play way over their heads while the rest of the team struggles.

Just as it's painfully obvious what Parker must do, it is also painfully obvious what the Spurs must do.

Accept new realities. Change.

Question: Is either Parker or the Spurs willing?

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