Tim Duncan didn’t think the Spurs could win a championship with Tony Parker

Even the best aren’t always right, and sometimes that’s a good thing. Soon-to-be-for-real-this-time Hall of Famer Tim Duncan found that out when the Spurs drafted Tony Parker in 2001, and he initially felt the Spurs couldn’t win championships with a European point guard.

In his memoir Tony Parker: Beyond All My Dreams, Parker explains how he knew he had a lot of doubters to prove wrong once he got to the NBA, including his new superstar teammate.

The most important thing for me was showing Pop and Duncan that I deserved to be there. I was aware of Duncan’s doubts. When the Spurs drafted me, he said, “But why are we drafting a European point guard? We’ll never win a title with a European point guard.”

At the beginning of the 2000s, when you had your eye on winning titles, taking a non-American on for that position was risky. When you’re the team’s superstar, like Duncan was, and you draft a European point guard, it’s actually super risky. Technically, I was their first real project. For example, when Manu Ginobili arrived at the age of 25, he had already won the EuroLeague and was an accomplished player. With me, everything remained to be seen.

It’s probably safe to say Tony succeeded in this regard. Not only did he help lead the Spurs to four NBA titles, including winning Finals MVP in 2007, but he also went from an unknown French teenager drafted before foreign players were in vogue to a six-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA second team three times despite playing in an era when star point guards were abundant.

Published by Triumph Books, Parker’s book looks like a fascinating read and provides a deep look into the life of the member of The Big Three that seemed the least relatable to fans.

For the first time in the English language, the beloved Spurs point guard opens up about his life and career in the NBA, on the international stage, and beyond. This candid, conversational memoir takes fans on a whirlwind tour which includes Parker’s early life in France, his four NBA championships with the Spurs, and countless memorable interactions with luminaries like Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan. It also includes insights on more personal matters and unique challenges Parker faced.

If you’re a basketball guru and are interested knowing more about the Spurs’ GOAT point guard, be sure to check it out.