Spurs of the Moment

Like we didn’t know this already. Well, maybe not all of us. There are some journalists, “experts”, and NBA enthusiasts who seem to think that Tony Parker wants to leave for NY or something. I will say this over and over just like I have been, the real issue at hand is how long Duncan can hold up. That’s what has Tony anxious, and that’s what pretty much everyone who has any interest in the Spurs is anxious about. Tony’s contract is up, but like Ginobili did last season, I expect Tony to go ballistic this year and get an extension. He had an off year with his injuries, but he will bounce back this year. And yes, he wants to be here:

“As we did last year, we were in constant communication with Manu’s people and I continue to have discussions with Tony’s representatives,” Buford said. “But I don’t know that means that Tony will be here if he plays well or if he doesn’t play well. He’ll have the opportunity to make an impact in that decision as well.”

Parker averaged 16 points last season; as an All-Star the year before, he led the Spurs with 22 points per game. He came off the bench throughout April after returning from a broken hand, but Popovich said Monday that Parker was a starter.

When Parker returns to All-star form, it won’t be a question of if he signs an extension, but when.