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interesting stuff. not much faith in his fellow countryman lol.
It is an interview made by Olivier Pheulpin in the newspaper "L'Equipe":
Will Spurs be NBA champion this year?
I hope so. At least, we have the team to be it. Every year, a lot of teams are saying that their goal is to be champion but only 4 or 5 teams have the ability to win it all. This year, we belong to this group.
Wasn't it the case last year?
No. Lakers were way better than us. However, we really have this year the team to fight with them. They are still the favorites but we have a shot like Boston, Orland and Cleveland have.
Gregg Popovich has talking about resigning if Spurs weren't able to win it with this team. Even if he was joking, There are some pressure on the team. Do you feel it?
Sure, I do. The owner has spend a lot of money this year... The le will be won on details as each year but it's clear that our goal is to be champion and that the minimum is to reach the WCF. Popovich has said to us: "We have an opportunity to win it all and there aren't a lot in the life. Our last le was a very long time ago. The more you win, the more difficult it is. And this le will be really hard to get." He really want to win it all.
On the paper, is this team the best one you've played for?
We could say that if we won. We are fine and strong at every spot but we aren't the only ones to have a nice roster. Lakers and Celtics can say the same. To win a NBA le, you need more than 2 main players, you need 3 or 4 ones.
What do you think about the big moves of the summer: Shaq to Cleveland and Artest to Lakers?
As everyone else, I'm curious to see Shaq with Cleveland. I don't know how it will work with LeBron James. I think Artest will help a lot Lakers. He plays hard and defends. They are going to be even stronger. And even if there are some risks, they have the perfect coach to manage him. Phil Jackson has still coached Dennis Rodman... Artest will respect him.
For the fist time since you've played for Spurs, there will have a SF with offensive skills. What will it change?
We have a true SF. Bruce was very good but mainly on the defensive end. This year, with Jefferson, we have an athletic SF who can score and post up. To sum up, a true SF.
Will this addition changes a little your role?
No, it won't. Pop wants that I continue to play the same way. He wants that I'm aggressive and even more a leader. He asked me to announce the plays and that he will take a full rest. Now, don't expect some 30 or 40 points games this season. My role will be to make the team work. An with all the offensive options we have, we will share a lot the ball.
Will you increase you assists average per game?
Why not... My record is 6.9 per game. It will eb great to beat it and to add 18 or 19ppg at the same time. However, don't expect 10apg with our system.
How are your teammates?
Duncan is in shape. He is well rested as is Manu. I think that vintage Manu will be back and that he will make a huge season.
What about your French teammate, Ian Mahinmi?
It will be hard for Ian. There are so much depth in this team... On top of that, he hasn't played for one year. Honestly, I don't know if he will be able to succeed.
How do you judge your summer with the French national team?
It was a positive one even if I'm a little disappointed not to have won a medal. We have reached our goal by qualifying for the world championship. We have also progressed. Now, we have to continue and start won medals. We have a nice team. Noah and Pietrus will make us better.
How are you physically?
I'm fine. It's true that the summer has been long but I'm fine. I think that the season will be good. In any case, I'm ready.
2 years without a le, is it a little in your mind?
Yes, it is. It's great to say that you've won three times but the last one was a long time ago in 2007. To win one more time, even more to give 5 les to Tim and Pop, would be awesome.
One more? The last one?
I think that we have a two years window. After that, Duncan will be 35-36 years old and we won't be able to keep Jefferson at $15M per year. And Manu is at the end of his contract. That's why we have to win now. Everybody knows it.
Manu will be a FA this summer. Your contract ends in two years. Do you think about that sometimes?
I'm feeling good here. For the moment, I don't think too much about it.
You've just moved into a sumptuous house in the hills. Could it be a factor to make your choice?
No. I want that Spurs give me what I've deserved. We will see if Tim continue to play and if Pop is still the coach. It's two things I will look at before making a choice. I will take my time to think at it.
So, without Pop, you'll leave the team?
If nobody is left in San Antonio, I rather go in another team to win another le. I don't want to rebuild with young players and do babysitting. I want to play to win les. To have built the house of my dreams here doesn't count. I can go playing elsewhere during 5 years and be back here at the end of my career. With Eva, we want to live in San Antonio.
interesting stuff. not much faith in his fellow countryman lol.
Nor in staying in San Antonio post-Duncan/Pop era...
ducks must be crying a river right now...
Thanks for the translation
If Parker can be so doubtful of Mahinmi's chances, it doesn't look good for Ian.
Ian is so close to being a full fledged bust
Parker not staying in SA after Duncan and Pop retire, don't blame him either.
very candid
Thanks for the translation.
Tony's interviews are always brutally frank and honest.
To me, his comments put to rest any of the concerns expressed this summer that the issue of NT participation would affect his future with the Spurs.
Tony has put the Spurs on notice for the summer of 2011. He has two non-negotiable demands:
1. Pay me
2. Provide a championship-contending supporting cast.
Otherwise he'll leave for greener pastures.
The Ian remarks make me think that Tony knows the Spurs won't pick up Ian's option and he's preparing the home front for the news.
Thanks for the translation Bruno... I was surprised with TP's lack of faith in Ian and the post Pop/Duncan era comments...
parker is not a leader and even he knows it!!! when your a follower you follow, i mean yes duncan had a good team when he came in the league, but you didnt see him leaving as soon as robinson left!!! i think parker wants to play for l.a or something. anyway we should get a ring and trade him before he leaves ha
and screw pop for leaving too...quiter!!!!
Conveniently forgetting, of course, that Duncan almost left the Spurs back in 2000.
What a moron.
Basically Parker doesn't want to play on a rebuilding team, if I was in his position i'd have exactly the same view.
Not really, nobody (except me) gives a about Mahinmi in France.
From what I've heard/seen, Tony has a good relationship with Ian but is quite low on him as a player.
Nice to see Parker always saying what he is thinking, without the BS. It would be a shame to see him leave in the future, but I cant hate him for that, he has a point in what he said.
As for Ian, no surprise. I don't even get what we still are doing with this guy, release the guy, jeezz, we don't need him.
So you're saying that millions of French basketball fans are not holding their collective breath until a decision on Ian's future is announced on October 31st?Not really, nobody (except me
From what I've heard/seen, Tony has a good relationship with Ian but is quite low on him as a player.
Actually, what you say is even more bad news for Ian. It makes it seem unlikely that Tony would promote Ian's retention for next year.
I don't blame him, Tony being good friends with Kobe should have Buford and Holt on alert for the summer of 2011. Tony's one of the most brutally honest interviewers ever and it stings to hear it sometimes but it's good to know his intentions.
listen re ! he had made a promise to the spurs org. and never intended to leave head!!!
and yes screw pop for leaving with duncan!!!!
^ KBP is back!
Duncan came close to leaving in 2000. Very close.
1) Duncan almost leaving:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baske...an-notes_N.htm
2) Quitting: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/quit
How can Pop be considered a quitter when he hasn't left his job yet?
Also, Pop not being enthusiastic about coaching beyond 2012 is miles apart from Pat Riley leaving his Miami coaching job while the team was sucking.
If Pop's a quitter by your definition, Riley is 10x so.
Who's the re again here?
Thanks, that's one with one of Duncan's quotes. There are more if anyone needs furthur convincing.
I dont know guys Tp is starting to sound like loyalty doesnt mean much to the guy... Call me old fashion..
Sure if there is money to be made all the power to him but i think he could earn the same amount here.....babysitting for 8 mil a year, sign me up coach...
He said he wants to be paid AND have a shot at a le. Being a luxury babysitter doesn't interest him, and for that reason, he'd lack loyalty ?
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