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SPORTS Tuesday 11 June 2019

Tony Parker says he’s retiring from NBA after 18 seasons

By STEVE REED averaged 15.5 points and “I have never known the
AP Sports Writer 5.6 assists per game. He NBA without Tony as a part
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — also played in 226 playoffs of it and I’ll truly miss him,”
Four-time NBA champion games, averaging 17.9 Borrego said. “Tony’s lead-
Tony Parker announced points and 5.1 assists per ership, his presence and
Monday he’s retiring after game. his dedication to winning
18 seasons. He won NBA titles with the made an impact on shap-
The 37-year-old guard said Spurs in 2003, 2005, 2007 ing me and I’ll always be
on Twitter it was an emo- and 2014. He was named appreciative of him. I know
tional decision. Parker NBA Finals MVP in 2007. our organization in Char-
played 17 seasons for the Parker had one year left on lotte is grateful for what he
San Antonio Spurs and his contract with the Hor- brought to us in our year
made the postseason ev- nets, but was not a major together. I wish him nothing
ery year of his career be- part of Charlotte’s rotation but the best as he moves
fore joining the Hornets late last season. on to retirement.”
last season and missing the Hornets general manager A member of the French
playoffs. He was selected Mitch Kupchak congratu- National team, Parker was
to the All-Star team six times lated Parker on a “remark- the FIBA Europe Player of
and was named second- able career” in a release. the year in 2013 and 2014
team All-NBA three times. “His impact on the game and the league’s top scor-
“It’s with a lot of emotion of basketball and the path er in 2011 and 2013.q
that I retire from basket- he laid out for international
ball, it was an incredible stars have no equal,” Kup-
journey!” Parker tweeted. chak said. “I’m grateful for
“Even in my wildest dreams, the year he spent with us
I never thought I would live here in Charlotte and we
all those unbelievable mo- wish him the best as he
ments with the NBA and moves on to the next chap-
the French National Team. In trhis Jan. 14, 2019, file photo, Charlotte Hornets’ Tony Parker ter of his life.”
Thank you for everything!” laughs on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball Hornets coach James Bor-
Parker started 1,151 games game against the San Antonio Spurs, in San Antonio. rego said Parker is a Hall of
regular season games and Associated Press Famer.