Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Tim Duncan After The Spurs Drafted Tony Parker In 2001: “We’ll Never Win A Title With A European Point Guard.”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Tim Duncan After The Spurs Drafted Tony Parker In 2001: “We’ll Never Win A Title With A European Point Guard.”

Tim Duncan After The Spurs Drafted Tony Parker In 2001: “We’ll Never Win A Title With A European Point Guard.”

Nico Martinez
Nov 29, 2020
2 Min Read
Share

Tim Duncan led the San Antonio Spurs through an unprecedented era of greatness and consistency, winning 5 Championships in 19 years, never missing the playoffs once in that span.

That kind of success doesn’t come without help, and Duncan enjoyed the luxuries of playing for head coach Gregg Popovich and alongside several talented teammates in Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Interestingly enough, Duncan had his doubts about one of those co-stars before their incredible run together began. In his book, “Tony Parker: Beyond All My Dreams,” the European legend, and former Spurs point guard, described some of his early motivations, which included proving one of his earliest doubters (Tim Duncan) wrong.

(via HoopsHype)

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.”

To be fair, Parker was an unknown prospect back in 2001, coming from France before being selected by San Antonio with the 28th pick. It’s understandable that people would have concerns — especially Tim Duncan, who wasn’t even impressed by Michael Jeffrey Jordan.

It would only take two seasons for Parker to prove Duncan wrong, as they’d end up winning their first of five NBA Championships in 2003.

In the years that followed, the Spurs built a dynasty that would forever mark their place in history. With six Finals appearances, 5 titles, and a 61% win percentage, the franchise is often considered one of the best in the NBA, right there with the Bulls, Lakers, and Celtics.

As for Parker, he’d end his career as one of the best European point guards ever, with 6 All-Star appearances, 4 All-NBA selections, a Finals MVP, and 4 titles to his name. Kudos to him for sticking it to all his doubters.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:San Antonio Spurs ArchiveTim Duncan
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article NBA Analysts On Zion Williamson And Steven Adams Playing Together On The Pelicans: “This Guy Next to Zion? You Already Have No Shooting.”
Next Article NBA Rumors: Nic Batum Plans To Join The LA Clippers After He Clears Waivers
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Lakers forward LeBron James looks on against the Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center
NBA News & Media

3x Lakers Champion Names 2 Reasons Why Wizards Michael Jordan Can’t Be Compared With 40-Year-Old LeBron James

October 7, 2025
Warriors guard Pat Spencer takes a three-point shot against the Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chase Center
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Warriors Player Criticizes Lottery NBA Teams For Valuing Length And Athleticism Over IQ

October 7, 2025
Lakers forward LeBron James, wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers hat, smiles after watching his son, guard Bronny James, dunk a rebound against the Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

NBA Fans Lose It After LeBron James’ ‘Second Decision’ Turns Out To Be A Hennessy Ad: “Greatest Troll of All Time”

October 7, 2025
Rashad McCants reacts during the BIG3 League draft at at the Fox Sports Studio
NBA News & Media

“1 Out Of 16,000,000 Make It” – Rashad McCants Brutal Take On How Hard Is To Play In The NBA

October 7, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?