“An incredible journey”, relive the speech of Tony Parker during his entry into the Hall of Fame

Tony Parker officially entered the NBA Hall of Fame on the night of Saturday August 13 to Sunday August 13, 2023. He is the first French player in history to achieve this feat. On occasion, he delivered a moving speech, paying tribute to those who love him and who have supported him during his career, on and off the court.

Published on: 08/13/2023 – 12:21

2 mn

NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade and Pau Gasol, legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and especially Tony Parker made their debut on Saturday August 12 at the “ Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Springfield, Massachusetts. Lformer leader of the Blues is the first Frenchall sports combined, to enter the Hall of Fame of an American sports league.

Parker, four-time NBA champion with San Antonio under the leadership of Popovich, six-time All-Star and voted most valuable player of the 2007 NBA Finals spoke at length about his career and those who shared it, to through a speech of about a quarter of an hour, shared between laughter and tears.

Parker thanked his family and paid tribute to his American and French roots. ” I felt like I had the best of both cultures and that helped me on my journey. When I was in France, people said to me: you are too small. You are too skinny. You will never get there. Well I’m the one laughing now ».

To listen alsoBasketball: with his entry into the Hall of Fame, “Tony Parker symbolizes the excellence of French sport”

Popovich, a “second father”

« You are amazingParker told Popovich. You threw me in the fire at 19… You’ve always been a second father to me, Pop. Everything you have done for me and my family, I appreciate it. I thank you. I love you ».

« I was very hard on him and expected a lot from him “retorted the legendary coach. ” I am very proud of what he has accomplished “. Popovich, the oldest coach in all of North American professional sports, led the Spurs to five titles and was named NBA Coach of the Year three times.

« It was an incredible journey. I would never have thought that someone like me could experience such an adventure. To all the kids watching, keep dreaming big! », a conclu Tony Parker.