Tony Parker is passing the torch, but the San Antonio Spurs point guard is nowhere close to thinking about retirement.
According to Marc Spears of Yahoo, Parker has alerted head coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford of a plan to spend a total of 20 seasons with the franchise.
“The Spurs know I want to play until I’m 38. That will be 20 seasons for me. That’s my goal. This year is No. 15. And if I’m lucky enough and I’m healthy, hopefully I can play 20 seasons and then I’ll be ready to retire.”
A first-round pick of the Spurs in 2001, Parker has started 995 games for San Antonio during his 14-year career. He’s earned six All-Star appearances, four league championships, four All-NBA nods and a Finals MVP honor.
Now, it seems Parker is unlikely to actually manage six more seasons. He’s missed extended action in each of the last three years due to hamstring, calf or ankle injuries. Parker’s days as an elite point guard were the result of game-changing explosiveness, which is a question heading into 2015-16.
For Parker to stick around with San Antonio in an every-night role that long—the 33-year-old wants to last until 2021—he must develop a three-point shot and be willing to eventually move onto the bench, because that explosiveness will be completely gone soon.
Manu Ginobili will finish what should be his final NBA season as a 38-year-old, while Tim Duncan will reach 40 during the playoffs. Parker hopes to match the longevity of his longtime teammates.