Tony Parker: Elite Point Guard?
Reigning Finals MVP Belongs in Discussions of NBA's Best
Aug 3, 2007 Matthew Nicholas Petersen
The list of elite players in the NBA is short and exclusive. Specify that list by position, point guard for example, and you can almost count them on one hand. A consistent high level of performance as well as a resume' of accomplishments are required to be considered truly "elite."
When ranking the NBA's best point guards today, few names are givens: Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, and possibly Deron Williams and Chris Paul. Those five are the most recognized and lauded floor generals around. One name not included in this conversation very often is that of Tony Parker.
That is, not until recently. Parker's coming-out party in the Finals was spectacular. He was laying waste to the Cavaliers like it was his own French Revolution. Admittedly, Cleveland's defense is as intimidating as home-made cookies (you just want to eat them up), but that doesn't mean that the Cavs were responsible for Parker elevating himself to the upper echelon of NBA point guards.
Many NBA observers were surprised when Parker was voted as an All-Star reserve last season. Some voiced their opinions that players such as Dallas' Josh Howard, Utah's Deron Williams, or Denver's Carmelo Anthony should have been voted on in place of Parker. Those critics were put to rest as Parker proved to be the knock-out punch after teammate Tim Duncan would wear down opponents down low.
Even after garnering Finals MVP, many are hesitant to mention Parker in the same breath as Steve Nash and Jason Kidd. Nevermind that Parker has more championships (three) and Finals MVP's (one) than either of the future Hall-of-Famers. And isn't winning on the big stage in a big way what elevates an All-Star to superstar status?
It could be that Parker suffers indirectly from San Antonio's (and more specifically, Tim Duncan's) marketability, or lack thereof. Realistically, the Spurs aren't incredibly popular outside their hometown. Duncan would be the perfect poster boy for a stone carving company, but is unappealing to the public's desire for charisma and flash. Being associated with that kind of atmosphere doesn't necessarily help Parker to be recognized as one of the elite guards of the league.
Maybe it's jealousy. After all, Parker comes from a foreign country notorious for its hot accents and even hotter natives. Speaking of jealousy and hot, Parker's marriage to Eva Longoria probably made him public enemy number one to countless Desperate Housewives watchers.
Whatever the case, Parker's accomplishments and level of play certainly earn him at least a place among the argument of who is among the NBA's best point guards. Being likeable (Robert Parish, Bill Laimbeer) or popular (Tim Duncan) has never been a requirement to being a great player in the first place.
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