« An irrevocable decision »

After a meeting with the Spurs, Tony Parker decided not to participate in the World Championship this summer.

Tony, what came out of your end of season meeting with the Spurs ?
I didn’t want to think about it until the decision was made. After a long discussion with Gregg Popovich, I know now that I won’t play for the World Championship. The Spurs told me that it would be best for me to focus on the club only. This season was wasted by injuries, they don’t want it to happen during my last year of contract. Which means that in August I’m going to Los Angeles to prepare next season. They will give me a detailed program for the summer. I’ll work on my game with Chip (Engelland) and a physical trainer will be there to strengthen me up. We’ll be at the gym everyday. They want me at my best level when I come back. They think it’s impossible if I join the French National Team given all the injuries I had this season.

So, there’s no hope at all ?
No, the decision is irrevocable. They know the French National Team means a lot to me but they won’t be ok for another season shortened due to multiple injuries. Last summer, when I had a shoulder injury I had to go back to San Antonio and I told them how angry I was about it. I was furious to leave the National Team in the middle of the preparation. Today, I understand their position even if it hurts to give up the National Team this summer.

But the Spurs can’t forbid you to go…
That’s right, they can’t say « Tony, you stay here this summer, because we say so. » But I heard the message. And above all, I understand. I’m disappointed because I’ve never played in the World Championship (finger fracture in 2006). But unlike the previous years, I am not in a strong position. I’m in my last year of contract with the Spurs, I have to think about my future. They signed Manu (Ginobili) for another 3 years. It’s now or never to win a title before Tim Duncan retires. They want zero risk for me. They’ve always been nice to me since I got there. They’ve never prevented me from playing in the National Team. It’s the first time they don’t want me to go. I took my decision during the meeting.

We assume Vincent Collet knows about it ?
I immediately called him. Of course he’s disappointed. He really counted on me even if he knew there was a chance I couldn’t come. But he believed in it. He understands this decision. We decided to be together at the European Championship next year. I told him I’ll be there in 2011 and 2012. I also told Gregg Popovich.

The Spurs expect you to work hard this summer, but besides that, there are some rumours about some transfer…
You can’t stop rumours. Gregg Popovich is waiting for me at our training camp. Even if Phoenix stopped us, he’s satisfied with what I showed in the playoffs. RC Bufford, our General Manager, agrees with him and told the press there was no reason I get transferred.

But still, the NBA is a business…
I know, anyone can have a bad surprise. The Spurs can call me this summer and tell me I’ve been transferred. Great players like Nash or O’Neal have been in this situation. If it happens, I won’t blame anyone. I’ll leave and thank the Spurs for all the titles won together and I’ll have another experience somewhere else. I’m ready for all this, I know how the NBA works. But like I said during the meeting, I wish I made a good season in San Antonio. I don’t want to go. My heart is here.

When you hear names like New York or Miami, what do you think ?
Could be worse huh ? (Laugh)

So where are your negotiations with the Spurs at ?
I have two options. Either we agree this summer and I’m in for some more years or we don’t and I’ll be free in summer 2011. I’m not afraid of this situation. If San Antonio doesn’t want me, I ll play somewhere else.