Has anyone seen this kid play? I saw his first start for the Spurs against the Magic today - my goodness that kid has a lot of speed and unbelieveable poise for a 19 year old!! From memory he only had 1 TO and looked in great control all game long. He's got a solid handle on the ball and never looks like getting out of control, and his court vision and ability to dish out of a drive is freaky! Personally I've gotta say congratulations to the Spurs for taking this guy in the draft - he's got PG instincts and isn't a shaky shooter (and has played pro-ball in France for 4 years already!!). Certainly gives SA another dimension with his driving abilities!
Dr N - During SAs win over Orlando, Parker's speed was mentioned by both Ainge & John Thompson (TNT). They also mentioned as yet his long-range shooting is unproven and his build is really slight - 170 #'s! I think a good postup guard would really give him fits. He's probably a good fit personnel and contract wise (29th pick) for the Spurs.
I don't understand why the Jazz didn't pick up this guy. Instead they chose to draft someone that is locked up in Europe to the tune of several million for a release... weird.
i am thinking about picking up for my fantasy team..the choice is between him, claxton and tinsley..who would you guys pick?
Parker has surprised me so far. I had heard a lot of talk in certain circles about him...much moreso than the typical late first round pick, but I just thought it was still hype. I do know that the Spurs tried to deal up for him. As high as #14 (Golden St.), I believe. He had solid performances at the Rocky Mountain Revue and looked good in training camp and in the preseason. I never would've thought that Popovich would start him this early. Popovich typically waits a while for a young player to work and learn the system in practice before he gives him regular minutes. But starting a 19 year old at point? Crazy. His instincts, court vision, speed control, and poise are rather remarkable for a 19 year old. I think he is the first Euro starting point guard ever in the NBA. He still has plenty to learn. He can get to the hole, but he isn't strong enough to finish sometimes. He could go to a midrange jumper once he gets by his man...that would help for now and definitely help him long term. His Elie shotput-style shot concerns me. It works well on the 3 ball, but he doesn't seem to have much hops. I do recall someone bemoaning his selection by the Spurs in here back in the summer. We shall see.
I think that Ainge and Thompson were saying that they hadn't seen him hit the threes yet - (I think he hit one in that game), but he's hit 10 on the season thus far, that's no small amount, and he looks confident taking the shot. Just because the guy has 'only' made the 3 point shot in France doesn't mean that he can't shoot from distance in America Ainge and Thompson will get to see more of Parker play and they'll learn that he's got the 3 range. I'd like to see how the Spurs hide him when a bigger PG posts him (Payton/ Kidd) - he's only tiny, I'd say barely 6' tall.... could be big problems!
The best steal of the nba draft history is manu ginobili, 57th pick. But parker was also a steal at 29.
