Tony Parker, the legendary San Antonio Spurs point guard and four-time NBA champion, has reignited speculation about his return to the NBA, but not in the way fans might expect.
Following a private conversation with longtime mentor Gregg Popovich, who departed the Spurs‘ bench in May 2025, Parker revealed his aspirations have evolved: he is now eyeing a return to the league with a coaching twist.
Parker‘s remarks came after the news of Popovich‘s exit, and he admitted the discussion renewed his long-held ambition.
Though he has remained active in basketball circles as the president and manager of France’s ASVEL club, the idea of stepping into a coaching role at the NBA level has emerged as a compelling new chapter.
“My dream is to coach in the NBA,” he said, his tone suggesting that what might once have been a distant goal is now edging into real possibility.
In his conversation with L’Équipe, Parker explained that he aims to earn a coaching diploma in the months ahead and reassess his opportunities in May.
“There’s the NBA, the NBA Europe that’s coming up. For now, I’m telling myself: I’m going to get my diploma and we’ll see in May, depending on the opportunities,” he stated.
Parker also acknowledged that while the French national team is in capable hands under Freddy Fauthoux, he wouldn’t rule out a future role with Les Bleus, perhaps “in the very long term.”
Parker‘s shift from front-office ambitions to considering a coaching path represents a notable twist in a storied career.
After retiring from the NBA in 2019, and ending his journey as the Spurs‘ No. 9 and a Hall of Famer, he transitioned smoothly into management, nurturing talent back home. This latest move underscores his enduring passion for the game and a willingness to reinvent his involvement.
Reevaluating his role: from front office to the bench?
Early signs of Parker‘s post-playing career suggested a preference for executive leadership.
Back in 2022, he expressed interest in returning to the NBA in a front-office capacity while still focusing on his administrative duties at ASVEL.
“I prefer the front office right now,” he said at the time, adding that he wanted to give back to French basketball first, but he left the door open: “One of these days, when coach Pop retires, maybe I’ll come back.”
Now, with Popovich‘s departure, a fresh scenario has unfolded. Parker‘s newfound openness to coaching, rather than managing, marks a subtle but meaningful shift in his post-retirement trajectory.
Read the full article here
