Tim Duncan’s Old-School Approach Helped Shape Tony Parker’s Hall Of Fame Career

During Hall of Fame induction, Tony Parker explained how San Antonio Spurs great Tim Duncan didn't speak to him during his rookie season

San Antonio Spurs great Tim Duncan is known for keeping to himself, preferring to focus on basketball.

No one knows this more than former teammate Tony Parker. 

On Saturday, Parker joined Duncan as Hall of Fame inductees in Springfield, Mass. During his speech, Parker told a story of how Duncan kept total distance during his rookie year in 2001. 

In fact, Parker says they never spoke until he proved himself. That didn't happen until he held his own against Seattle Supersonics guard Gary Payton during the playoffs. 

"So everybody knows that, but I'm going to say it again, my rookie year, Timmy didn't talk to me, my rookie year," Parker said. "And people think I'm crazy when I say that, but it's true Timmy don't like French people.  He doesn't like my French accent."

Behind Duncan's old-school approach, the duo went onto become four-time champions together. It helped Parker earn first-ballot membership into the Hall. 

"Timmy don't like French people" 🤣

Tony Parker on Duncan not talking to him during his rookie year pic.twitter.com/N7hu3XucbJ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 13, 2023

Duncan, who won a fifth championship in 1999, was the key cog in arguably one of the league's best dynasties. He rarely is mentioned in the G.O.A.T category because of his quiet demeanor but he is worthy of consideration. Not many players can say they accomplished more as a winner and leader. 

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Back In The Day NBA. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_