The NBA has been graced by countless superstars, each leaving their own unique mark on the sport. Among them is Tony Parker, the French point guard who dazzled fans for 17 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, earning Finals MVP honors in 2007 and setting the franchise record for career assists.
Now retired from professional basketball, the former point guard joined the ongoing debate that has captivated fans and players alike for years—the search to determine who truly stands as the greatest player in NBA history.
In a 2020 interview with Kobini Sports, Parker reflected on his experiences playing against LeBron James and Kobe Bryant during their primes, as well as Michael Jordan toward the end of his career. For Parker, the Chicago Bulls legend stands alone at the top. Additionally, Parker ranked Bryant above James in his list.
“I played LeBron in his prime, Kobe in his prime, Jordan late in his career. For me, Jordan is the best player of all time,” Parker admitted. “Kobe was incredible. LeBron of course very very strong, but I think that Kobe was better. When we played the Lakers, it was a big rivalry—Lakers vs. Spurs. So I never said to myself, ‘Oh! We have beaten twice the best player in the world,’ because for me it was Kobe”.
Kobe Bryant #24 drives to the basket between Bruce Bowen #12 and Tony Parker #9 in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Parker and the Spurs famously defeated LeBron James in two NBA Finals, first in 2007 when James was with the Cleveland Cavaliers and again in 2014 during James’ tenure with the Miami Heat.
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NBA legend Michael Jordan makes something clear about the GOAT debate with LeBron James
Parker picks his all-time starting five of former teammates
In January 2025, Parker appeared on the Knuckleheads Podcast, where he was tasked with assembling his ideal starting five comprised solely of former teammates.
Darius Miles, one of the podcast hosts, preemptively included Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili in the lineup, knowing their inclusion was a no-brainer for Parker. To complete his squad, Parker remained loyal to the Spurs’ franchise. “David Robinson and Kawhi Leonard,” Parker said. “I’m staying with the Spurs”.
Robinson, played a key role in securing the Spurs’ first championship in 1999 alongside Duncan. Leonard, on the other hand, was the driving force behind San Antonio’s 2014 title run, earning Finals MVP honors for his stellar two-way play.
Parker’s selection reflects the Spurs’ storied history, as each member of his starting five has at least one championship with the franchise. Duncan, the cornerstone of the team’s success, leads the pack with five titles, while the “Big Three” of Parker, Ginobili, and Duncan remain synonymous with San Antonio’s dominance during the 2000s and early 2010s.
