This Saturday, August 12, a ceremony in Springfield (Massachusetts) gave way to several NBA stars of the 2000s. Frenchman Tony Parker, German Dirk Nowitski, American Dwyane Wade and Spaniard Pau Gasol entered in the Hall of Fame, like Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, still in post at the San Antonio Spurs.
Parker was a four-time NBA champion with San Antonio, a six-time All-Star and the 2007 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
“It was an amazing journey,” Parker said. “I never thought someone like me could experience such an adventure. To all the kids watching, keep dreaming big! »
Parker thanked his family and paid tribute to his American and French roots. “I felt like I had the best of both cultures and that helped me on my journey. When I was in France, I was told: you are too small. You are too skinny. You will never get there. Well, I’m the one laughing now. Parker was a star for Popovich’s Spurs from 2001 to 2018, ending his NBA career in Charlotte in 2019.
“You’re amazing,” Parker told Popovich. “You threw me in the fire at 19…You’ve always been a second father to me, Pop.” Everything you have done for me and my family, I appreciate it. I thank you. I love you. “I was very tough on him and expected a lot of him,” Popovich retorted of his former protege. “I’m very proud of what he’s accomplished. »
Popovich, the oldest coach in all of North American professional sports, led the Spurs to five titles and was named NBA Coach of the Year three times. He was also the coach of the USA team made up of gold medal-winning NBA stars at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“This moment is a testament to the support, guidance and inspiration I have received from so many people during my basketball journey,” said Spaniard Pau Gason, thanking Europe’s pioneers in basketball. NBA who paved the way for his arrival.
“I want to give a special mention to those first Europeans who came here, who crossed the ocean, who tried their luck and opened doors for players like me.” Pau Gasol was a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and a six-time NBA All-Star, playing from 2001 to 2019 with Memphis, the Lakers, Chicago, San Antonio and Milwaukee.
Gasol spoke fondly of Kobe Bryant, his former Lakers teammate, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020 with his daughter Gianna. “I wouldn’t be here without you, brother,” he said. “I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here with us.” We miss you and we love you. »
Other inductees include six-time WNBA All-Star Becky Hammon, 1976 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team and former coaches Gene Keady, Gary Blair, David Hixon, Gene Bess and Jim Valvano.
