Tony Parker '50-50' about returning for 19th NBA season
Tony Parker's NBA future is up in the air after failing to qualify for the playoffs in his first year with the Charlotte Hornets.
Following Charlotte's season-ending 122-114 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the 36-year-old veteran told reporters that he's "50-50" about returning for a 19th season.
"I don't want to play on a rebuilding team," said Parker, according to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell. "I want to play for a team that's fighting to make the playoffs, at least."
Parker had his streak of 17 consecutive postseason appearances snapped, which is the third-longest in history behind Utah Jazz legends Karl Malone and John Stockton (19).
He averaged 9.5 points and 3.7 assists in 17.9 minutes through 56 appearances during the regular season as a backup to All-Star Kemba Walker, whose future in Charlotte is also in doubt as he enters unrestricted free agency.
"I think for Kemba, that’s a decision he’s gonna have to make, too," Parker added. "Does he want to try to play for a championship? Does he want to play for a team that is at least competitive and try to make the playoffs? That’s not an easy decision, and only he will know the answer."
Parker is under contract for 2019-20 at $5 million after inking a two-year deal last summer following 17 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs.