As far back as the preseason, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker indicated he would not be suiting up for France in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain in late August.
In the days following his fourth NBA championship, one he earned with long-time friend and national team teammate Boris Diaw (who will play), Parker hasn't wavered, according to the French team.
Here is the statement from technical director Patrick Beesley, via Reuters:
Tony Parker is not in the squad. (Coach) Vincent Collet and I want him to take some rest after many demanding campaigns with France and demanding seasons with his club.
Parker has long been a key piece of the French team's success, leading them to a Eurobasket title in 2013 and earning tournament MVP honors. His focus will likely shift to being able to suit up for the 2016 Summer Olympics, should they qualify for one of the 11 remaining berths.
This past season, Parker played 2,716 minutes over 91 games including both the regular season and playoffs, and totaled 2,939 minutes in 87 games the year before. Since the 2011-12 lockout, Parker totaled 8,084 minutes, 21st in the NBA in that time. In short, he could probably use the summer off.
