Popovich spoke to reporters Thursday evening and reflected on Parker's 17-year career in the city. Ahead of Parker return to the AT&T Center as the Spurs host the Charlotte Hornets, Popovich said it will be weird to see the longtime Spur not suited up in the team's signature silver and black.
"It pulls at the heartstrings a little bit, but the situation is great for him," Popovich said. "He's doing a great job. He's landed in a good place, and he's having a good season and he's happy. So as long as he's happy, I'm happy."Before tonight’s #Spurs game...Coach Popovich discussed Tony Parker’s return on Monday night. Pop said he’s happy for TP and he’s a friend for life, but seeing him in another uniform “pulls at the heart strings a little bit” #ksatsports #KSATnews #GoSpursGo #NBA pic.twitter.com/18cGhpljV5
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) January 11, 2019
Aww!
Popovich's sentiments should come as no surprise. The Spurs drafted Parker from France when he was just 18, which caused special bond between the two.
More Popovich reflecting on return of Tony Parker on Monday night with #Hornets...says TP will "always be a part of my thoughts and he's been like a son in all kinds of ways" (📹@markmendez) #Spurs #GoSpursGo #KSATsports #KSATnews #NBA pic.twitter.com/snPwIVUUhQ
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) January 11, 2019
"He is a special young man, and I always felt like a second daddy to him over the years, and he's always been like a son in all kinds of ways," Popovich said.
Que cute!
Though Parker signed with the Hornets in the offseason, following former assistant coach James Borrego, who now heads the Charlotte team, Popovich said he and Parker still speak frequently.
"He's just a friend for life and someone I will always care about, so it will be great to see him when he comes back into town," Popovich said.
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