Nowitzki, Parker and Gasol complete a historic day in European basketball

In addition to Pau Gasolbecame the first Spanish player to appear in the hall of fame,German Dirk Nowitzki and french Tony Parker They also received the same tribute this Saturday at a magical and historic night for European basketball.

A four-time NBA champion with the unforgettable San Antonio Spurs, he formed an unforgettable trio with Tim Duncan and Argentinian Manu Ginobili (his two presenters in this tribute). hoodie He was also the first European to be named Finals MVP (2007).

“There are many connections in this promotion.”the point guard emphasized in his speech. Gasol was his ‘partner’ Remembering the “huge rivalry” in international basketball between the Spanish and French teams at Spurs.

Parker admitted it with a wry smile France would have won more medals without Gasol’s Spanish teamHowever, he noted that playing San Boi in the summer “has given him a boost” to his development.

He also spoke of Ginobili in the best terms possible, defining him as a “rock star” and “the most unique player” with whom he shared a team.

Parker didn’t hold back tears in his witty speech, combining jokes about Duncan and his first steps in San Antonio with a deeply emotional appreciation of his family.

Finally, Parker dedicated a few words to young people who want to succeed in basketball (“Dream big”) and remembered: Gregg Popovich He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame this Saturday and was just 19 years old at the wheel of the Spurs. “You have always been like a second father to me (…). Thank you Pop. I love you.”he said:

As for him Nowitzki He was a big benchmark for the Dallas Mavericks for 21 seasons, won MVP in 2007 (the first European to win), gave a Texas franchise the only ring to date in 2011, and is the 6th all-time NBA player. became the top scorer. .

With Steve Nash and Jason Kidd as presenters at the gala, the German genius spoke about creativity, passion, leadership, competitiveness, respect and many other qualities that have characterized his life and career.

As for the latter “respect,” Nowitzki said it’s the quality that unites all of the 2023 Hall of Fame winners, including Becky Hammon and Dwyane Wade.

“I’m so excited to be part of this promotion. Poe, Tony, Wade…we competed at the highest level and were always grateful.”he argued.

Nowitzki also praised teammates like Kidd, whom he described as a “warrior,” and Nash, who shared his first steps into the NBA in a Mavericks jersey. “When we started playing, who would have thought we would be on this stage together?” he recalled.

Nowitzki also thanked the Mavericks owners. Mark Cuban, his “huge heart”, and coach Rick Carlyle, who led Dallas in the season they were champions. “You taught me how precise you have to be to win (…). You made us champions. Thank you,” he affirmed.