Reuters
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Michael Jordan watches the action by the 11th green during the Four-balls REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Reuters
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Michael Jordan watches the action by the 11th green during the Four-balls REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Michael Jordan was one of a kind during his playing days. His game was transcendental, which led to many children and young players wishing to play the sport. Indeed, he played an instrumental role in bringing popularity to the league. One such is a 4-time NBA champion who fell in love with the sport after watching the Chicago Bulls legend.?
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Well, it is indeed tough to mention all the players who idolize ‘His Airness’, but the champion mentioned above is former NBA player Tony Parker. Alongside other icons, the athlete will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame shortly.
Michael Jordan inspired Tony Parker to basketball
As a young boy, Parker used to enjoy the game of soccer more than anything. But Jordan unintentionally and purely through his skills introduced Parker to the game.?
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The athlete?s family loved watching the all-conquering Chicago Bulls. People are well aware of how the Bulls dominated the league in the 90s. Watching the Bulls? games was a mandatory practice in Parker’s family. But it all began when Parker himself witnessed the king of the sport.
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Basketball: Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan (23) in action vs New Jersey Nets Sam Bowie (31) at Brendan Byrne Arena.
East Rutherford, NJ 12/20/1991
CREDIT: Neil Leifer (Photo by Neil Leifer /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: D90103 )
In 1992, the Dream Team had a match against France in Monte Carlo. Jordan, who was a part of the team, was also in attendance. Parker?s father was also a pro basketball player. He brought his son along with him to the game. And that particular game gave a new direction and dream to the 10-year-old boy.?
And soon Parker?s whole life began to revolve around basketball.??
Tony Parker is the first French player to get inducted into the Hall of Fame
He began his career playing in the French Basketball league before joining the San Antonio Spurs. He was drafted in the year 2001 as the 28th overall pick. The 6-time NBA All-Star is also going to be the first French Player to get into the Hall of Fame.
Expressing his excitement, he said, ?Huge honor. It’s hard to explain. You know, when I became the first French Champion, first French All-Star, MVP of the Finals, every time you try to accomplish something. I always try to be a good ambassador for French basketball.”
Well, indeed the player was inspired by Jordan, but he also became an inspiration for many. What do you think about Parker’s story? Tell us in the comments.
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Written by
Edited by
Sharan Nair