Not too many NBA fans knew about Tony Parker when the San Antonio Spurs made him the 28th pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft. Two championship rings later, just about anyone who follows the game knows him as one of the best young guards in the league.
The reason for Parker's early anonymity is that he grew up and learned the game in France, a country not known as a hoops hotbed. After a couple of seasons playing for Paris Basket Racing in his country's top league, Parker caught the eye of the Spurs, who brought him to the NBA to make his debut at the age of 19.
He quickly proved that he belonged, becoming the first guard born outside the United States to make the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Parker really came into his own during the 2002-03 season, helping the Spurs take the league championship - a feat they would accomplish again in 2004-05.
Parker's speed and court vision have made him a solid point guard since he made his debut, but his continued development as a scorer has enabled him to become the team's top option when Tim Duncan is struggling. Despite measuring just a shade over six feet tall, he is absolutely fearless when driving the lane and unleashing his arsenal of runners and floaters. He's also improved his outside shooting, and he can consistently knock down threes if left alone.
Because the Spurs are in position to add more titles to their collection during Parker's career, he rates as one of the better bargains in the basketball card world. His list of over 30 rookie cards includes a couple of unique dual jersey cards: his Upper Deck Honor Roll # 125 with Jason Kidd and his Upper Deck Inspirations # 139 with Allen Iverson.
Tony Parker 2001-02 Rookie Cards
- E-X # 125 - #'d to 750
- Flair # 105 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Authentix # 112 - #'d to 1250
- Fleer Exclusives # 122 - #'d to 500
- Fleer Focus # 114 - #'d to 1850
- Fleer Force # 128 - #'d to 999
- Fleer Genuine # 149
- Fleer Marquee # 112 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Maximum # 190 - #'d to 1000
- Fleer Platinum # 243
- Fleer Premium # 180 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Shoebox # 180 - #'d to 2500
- Hoops Hot Prospects # 108 - jersey card #'d to 1000
- SP Authentic # 138 - autographed, #'d to 700
- SPx # 91 - autographed jersey card with three versions #'d to 800 each
- Stadium Club # 127
- Topps # 247
- Topps Chrome # 155
- Topps Heritage # 205
- Topps High Topps # 160 - #'d to 1500
- Topps Pristine # 108
- Topps TCC # 123
- Topps Xpectations # 127
- Ultimate Collection # 64 - #'d to 750
- Ultra # 2U
- Upper Deck # 185
- Upper Deck Flight Team # 136 - three versions #'d to 250 each
- Upper Deck Honor Roll # 125 - dual jersey card with Jason Kidd #'d to 1000
- Upper Deck Inspirations # 139 - dual jersey card with Allen Iverson #'d to 275
- Upper Deck Legends # 105 - #'d to 3250
- Upper Deck Playmakers # 133 - #'d to 999
- Upper Deck Sweet Shot # 104 - #'d to 1200