What do the Spurs need from Tony Parker next season?
Tony Parker's 2014-15 season was a mild disappointment. He didn't play like an All-Star point guard, or lead the San Antonio Spurs past the first round.
But while a majority of Parker's best days are clearly in the rearview mirror, he should still be able to bounce back next season and give the Spurs more than he just did.
Here's a closer look at what the team should expect from their Hall of Fame point guard next year, via Bleacher Report's David Kenyon:
"As Parker slowly loses his dangerous slashing ability in the Spurs' go-to offensive set—again, this isn't a death sentence for him; Parker is just getting older—he cannot afford to force the offense.
Off-ball movement hasn't been a part of Parker's responsibilities lately, but Leonard's steady rise toward becoming the team's No. 1 scoring option should change that. Like longtime teammate Tim Duncan, Parker possesses a tremendous amount of basketball knowledge, of which court vision is a key part. He sees open spots on the floor well before the offense actually attacks that area. But now, Parker must search for those vacant locations without the ball and open space for Leonard to operate."
He's getting older, and older players must alter their games or die trying. Parker has always had the ball in his hands, but perhaps San Antonio can be more effective using him as a diversion away from it. Maybe he can cut into open spots in the paint or spot up from the corner.
Parker isn't at the stage where this will be his full-time duty, but accepting that he can't be the team's primary ball-handler anymore is the first step towards finding success in other areas.
(h/t: Bleacher Report)
Photo Credit: Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
