If there’s anybody who knows what it takes to have sustained success in the NBA for as long as the Golden State Warriors, it’s former All-NBA point guard and 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker. During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, they laid a path the Warriors are still on, though Golden State has a bit further to go.
In fact, San Antonio’s run outlasted Parker’s own career. By the time he was drafted in 2001, the team had already won a title and made the playoffs in four straight years. With Parker, they made the playoffs another 17 straight years and won four titles in five trips to the NBA Finals.
During the Warriors rise to power, they first had to go through those Spurs. And once they did, Parker was happy to pass the torch to them. He talks about that, what he’s working on with MTN DEW, Buffalo Wild Wings and more in our full conversation below.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity