By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The president of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Tony Parker is optimistic about a potential collaboration with the NBA as the league is actively working on an expansion to Europe.
Before focusing his post-playing career on the French club in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, he became a four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs. He talked about potentially reconnecting with the league based in North America in a recent interview with RMC Sport.
“When you see what the NBA is doing, they are very strong. Whether it is marketing or the new TV rights contract that will start next year. We need to be associated with that. I want there to be NBA Europe and for us to be part of it,” he mentioned.
Another possible update in his relationship with the NBA might be Theo Maledon. The 23-year-old French point guard has been brilliant through the 2024-25 editions of the EuroLeague and France’s Betclic Elite, attracting the attention of other sides, including Real Madrid.
“I would love for him to stay at ASVEL but it is impossible,” confessed Parker, “He will either go to Real Madrid, in a big EuroLeague club, or return to the NBA. I have general managers calling me all the time for Theo. I think he will have offers from the NBA next year.”
The 42-year-old executive also shared his opinion on French prodigy, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
“I think that in two or three years, he will be the best player in the NBA,” he predicted, “For that to happen, he will have to win with the Spurs. He has to create his dynasty.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images