Raptors Sign Star European
Posted July 13, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Bryan Colangelo’s far reaching quest for fresh talent continued with the signing of European star Anthony Parker on Thursday.
For the past six years Parker suited up for powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv and grew to love the environment overseas.
Coming back to the NBA wasn’t something he felt he needed to do, but the timing was right.
At 31 years old, Parker is entering the fray in his prime.
“If the NBA became the best opportunity, I would take advantage of it, but it was never a mission to get back to the NBA for me,” said Parker. “I didn’t know when I went there it would be six years, but it was great.
“I think I did a lot of development on and off the court overseas. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.”
Parker put his name on a three-year deal worth $12 million US. It’s a suitable sum for the man considered the best player not in the NBA.
“At his age and at his skill level, I think it was the right time for him to make the transition into the NBA,” Colangelo said during a news conference. “We think that by securing Anthony, we are getting one of top free-agent guards that was available.”
“When you look around the world and you see who the best basketball players are, Anthony Parker clearly has demonstrated he belongs at this level, and belongs here in this building in fact,” the GM adds.
