Tony Parker recently ended his 17-year association with the San Antonio Spurs as he signed a two-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets in free agency. During his time in Texas, he helped the franchise win four championships and his contributions will see him enshrined into the Hall of Fame one day. It may have come as a huge surprise that Parker decided not to end his career with the Spurs and it'll be a strange sight to see him don another uniform. 

Spur for life

The 36-year-old wanted to experience something different but he still very much has San Antonio in his heart. 

So much so, that the veteran plans to return to the team to officially retire as a Spur. 

"Yes, I will retire a Spurs player," Parker said when asked if it was a possibility. 

It's unclear when that day might be and under what circumstances. 

Paul Pierce signed a one-day contract with the Boston Celtics last summer in order for him to retire with the team he spent most of his career with. 

Parker may choose to do the same thing or potentially play one game back in front of his adoring fans inside the AT&T center. 

Surely nobody in the Spurs organisation will be opposed to him coming back in any capacity and fulfilling his promise of retiring with them. 

Relationship with Pop

Gregg Popovich shared a special bond with the point guard and released a touching statement about him last month when he departed for Charlotte. 

“It’s difficult to put into words how important Tony Parker has been to the Spurs franchise over the past two decades," he said.

"While the four championships, six All-Star appearances and four All-NBA selections highlight his resume, the biggest joy for me has been to have the pleasure of watching TP grow up before our eyes."

The six-time All-Star said an emotional farewell to everybody in San Antonio via a Players' Tribune post earlier this month.

He thanked the entire organisation, the fans and reserved special mentions for Popovich and Tim Duncan.

His move signalled the end of an era as both Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green were traded to the Toronto Raptors in a summer of change for the team. 

But if the Frenchman has his way, his Spurs story won't end here. 

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