American veteran Anthony Parker announced his retirement from professional basketball after 15 amazing years in Europe and USA.
The last five of those seasons, the 37-year-old shooting guard spent in the NBA, where he played for the Toronto Raptors (2006-2009) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-2012). In his last season with Cavaliers, Parker – older brother of WNBA star Candice Parker – averaged 7,2 points, 2,7 rebounds and 2,4 assists in 51 games.
More importantly he provided leadership in the locker room of the team, serving like a mentor for youngsters Kyrie Erwing and Tristan Thompson.
“I wanted to make that decision after the season and make sure that is what I wanted to do. I am at peace with my decision and excited to see what the future has for me”, said Parker, first round choice in NBA draft 1997 (21st overall by New Jersey Nets).
In his NBA career the 198 cm tall shooter wore also the jersey of Philadelphia 76ers (1997-1999) and Orlando Magic (1999-2000). His desire is to remain involved in the league either through broadcasting or in a front-office role.
Anthony Parker is among greatest foreign players in European basketball history. He has three European crowns with Maccabi (Tel Aviv) in the Pini Gershon era: FIBA Suproleague (2000), twice in Euroleague (2004 and 2005). For the Israeli powerhouses, Parker wore jersey number 18 – the symbol of assosiated of life and success in Jewish faith.
The American shooting guard is among 50 greatest contributers in Euroleague history, Euroleague All-Decade team (2001-2010), two consecutive times Euroleague all season MVP (2004, 2005), Final Four Euroleague MVP (2004), Israeli league MVP (2004). Parker left Israel with 13,6 points, 4,8 rebounds and 1,8 steals in his career and averaging 15,8 points, 5,7 rebounds and 1,6 steals in Euroleague.
At 37-years old Parker retires after nine seasons in NBA and six seasons in Europe, where he played also for Lottomatica Roma in Italy (2002-2003).
