For a team as perennially successful as the Spurs, 2007-08 could be labeled as a disappointment (the Spurs fell to the Lakers in the West Finals). But on the heels of San Antonio's elimination, point guard Tony Parker received some good news: He was named the cover guy for EA's NBA LIVE 2009. While being on the cover might not be the same as winning a title, it's still a pretty big deal to the guys who are actually featured in the game. FanHouse got a chance to chat with Parker about everything from being EA's cover dude to who he likes in this summer's Olympics. Here's what he had to say:
Kim: "Can you talk about how the Spurs' season ended? Would you sum it up as a disappointment? Or did you guys push it as far as you could?"
Parker: "I think in order to win the championship, you have to have a lot of stuff going your way. If you put everything in perspective, we had two tough series with Phoenix and New Orleans, so you have to be pretty happy with the season we had. Obviously people are disappointed because we didn't win the championship, but we will come back next year and try to do it again."
Kim: "How much would having a healthy Manu have helped you guys?"
Parker: "Well, I'm sure it would have been a lot different if Manu was 100 percent, but with if's you can redo the world, and I don't want to talk like that. We just need to focus on next season. I've been here seven years, and coach Popovich always has us ready to contend for the title. Next season won't be any different."
Kim: "Can you talk about how the Spurs' season ended? Would you sum it up as a disappointment? Or did you guys push it as far as you could?"Parker: "I think in order to win the championship, you have to have a lot of stuff going your way. If you put everything in perspective, we had two tough series with Phoenix and New Orleans, so you have to be pretty happy with the season we had. Obviously people are disappointed because we didn't win the championship, but we will come back next year and try to do it again."
Kim: "How much would having a healthy Manu have helped you guys?"
Parker: "Well, I'm sure it would have been a lot different if Manu was 100 percent, but with if's you can redo the world, and I don't want to talk like that. We just need to focus on next season. I've been here seven years, and coach Popovich always has us ready to contend for the title. Next season won't be any different."
