The 36-year-old shooting guard is the most senior member on the Cavaliers' roster, and he is only player whose contract expires at the end of this season. This is also when the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, when a universally anticipated lockout could disrupt play. If the lockout shortens next season significantly or entirely, Parker admits that he might not have another opportunity to play.
"Weirder things have happened," he said. "But I don't know how many people will take a look at a 37 year old after sitting out a whole year."
In the meantime, Parker probably will relocate his family to his off-season home in Tampa, Fla., vacating the Cleveland home he rents. He's not sure when he'll be back in Ohio, or if he will.
Parker is the Cavaliers' players representative, and will continue to serve that role in labor discussions. But the possibility of his career ending if there is an extended lockout won't encourage him to lobby for a quick resolution.
"I'm going to do the best thing for the players," Parker said. "A lot of players sacrificed before us to get the situation we're in now, and so I'm willing to sacrifice for the players who come after us."
"Weirder things have happened," he said. "But I don't know how many people will take a look at a 37 year old after sitting out a whole year."
In the meantime, Parker probably will relocate his family to his off-season home in Tampa, Fla., vacating the Cleveland home he rents. He's not sure when he'll be back in Ohio, or if he will.
Parker is the Cavaliers' players representative, and will continue to serve that role in labor discussions. But the possibility of his career ending if there is an extended lockout won't encourage him to lobby for a quick resolution.
"I'm going to do the best thing for the players," Parker said. "A lot of players sacrificed before us to get the situation we're in now, and so I'm willing to sacrifice for the players who come after us."
The lockout is a certainty now given that the players and owners won't meet again until summer kicks off. How long the lockout lasts is hard to say but the players and owners are currently far apart on an agreement. It seems like it could be a lengthy lockout. That means Parker may be done in the league. As such, maybe it's time to have a thread where we reminisce on all the great moment he gave us Raptors fans. It is my personal opinion that he is once of the best SGs to ever play in Toronto. His game wasn't always exciting but he always hanged his hat on consistency, fundamentals and hard work. He was equally effective on both sides of the court in Toronto.
Comment