Tony Parker’s journey to NBA stardom began with a pivotal moment in 1991. At just nine years old, he watched Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls face Magic Johnson’s Lakers in the NBA Finals. Inspired by that one match, Parker decided to change tracks; he transitioned from soccer to basketball. And what an illustrious career he got out of the NBA, as he was ultimately inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame. Many will remember his speech from that stage where he stated, “I played soccer from six to nine years old, and then when I saw the NBA Finals with Magic and Jordan, I decided to switch sports.”

However, behind it all, there was a push by his father, Tony Parker Sr., who was a former professional basketball player. Parker Sr.’s guidance and support laid the foundation for Tony’s illustrious career, which includes four NBA championships, six All-Star selections, and being named the 2007 NBA Finals MVP. Today, he lost that support system. Tony Parker Sr. has passed away at the age of 70.

Who was Tony Parker Sr.?

Though the Parker family was largely based in France, Tony Sr. was born in Chicago. His spirits were already into the game, as he eventually played college basketball at Loyola University Chicago from 1973 to 1977. There, he became the sixth-leading scorer in the school’s history with 1,605 points. After college, Parker Sr. pursued a professional basketball career in Europe, playing in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France over a span of 15 years.

Tony Parker Sr. went on to marry Dutch model Pamela Firestone, with whom he had three sons: Tony Jr., Terence, and Pierre. The couple eventually divorced, but they remained committed to their children’s well-being throughout their lives.  After her modeling career, Pamela Firestone transitioned into a health-food coaching profession, focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles.

Tony Jr., born in 1982, followed in his father’s footsteps to become a professional basketball player. He had a distinguished 17-year career in the NBA, primarily with the San Antonio Spurs, where he won four NBA championships and was named Finals MVP in 2007. After retiring in 2019, he became the majority owner and president of the French basketball club LDLC ASVEL.

Terence Parker, Tony Jr.’s older brother, pursued a career in basketball as well. He played college basketball and later professionally in Europe, though he did not reach the same level of prominence as his younger brother.

Pierre Parker, the youngest of the three, is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Austin Spurs, the NBA G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. At 37, he is working towards a future in NBA coaching, aiming to carve his own path in the basketball world.

In 2011, Tony Jr. began dating French journalist and entrepreneur Axelle Francine. They married in 2014 and have two sons together. The couple announced their separation in August 2020 after six years of marriage.

What did Tony Parker Sr. do in his career and personal life?

His career in the USA consisted of his time in college. His European journey began afterwards, from the Netherlands, followed by stints in Belgium, and he spent a significant portion of his career in France. Throughout his time in Europe, Parker Sr. played for various teams. His playing years in Europe were marked by his leadership and skill on the court, earning him respect among his peers.

How did Tony Parker Sr. die?

Tony Parker Sr. passed away unexpectedly. While the family has not publicly disclosed the exact cause of death, reports confirm it was a sudden death. His passing is being mourned deeply by the basketball community. “This passing leaves a huge void,” the Hall of Fame point guard said.  As the Parker family mourns, he will be remembered not only as the father of an NBA legend but also as a mentor, role model, and omnipresent spirit of the game.

How did Tony Parker Sr. influence his son’s basketball career?

Tony Parker Jr. has often described his father as his idol, a constant source of guidance. While Parker Sr. never dictated or imposed his choices on his kids, he did what any loving father would do. When his sons needed him, he opened up the avenues for them. He was a medium for them to explore their own true callings. Especially in the case of the second son and namesake, Tony Parker Jr.

For a teenage fan in the ’80s, meeting Michael Jordan was the ultimate dream, right? Well, for Parker, he got to live the dream and more, with the help of his father, of course. Parker went on to reveal that his father organized a meet and greet in 1996 when the Parkers went to Chicago for the holidays. Of course, Jordan had just returned to his basketball career that year, and the Bulls were having a historic season. The meeting had shaken a young Parker, “I was able to meet him, I didn’t day anything, I was like shaking you know. I was just so happy and it gave me that motivation that that’s what I wanted to do when I grow up, I wanted to play in the NBA.” And he did end up in the NBA, for 18 seasons, from his debut in 2001, till his retirement in 2019.

As for Parker Sr., he was clear in his parenting: “I never forced my sons to play basketball,” Parker Sr. said in a past interview. “I have three sons, and I let them grow up, giving them the freedom to choose what they wanted to do. Tony chose basketball. But it wasn’t until he saw Michael Jordan play where he finally chose basketball over football”.

Tony Parker Sr. lived a life dedicated to basketball and his family. His passing truly marks the end of an era in the basketball world.