Tony Parker is set to return to the Spurs. Photo Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Parker has been sidelined since rupturing his left quadriceps tendon during May’s playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Parker began the announcement of his return with a “#ImBack” headline on social media.
“Get ready #SpursNation, I’m coming back on tomorrow’s game against Dallas!” Parker wrote. “I’m really excited to play again. It has been some tough months with a lot of recovery, patience and mental strength. I wanted to thank everyone who believed in my return.”
The 35-year-old Parker underwent surgery after the injury and there were concerns about his future. Parker, a six-time All-Star, said he didn’t consider retirement.
–Steve “Snapper” Jones, the former pro basketball player who became a renowned broadcaster, died Saturday night in Houston after a lengthy illness, according to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was 75.
Jones played for Portland of the NBA after being a three-time All-Star in eight seasons in the ABA. His overall scoring average between the two leagues was 15.2.
After his playing career ended in 1976, Jones became a popular broadcaster and was the lead analyst for the “NBA on NBC” for more than a decade. Former Trail Blazers teammate Bill Walton was often part of the same crew. Jones called his last game in 2006 after 26 seasons as part of the Trail Blazers announcing team.
“The NBA family mourns the passing of Steve “Snapper” Jones — former Portland Trail Blazer, ABA All-Star and one of the NBA’s all-time great TV analysts,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and many friends.”
— The Phoenix Suns are without leading scorer Devin Booker on Sunday in Minnesota, while the Timberwolves are missing point guard Jeff Teague and reserve forward Nemanja Bjelica.
Phoenix declared Booker, who is averaging 22.5 points per game this season, out with right big toe inflammation. Booker was dealing with the injury when he had just 13 points in Friday’s loss to New Orleans.
Teague is active but told reporters before the game he would not play because of a sore right Achilles’ tendon. He also missed Friday’s loss to Miami. Bjelica missed his second straight game with a left mid-foot sprain.
