NBA: 30 greatest playmakers in NBA history

27. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker was the 28th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, but he’ll be considered much more than that when his career ends. He’s currently a member of the Charlotte Hornets, but he’ll go down as one of the best playmakers in Spurs franchise history.

Parker is listed at just 6-foot-2, but his ability to make plays off the dribble was hard to deny. In five trips to the NBA Finals, Parker and company were victorious four times. He won four NBA titles through 17 seasons as the floor general for the Spurs alongside the likes of Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

During the 2007 NBA Finals, he took home Finals MVP honors, producing 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game to lead the way for the Spurs. In a 4-0 sweep, Parker played as the first option while Tim Duncan played distributor in the post.

Parker finished his Spurs career shooting 49.2 percent from the field. He has a career-high 22 made field goals on 36 shot attempts against the Minnesota Timberwolves, showing his ability to fill it up at volume when needed.

The Spurs’ ability to adjust to multiple situations is what made them a special group. Parker was one of a few international imports that brought their own flavor to the hardwood. As Duncan brought his off-the-glass jumper and Manu brought his Euro-step baskets, Parker came as an efficient scorer anywhere inside the arc.