San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker will play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
Parker, who was injured in the fourth game of the Western Conference finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, missed part of the second half and all of overtime in the Spurs’ Game 6 overtime, series-clinching victory with a sprained ankle.
Parker told a French radio station that he would be ready for Thursday’s opener in San Antonio in a Finals rematch with the Miami Heat.
“I twisted my ankle in Game 4 of the first round against Dallas. I continued to play with the pain and I again twisted the ankle in Game 4 of the conference finals against Oklahoma City. I gritted my teeth,” Parker said. “I did not mean to abandon my teammates. But the pain was too strong in the sixth game. I could not really play anymore.
“Today, I spend my days in treatment. But the good news is that I will play the first game of the Finals on Thursday against the Heat. I may not be 100 percent but I’ll be there. In 13 years, I played seven conference finals and I have the chance to play my fifth Finals with Spurs. This is really great. I continue my dream, this is really something great.”
Parker was bothered in the 2013 playoffs by a calf injury that became chronic following a fast-paced series with the Golden State Warriors.
Bower named Pistons GM
Jeff Bower was hired Tuesday by the Detroit Pistons as their general manager.
The team did not disclose terms of the contract. Bower joins the Pistons after serving last season as the head coach at Marist College, where his team finished with a 12-19 record.
“I’m pleased to welcome Jeff Bower to the Detroit Pistons organization,” Pistons coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy said. “Jeff brings great basketball knowledge and NBA experience to our organization and he’s enjoyed success in building teams. He’s a great evaluator of talent and Jeff will bring solid leadership to our front office.”
Bower has NBA experience as general manager of the Hornets from 2001 to 2003 and 2005 to 2010. He also was an advance scout, director of scouting/assistant coach and assistant general manager for the Hornets before he became the GM.
“I’m excited to join the Pistons organization and play a role in helping this franchise build on its great basketball tradition,” Bower said. “I look forward to working with Stan, his staff and everyone in the Pistons organization to put together a team that the community can support and be proud of. I’m also excited about ownership’s commitment to winning and their demonstrated commitment to the community.”
Working under Van Gundy, Bower will take over the management side of the team, which will likely include leading negotiations with free agents and rookies and overseeing the scouting department, among other duties.
Van Gundy also reportedly considered former NBA president of basketball operations Stu Jackson and former Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith.
Wizards sign Wittman to extension
Washington coach Randy Wittman signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension with the Wizards on Tuesday.
The team announced the agreement and The Washington Post reported the terms of the contract, which includes a team option for the final season.
It was reported last week that the Wizards were close to a deal with Wittman.
“This team and this organization have made significant strides over the last 2 1/2 seasons and I’m excited to be a part of the next step in that process,” Wittman said in a statement. “The players and staff all feel that this is the beginning of something special and we’re dedicated to building on our positive accomplishments while striving to improve and reach the next level of success.”
Wittman guided the Wizards into the playoffs this season after a five-year absence. With a 44-38 regular-season record, Washington landed the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards eliminated the Chicago Bulls in the opening round of the playoffs and pushed the Indiana Pacers to six games before falling.
Since Wittman replaced Flip Saunders during the 2011-12 season, the Wizards have gone 91-122.
“We are pleased with the progress the team has made on the court and with the culture we have been able to build with Randy as our head coach,” Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld. “We will look to continue that momentum with him deservedly leading this group of dedicated and hard-working players.”
Washington’s 44 wins were the most by the franchise since 2004-05. The Wizards’ 22 road victories were tied for the best in the league.
“Randy’s leadership and preparation allowed him to implement and build an unselfish team mentality over the last several seasons where defense comes first and every player is held accountable,” Wizards majority owner Ted Leonsis said. “The result is a Washington Wizards team that proudly represents our fans and our city both on and off the court and has us looking eagerly toward what we can accomplish moving forward.”