BU's Anthony Parker as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Basketball Players Over the Past Decade

[Da Coach]

I am not sure I agree with this assessment, but it's a nice compliment to AP.

Top 10 Most Influential Basketball Players Over the Past Decade

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/65495-top-10-most-influential-basketball-players-over-the-past-decade

10. Anthony Parker
The former Bradley standout had a less than sensational start in the NBA, and after a few years of warming the bench behind players like Allen Iverson, he decided to take his game over to Israel. Parker signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv and was originally supposed to replace Deron Sheffer. Instead, Parker built a legacy, and earned a place among the Euroleague's top-50 contributors; a list which includes Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, and former NBA superstars Toni Kukoc, Vlade Divac, and Drezan Petrovic.
While in Israel, Parker earned the highest honor in the Euroleague by being named MVP in 2004-2005. He posted 18.0 PPG, 5.3 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game. In 2005-2006, he was named MVP for the second year, and then left Europe to return to the NBA. Parker left a legacy in Europe that Israel will not soon forget. He is now a member of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA, and is looking to add an NBA Championship to his resume before returning to Europe to close his career.

[ser_solace]

lol. okay. I was very confused why there were some names left off that list (like Jordan). Then I realized he was going for in the last decade.

[houstontxbrave]

Extremely nice mention of Anthony Parker. Globally definitly, here in the US, I am certain many will scratch their head about his inclusion.

The picture of Alston was a horrible decision, yes he was And 1 but to show him in handcuffs just isnt right. I guess it is to emphasis the streetball part of his game and his background.

[BradleyBrave]

Why would AP return to Europe to finish his career? I see no reason why he wouldn't finish it out in the NBA.

[SFP]

Why not Europe? I wouldn't mind living there for a bit and make a nice living. He can extend his career and probably make more, it's that simple

[BradleyBrave]

Why not Europe? I wouldn't mind living there for a bit and make a nice living. He can extend his career and probably make more, it's that simple

AP spent a long time in Europe already, why would he want to go back? His entire family is here. He's made a ton of money over there, and will make just as much here. I think once AP hangs it up in the NBA, he's gonna call it a career.

[Dallas Brave]

I think including AP makes a lot sense in that his career path has influenced the thinking of players coming out of college as well as NBA General Managers. Of the 10 influential players, AP is the only one to start in the NBA, go abroad, and then return to assume a significant role on a decent team. AP's experience provides a solid example to NBA GMs to not automatically discount U.S. players who struggle early in the NBA and end up in Europe. I think many NBA teams are putting in a lot more effort staying abreast of U.S. players in Europe because of a success story like AP.