<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> LYON, France ? As the NBA began planning more than 16 months ago to have some of its teams train in Europe, the Spurs were among the first to volunteer. Tony Parker, however, wasn't quite so sure the team would agree to return to his country. The Spurs had already spent a week in Paris in 2003 and some team officials, including coach Gregg Popovich, expressed an interest in visiting Russia. France, however, offered one incentive Russia could not. "I'm just happy Pop loves wine," Parker said. "Every time the NBA ask him to come here, he says yes." With an assist from his coach, Parker is back amongst his family and friends this week. More important to the Spurs is that he's also back on the court. Almost seven weeks to the day after breaking his right index finger in a World Championships tune-up game for France's national team, Parker made good on his vow to be ready for the start of the Spurs' training camp. He participated in both of the team's practices on Sunday and was pleased with the results. "I'm back to 100 percent," Parker said. Or close enough. X-rays taken on Thursday in San Antonio showed the bone had completely healed. Regaining his rhythm and confidence will take a little longer. The finger "feels a little bit sensitive. I'm still a little bit scared to go for steals and stuff like that," Parker said. "But when I shoot the ball, it's OK. It does not hurt that much." Popovich said he has no plans to limit Parker unless the point guard's conditioning dictates otherwise. He expects Parker to play in both of the team's exhibition games in France. The Spurs' biggest concern is making sure Parker doesn't overextend himself off the court while he is here. He'll attend a handful of sponsorship and NBA-related activities, as well as shoulder the largest media responsibilities. About 30 reporters greeted Parker after Sunday afternoon's practice at Halle Vivier Merle. Parker's fame as France's top basketball export also was evident on the Spurs' bus: A picture of him outsized those of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili on the side of the vehicle, which was specially painted to promote the league's inaugural Europe Live event. The team also has given Parker one other task. "In France," he said, "I'm a little bit of a translator." </div> Source
