Table of Contents
Who is Anthony Parker?
Anthony Parker is a well-known professional basketball player who has competed in the NBA, Euroleague, and international tournaments. Anthony Parker was a high school basketball standout. He, like most basketball players, aspired to play in the NBA.
His ambition came true when he was selected in the NBA draft in 1997.
Despite the fact that his ambition came true, he was labeled as an NBA failure owing to his inability to perform due to injury.
It appeared to be the end of his basketball career, but it was only the start.
This post will take you on Anthony Parker’s magnificent journey from NBA failure to a successful basketball player.
Anthony Parker | Child Development and Education
Anthony Michael Parker was born in Naperville, Illinois on June 19, 1975. He was born as the family’s eldest kid.
Larry Parker worked as an insurance agent, and Sara Parker worked for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.
His father was a basketball player for the University of Iowa, and his mother was a cheerleader.
In addition, Anthony’s younger sister, Candace Parker, is a well-known and successful player in the Women’s National Basketball Association.
She was the first overall choice in the 2008 draft and has won the championship twice.
Marcus Parker, his younger brother, also played basketball in high school.
Unlike his famous basketball siblings, Marcus chose to become a doctor.
Anthony excelled in his studies in addition to his athletic achievements.
He majored in chemistry and was the recipient of two Major Robert H. Lawrence Jr. Scholarships.
It is an annual scholarship awarded to an African-American student who excels in chemistry.
However, in his final year, he changed his major to liberal arts and sciences.
Height, weight, and age
Anthony Parker was born in 1975, which makes him 47 years old.
People born in August are Gemini.
Furthermore, Anthony was born in Naperville, Illinois.
He identifies himself as an American of African-American ethnicity.
Also, Parker is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) tall and weighs around 221 lb (100 kg).
Anthony Parker | Early Career
Parker began his basketball career at Naperville Central High School.
After that, he attended Bradley University and played basketball there as well.
Subsequently, he established himself as a top player on the university basketball team, the Braves.
Thomas Robinson is a famous NBA player who started his career as one of the top picks in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings.
But he is considered a draft bust. Know why!
Anthony Parker | Professional Career
NBA Draft and Debut
Anthony Parker entered the 1997 NBA draft and was selected 21st overall by the New Jersey Nets.
Nonetheless, he was dealt with the Philadelphia 76ers in a multi-player deal.
Unfortunately, Anthony couldn’t perform well due to the constant injuries.
As a result, he saw a drastic drop in his playing time.
He was later dealt with the Orlando Magic before being released in January 2000.
After that, no NBA teams wanted to sign him.
This is to say, Anthony had failed in the NBA.
Career Revival in Euroleague
Parker’s repeated failures in the NBA compelled him to explore outside of the United States for a way to restart his basketball career.
In the 2000–01 season, he moved to Israel, where he was recruited by Israeli EuroLeague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Initially, Parker questioned his decision as there were frequent bombings in the city.
But, later, he quickly adjusted.
Soon he became an essential player on the team.
He captivated the audience with his skills to score, rebound, block shots, and dunk.
In his first season, Parker led Maccabi to the Israeli domestic title, the Israeli National Cup, and the FIBA SuproLeague Cup.
After that, he moved to Italy and joined Virtus Roma. He played in 27 Italian Serie A league games.
Overall, Parker had a successful career in the Europe league.
Likewise, He received multiple awards for his performance, including the Israeli Basketball Super League MVP, the EuroLeague Final Four MVP, EuroLeague MVP, and first-team All-EuroLeague.
Comeback To NBA
In July 2006, Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo officially signed the famous athlete back to the NBA.
Parker quickly established Toronto’s main shooting guard and an NBA-respected three-point shooter.
Furthermore, his defensive and offensive flexibility were critical in the Raptors winning their first division championship.
But, Parker signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 13, 2009, after two successful seasons with the Raptors.
He later announced his retirement on June 27, 2012, ending his fifteen-year basketball career.
Nonetheless, he subsequently returned to the scene as an Orlando Magic scout.
He became Lakeland Magic’s general manager in 2017.
In 2021, he was appointed as the deputy general manager for Orlando.
Anthony Parker | International Career
Anthony Parker played collegiate basketball for the junior United States men’s national basketball team.
He played on the Under-22 team.
Furthermore, Parker’s team won the 1996 FIBA Americas Under-21 Championship gold medal.
The team qualified for the 1997 FIBA Under-21 World Cup following the win.
In the World cup, Parker scored a game-high 19 points in the gold medal game versus Canada.
Drew Gooden is a half-Finnish NBA player who is best known for his duck hair.
Anthony Parker | Awards and Achievements
- Three times EuroLeague champion (2001, 2004, 2005)
- Two times EuroLeague MVP (2005, 2006)
- EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2004)
- EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2004)
- Two times All-EuroLeague First Team (2005, 2006)
- EuroLeague 2000–10 All-Decade Team (2010)
- 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
- Five times Israeli Super League champion (2001, 2002, 2004–2006)
- Five times Israeli Cup winner (2001, 2002, 2004–2006)
- Israeli Super League MVP (2004)
- Three times Israeli Super League Quintet (2002, 2004, 2005)
- MVC Player of the Year (1996)
Anthony Parker | Wife and Children
The famous NBA star Anthony Parker is married to Tamy Parker.
The couple married in 1999 and are blessed with two sons.
Besides their anniversary date, Anthony hasn’t revealed anything about their relationship.
Thus, how the loving couple first met or formed a love attachment is unknown.
However, it is known that Anthony’s wife is incredibly supportive of his professional career and has supported him through difficult times.
Furthermore, the loving couple has two lovely sons: Julian and Alonso Parker. Their eldest son Alonso Parker was born after three years of their marriage in 2002.
His eldest son, Alonso Parker, was born in Israel in 2002, whereas Julian Parker, their youngest son, was born in January 2006.
His sons are now grown up and have a huge passion for basketball like their father.
Social Media Presence
Anthony Parker is active on social media, especially on Twitter.
He has verified a Twitter account with thousands of followers.
Also, read Dorian Finney Smith, Clix. Jem Wolfie.
Net Worth and Salary
The net worth of Anthony Parker is estimated to be $12 million.
Anthony has amassed a wealth of millions of dollars through his professional career while playing in and out of the United States.
Also, Anthony Parker played in the NBA for several clubs.
During his time in the NBA, he accumulated a sizable fortune.
The player signed a rookie deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for $754,080.
Parker later agreed to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a six-year, $6 million contract.
On top of that, Parker’s expensive contract was a three-year, $12 million deal with the Toronto Raptors.
Aside from the NBA, Anthony played for the Euroleague.
Furthermore, he was one of the league’s most successful athletes and has won several championships.
Though his earnings in Euroleague are not known, he must have been compensated well for his efforts.
