If anyone on the current San Antonio Spurs roster knows Nando De Colo, it's fellow French teammate Tony Parker, who has played on the national team with De Colo for several years.
De Colo also often backs up Parker and they see plenty of each other in practices with the national team.
While Spurs fans have awaited his arrival in San Antonio since he was drafted with the 53rd pick of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Spurs, both parties agreed it was time for De Colo to leave Valencia and come stateside with the Spurs.
I'd be lying if i didn't say De Colo has shown marked improvement since he was originally drafted, but when the announcement of his signing was made public, there was just one questions Spurs fans pondered.
How is he going to break the rotation or does the signing signify an express delivery to Austin to play with the Toros. Parker told L'Equipe recently that competition at both guard positions will be rough for De Colo.
"It will be difficult. Patty Mills used to play more than Nando at point guard, and if he plays at shooting guard, there are Manu Ginobili and Gary Neal! The competition is tough. That's the problem Nando is a super talented player that can do lots of things, but sometimes you say what is his position?'
Aside from competition, Cory Joseph made a case for him staying in San Antonio when he showed poise and confidence leading the summer league squad.
Regardless, it should be a very fun and competitive training camp deciding where players will play and who will be on the bubble during preseason.
Aside from De Colo, Parker also talked about the Spurs' chances against a much-improved Lakers team.
"We have as much chance as the Lakers. (…) The stability is the hallmark of Spurs. And you can not change our team. It was 20 straight wins with the best basketball in the NBA. Boris Diaw with throughout the year, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green have one more year, we have our role to play even if Miami, the Lakers and OKC will be very strong.'
Parker and the Spurs will get a chance to prove that when the Spurs travel to LA for their first game of the regular season series against the Lakers on November 13.
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