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It’s the kind of question that requires a fair amount of thought.

With Tim Duncan — his first basketball “son” — now retired, what is the appropriate comparison to describe the relationship between Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and point guard Tony Parker?

“Grandfather-grandson,” Spurs reserve guard Patty Mills said.

“Student-teacher,” said former Spur Bruce Bowen. “If there is a situation that I think about those two it would be (the novel) ‘Tuesdays with Morrie.’”

It’s 15 years and counting since Popovich united with Parker. More than 5,000 days of teaching and learning. More than 130,000 hours of Parker applying life lessons gathered through time spent with the future Hall of Fame coach.

This season, Duncan’s departure may have temporarily left Popovich with a feeling of emptiness. Parker, slowly, helped fill the void. Though many assumed he would retire after Duncan called it a career, Popovich has yet to make good on his promise. Parker is one reason why, at 68, Popovich is still going.

“He told me the same thing: ‘I’ll retire when you retire,’” Parker said.

The relationship Popovich shared with Duncan can never be matched. But if there is anything that comes close, it’s Popovich-Parker.

Unlike Duncan, Parker had his father, Tony Sr., around. But Popovich served as an additional guardian, becoming the man who assisted in the transition of a 19-year-old kid into manhood via professional basketball.

It all started on June 27, 2001 when the Spurs drafted Parker. They did not know what to expect, but hoped for the best.

Go to ExpressNews.com to read more about the intimate bond Parker and Popovich have forged. 

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