Chapter 127: Without Bruce Bowen, They Are So Weak!

Tony Parker had three modes:

"reckless little sports car," "shot selection isn't great but can play according to tactics little sports car," and "combining drives and passes, capable of disrupting the opponent's formation under Tim Duncan's cover—a top-league sports car."

The last mode was something Popovich imagined Tony Parker could achieve but had never appeared.

In fact, even the "French sports car" who won the Finals MVP in '07 lacked a clear tactical thinking.

He could win the Finals MVP, thanks in part to facing the weak Cavaliers.

To deal with LeBron James, and to ensure a smooth transition for the Spurs' core strategy, Popovich forcefully reduced Tim Duncan's role on the offensive end.

It turned out:

Tony Parker lacked the ability to be the team's core.

Following Tim Duncan's transformation and change in playing style, the team never made it to the finals again until Kawhi Leonard's rise.