Anthony Parker is a retired professional basketball player who played for various teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and internationally. He was born on June 19, 1975, in Naperville, Illinois, and grew up in a basketball family. His father, Larry Parker, played in the NBA, and his older brother, Marcus, played college basketball.
Parker played college basketball at Bradley University, where he was a standout player. He was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997 and led the conference in scoring both seasons. He also set the school record for career three-pointers made.
After college, Parker was selected 21st overall in the 1997 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. However, he struggled to find playing time and was eventually traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He played sparingly for the 76ers and was eventually waived.
Parker then played overseas for several years, including stints in Israel, Italy, and Russia. He became a star player in Europe, winning multiple championships and earning several individual awards. He was also a member of the United States national team that won the gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games.
In 2006, Parker returned to the NBA, signing with the Toronto Raptors. He quickly became a key player for the team, starting at shooting guard and averaging over 12 points per game in his first season. He played for the Raptors for three seasons before signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009.
Parker played two seasons for the Cavaliers, serving as a backup shooting guard and small forward. He was known for his three-point shooting and his ability to play solid defense. He also became a fan favorite for his professionalism and leadership.
After the 2010-2011 season, Parker became a free agent and signed with the Atlanta Hawks. However, he struggled with injuries and played in only 25 games for the team. He announced his retirement from basketball in June 2012.
Overall, Parker had a successful basketball career, both in the NBA and internationally. He was a skilled shooter and a solid defender, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and leadership. He is now involved in coaching and player development, working with young basketball players in the United States and Europe.
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