On Thanksgiving Day, when you head back to the refrigerator for a second piece of pumpkin pie, think about what Charlotte Hornets guard Tony Parker would say.
Or, more specifically, what Parker’s mother would say.
Long before kids’ nutrition got much attention, Parker’s mother was vigilant about what her family ate and drank. Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown, who once worked with Parker as a San Antonio Spurs assistant, believes that factors in Parker’s longevity in his 18th NBA season.
“His mom raised the family with an incredible sort of iron fist in nutrition,” Brown recalled. “I was blown away by their knowledge on the harm of sugar.”
Frenchman Parker said Monday Brown’s description was no exaggeration.
“She was super-healthy. Growing up she was a model, so very early she was taking care of her body. Making sure she didn’t put anything crazy in her system,” Parker, 36, said. “So I grew up like that. Now, in the NBA, everyone is making more of an effort with nutrition.
“It’s been like that since I was 3 or 4 years old.”
Parker said his mother’s diet lessons carried throughout his playing career, and he agrees with Brown that has probably contributed to his ability to keep playing effectively. This is his first season in Charlotte after being part of four championship teams with the Spurs. For most of the past decade he has hired a personal chef to make sure he’s eating right.
“We were never allowed to drink sodas at home, and no fast foods. I just grew up like that. It’s in my habits now,” Parker said. “It can create inflammation. Sugar is one of the bad things you can eat. I think that is part of why I can still play at this level, particularly at my position, where speed is very important.”