And I think Parker would be next to useless in LA or Utah as well. LA's point guards need to be able to shoot from long, and Utah's point guards have to be able to pass.
Parker is a passable - but not outstanding - defender. Where he has had his success is in getting into the lane and getting off his shot - and not because he's insanely fast (although he's definitely fast) or insanely strong (although he can take a hit). I feel that his success is that given the choice of stopping Parker or stopping Duncan, most would choose to stop Duncan, and as a result, Parker's numbers are inflated.
Parker's outside shot has started to come around, but I don't think you'd want him pulling up for a 20-footer if the championship is on the line.
As a passer, Parker is insanely deficient. He can make the easy pass and the obvious pass, and that's about it. In the end game, San An generally puts the ball in Ginobilli's hands - not just because he's a better shooter, better driver, and better scorer, but also because he's a better passer.
Compare that to most of the other top-level point guards. You don't hurt yourself by asking them to make a difficult pass, or to set another player up. With Parker, you do.
If, when Duncan finally retires, Parker continues his production, I may have to eat my words. But as it stands today, I find Parker a very limited player. It amazes me that he's had ANY success, much less the success he's had.
