Tony Parker hasn’t worn a Spurs jersey in years, but he’s never really left the team behind. The Hall of Fame point guard has been watching - closely.
Watching San Antonio try to rediscover its identity. Watching a franchise built on patience, discipline, and culture navigate the modern NBA without losing what made it special.
And lately, he’s been watching two young guards - Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper - play with a certain edge that feels awfully familiar.
So when Parker gave them a nod this weekend, it wasn’t just a compliment - it was a stamp of approval from someone who helped define what it means to be a Spur.
“They’re so fearless,” Parker said. “That’s how I was. That’s how Manu was.”
That’s not just flattery - that’s legacy talk.
Because in San Antonio, “fearless” isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a blueprint.
Parker and Manu Ginobili built their careers - and helped build a dynasty - on that very trait. Relentless aggression.
Unshakable confidence. The willingness to take the big shot, make the risky pass, or dive headfirst into the paint against bigger bodies.
So when Parker sees that same fire in Castle and Harper, it means something.
Let’s be clear: the Spurs aren’t back to championship form just yet. A run to the NBA Cup semifinals is exciting, but it’s not the same as battling through a seven-game playoff series.
And a couple of eye-popping performances don’t rewrite the long-term outlook overnight. But Parker’s not the type to throw around compliments for the sake of nostalgia.
What he sees in these two guards isn’t just potential - it’s purpose.
Castle and Harper aren’t just playing fast. They’re playing with conviction.
They attack downhill. They take ownership of possessions.
And most importantly, they’re not afraid of the moment - whether it’s facing off against a veteran team or sharing the floor with the likes of LeBron James.
Of course, much of the spotlight in San Antonio still belongs to Victor Wembanyama - and rightfully so. His return from injury and his sky-high ceiling are major pieces of the Spurs’ future.
But Parker made it clear that building a contender isn’t just about finding another generational big man. It’s about finding the right pieces around him - especially in the backcourt.
That’s where Castle and Harper come in. They’re not just filling roles. They’re helping shape the identity of this next Spurs era.
And if you’re looking for continuity, the threads are still there. Gregg Popovich’s fingerprints remain all over the organization.
Head coach Mitch Johnson came up under Pop. Tim Duncan has spent time on the bench as an assistant.
Manu Ginobili still has a presence around the facility. The front office has stayed remarkably stable through the years.
This is still a franchise that leans on its culture - not just talent - to build something sustainable.
You saw it during San Antonio’s NBA Cup win over the Lakers. Even as LeBron James put on a show, the Spurs didn’t flinch. They stuck to their game plan, played through their guards, and built a halftime lead the old-fashioned way: ball movement, defensive grit, and unselfish execution.
That’s the Spurs way. And it doesn’t work without fearless guards who understand the responsibility that comes with running the show.
It’s too early to start drawing direct comparisons to the Parker-Manu backcourt - those guys earned their stripes over years of playoff battles and championship runs. But Parker knows what that journey looks like. And when he sees echoes of that same fearlessness in Castle and Harper, it’s worth paying attention.
Because in San Antonio, fearlessness isn’t just a trait. It’s the foundation. And if Castle and Harper are building on that, the future might be closer than we think.