Inspired by basketball legend Michael Jordan, Parker developed an early passion for the sport. He focused on the point guard position and played for several years in the French amateur league. In 1999, he transitioned to professional basketball by signing with Paris Basket Racing.

NBA Career with the San Antonio Spurs

Parker gained the attention of the San Antonio Spurs during a summer camp and joined the team soon after. In his rookie season (2001–2002), he became a starting point guard and made 77 regular-season appearances. That year, he became the first foreign-born guard to be named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

During the following season, he started all 82 games. His performance continued to improve, and during the 2004–2005 season, he averaged a career-high 3.7 rebounds per game (RPG). He played a key role in helping the Spurs secure championship titles and solidify their status as a dominant team in the NBA.

Playoff Success and Ownership in ASVEL

In 2007, Parker's leadership helped the Spurs qualify for the NBA Playoffs and finish second in their division. By the 2010–2011 season, the Spurs held the best record in the Western Conference. That same year, Parker signed with the French professional basketball team ASVEL Basket during the NBA lockout. He also became a stakeholder and eventually the team president.

While playing in France, he accepted a significant pay cut, earning a symbolic salary of approximately $2,000. This was a stark contrast to his $50 million contract with the Spurs at the time.

International Career and Retirement

Parker represented France in numerous international competitions. In 2015, he competed at EuroBasket against Poland. One year later, in 2016, he announced his retirement from international basketball but continued to play in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs until his retirement from professional basketball in 2019.