Credit Arthur Viguier/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
NBA legend Tony Parker began his EuroLeague coaching career with a victory as LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 84-74 at home in Round 1 of the 2026-27 season.
Parker, who took over as ASVEL head coach this summer, saw two of the club's high-profile newcomers deliver strong EuroLeague debuts.
Jae Crowder led ASVEL with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in just under 25 minutes. He made 4-of-5 three-pointers and finished with a game-high 25 PIR.
Patty Mills added 15 points and three assists in 24 minutes, shooting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and sinking all four of his free throws for an 18 PIR.
"I'm super happy for the guys," Parker underlined after his first EuroLeague win. "I'm very proud of the guys."
Parker reunited with former NBA champion Mills
This game marked a reunion between Parker and Mills, who spent years together with the San Antonio Spurs.
Parker played 18 NBA seasons, winning four championships with San Antonio before finishing his playing career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Mills has 17 years of NBA experience and also spent the majority of his career with the Spurs. He and Parker were teammates on San Antonio's 2014 championship team.
Crowder, meanwhile, arrived in Europe after 13 NBA seasons, having appeared in 812 regular-season games and averaged 9.3 points and 4.2 rebounds over his career.