Tony Parker to miss ASVEL's first preseason game due to NBA commitments

ASVEL Villeurbanne is set to begin its preseason preparations with a friendly match, but head coach Tony Parker will not be on the sidelines for the team's first exhibition game. The club announced Thursday that Parker is unable to lead the team due to existing contractual commitments with the NBA.

Parker is scheduled to participate in the "NBA Philippines House" event from August 29-30, where he will work as a coach alongside Jason Kidd. Following his engagement in the Philippines, the 44-year-old former NBA star is expected to return to ASVEL to continue guiding the team's preparation for the upcoming season.

Vincent Collet will step in as the interim head coach for the match. This period marks a significant transition for ASVEL, which experienced a tumultuous summer. Initial reports suggested a substantial budget increase, nearing 60 million euros, and ambitious signings. However, the financial reality proved different, with the budget reportedly falling to 27 million euros. This led to the departure of key new players like Sylvain Francisco, D. Theis, Armoni Brooks, and Nick Weiler-Babb, who moved to other European clubs. Parker, who also owns ASVEL, faces the challenge of navigating these changes as the team gears up for the new season.