Parker hopes for curtain call

By Jodie Valade

The Plain Dealer

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.

Anthony Parker was happy that it all worked out for Manny Harris, that the rookie from Detroit who attended Michigan earned a start in front of his hometown crowd on Monday.

But Parker is also hopeful the back spasms that struck four games ago and finally sidelined him at halftime of Saturday’s Milwaukee game will subside enough to allow him to play in the season-ending contest tonight.

Because Parker isn’t sure when he’ll play next. Or even if he will.

The 36-year-old shooting guard is the most senior member on the Cavaliers’ roster, and he is only player whose contract expires at the end of this season. This is also when the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, when a universally anticipated lockout could disrupt play. If the lockout shortens next season significantly or entirely, Parker admits that he might not have another opportunity to play.

“Weirder things have happened,” he said. “But I don’t know how many people will take a look at a 37-year-old after sitting out a whole year.”

In the meantime, Parker probably will relocate his family to his off-season home in Tampa, Fla., vacating the Cleveland home he rents. He’s not sure when he’ll be back in Ohio, or if he will.

Parker is the Cavaliers’ players representative, and will continue to serve that role in labor discussions. But the possibility of his career ending if there is an extended lockout won’t encourage him to lobby for a quick resolution.

“I’m going to do the best thing for the players,” Parker said. “A lot of players sacrificed before us to get the situation we’re in now, and so I’m willing to sacrifice for the players who come after us.”