Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum spent nearly 10 years together on the French National Team, a stretch that included the country’s first-ever European title and FIBA World Cup medal. Now side by side on the Charlotte Hornets roster, the pair also owns and operates an up-and-coming professional basketball team in France known officially as ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne.
The origins of this unique, off-the-court element of their relationship can be traced back seven years ago, when the start of the 2011-12 NBA season was delayed because of a 161-day lockout. Like many players looking for work while logistics were sorted out, Parker and Batum headed home and suited up for French LNB Pro A League teams ASVEL and Nancy, respectively.