PARIS - Tony Parker is a box-office attraction around the globe and especially in his homeland, which means it was a smart move to crown him the first ambassador of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A legend of the France men's national team and an NBA superstar, Parker drew a big crowd as he jumped off the train from Lyon and landed on a demonstration basketball court under the Eiffel Tower.

The presence of the San Antonio Spurs' playmaker was the perfect way to highlight the first day of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission's first visit to the French capital.

As usual, Parker was the headline-maker - although it may have felt bitter-sweet for Paris 2024 Organizing Committee President, Tony Estanguet. He would love the four-time NBA champion to do even more, but he will have to be patient and wait until closer to the Games.

That is because, while he is looking forward to his new flagship role, Parker insisted he still has a couple of seasons left in the tank as he looks to extend his glittering career.

"We will do lots of events, but I'm still in the process of discussing with Tony (Estanguet) to see what we can put in place," he explained.

"I still want to play for two years so we will discuss what I can do from the United States. Once that time comes he probably won't stop calling me, saying, 'you no longer have the excuse of basketball, you come with us.'"

As for Estanguet himself, he justifiably lauded praise on the ambassador.

"It's great to have the support of Tony Parker," said the former French slalom canoeist and three-time Olympic gold medalist. "He immediately wanted to engage in this project with the youth. He knows how to talk to young people.

“From the beginning, Paris 2024 gave itself an identity turned towards the athletes. It is very important for me to have great athletes on our side and we have taken another step [with Parker]."

Stood courtside, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, the President of the IOC Coordination Commission, recalled with a smile the origins of Parker, who was born in Bruges.

He enthused: "Tony has always been a supporter of the Games. To see him come back as an ambassador is great. I feel even closer to him because he was born in my country. The Games need emotion. He will bring some."

FIBA