Parker doesn't start in EuroBasket 2009 qualifier?

[TMT]

Parker 'annoyed' by lack of starting role
Wire Reports
Friday, September 05, 2008

Tony Parker has admitted he was "annoyed" to be left out of France's starting line-up for their opening EuroBasket 2009 qualifier against Belgium.

The San Antonio Spurs guard is easily Les Bleus' most celebrated player but he started on the bench in their 82-63 victory on Wednesday.

With Parker only recently returning to the international fold after a self-imposed exile, coach Michel Gomez placed his trust in the players he has had at his disposal throughout France's warm-up games prior to EuroBasket qualification.

Although he came off the bench to great effect in the comfortable win in Nancy, Parker was left slightly puzzled.

"You can be sure that I didn't understand," said the three-time NBA title-winner. "But I don't want to cause a fuss. We won and that is the most important thing.

"We will see what happens next. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed by it."

The French pulled away in the second half after leading just 34-33 at the break to bash Belgium 82-63. Cholet Basket guard Nando De Colo shined with 18 points in 27 minutes and Tony Parker contributed 19 to lead the French.

Sam Van Rossom scored 17 and Christophe Beghin added 12 for Belgium.

Not the biggest of deals right now, but the coach doesn't want to start a 3-time NBA Champion and a former NBA Finals MVP on his team? Despite not starting, TP led the team with 19 points in a victory. He's obviously not happy however.
Maybe the coach is holding a grudge that Parker wasn't playing for France during the summer?