Defending champions in distress

— -- Tony Parker is consumed by one of his worst shooting slumps, his confidence is compromised amid a search for answers and he's dragging around a slow-healing, sore hamstring that's neutralized his impact on the court now for weeks.

But the San Antonio Spurs' star point guard isn't struggling to find perspective. Just pardon his delivery if it seems a bit awkward.

"You just have to keep pushing," Parker exhaled as he summarized a bevy of issues that have contributed to the Spurs' recent slide. "It's hard for me to complain. Hey, look at Derrick Rose. You always have worse around you. It's true. Obviously, I wish I felt better, but it's like that."

By no means was Parker taking a shot at Rose, the Chicago Bulls' former MVP sidelined indefinitely last week after undergoing his third knee surgery in 36 months. The point Parker was attempting to make is that no matter how rough it's been lately, he still has a chance to get his game and his team on track.