Tony Parker set to re-join Spurs -- for a plane flight

Recommended Video:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Late Tuesday night, after his Charlotte Hornets finish their third-to-last home game of the regular season, Tony Parker will do something he has done hundreds of times before in his 18-year career.

He will hop on the Spurs' team plane and head to San Antonio.

Parker -- for those who haven't been paying attention -- no longer plays for the Spurs. But he has been cleared to hitch a ride back to South Texas after tonight's game, for a good reason.

RELATED: Everything you need to know about Manu Ginobili's jersey retirement ceremony

Parker is expected to be among the scheduled speakers at Manu Ginobili's jersey retirement ceremony Thursday night at the AT&T Center.

"It's going to be very nostalgic," Parker said. "It will put everything in perspective. You'll start realizing everything we accomplished in this league. It will be emotional."

Charlotte Hornets' Tony Parker laughs on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in San Antonio. Charlotte won 108-93. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less Charlotte Hornets' Tony Parker laughs on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in San Antonio. Charlotte won 108-93. (AP Photo/Darren ... more Photo: Darren Abate, FRE / Associated Press Photo: Darren Abate, FRE / Associated Press Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Tony Parker set to re-join Spurs -- for a plane flight 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

Ginobili's No. 20 is slated to rise to the AT&T Center rafters in a ceremony following Thursday's game against Cleveland. Among the other former players expected to take part are Tim Duncan and fellow Argentine Fabricio Oberto.

Sean Elliott has been tabbed to emcee the ceremony, as he did for Duncan's retirement shindig in December 2016. Coach Gregg Popovich will also speak.

RELATED: Rare 'Manu' art for sale in honor of Ginobili's Spurs jersey retirement

The scheduling worked out well for Parker to participate. He will fly with the Spurs to San Antonio, then catch up with the Hornets before they play again Friday against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Ginobili, who played all 16 of his NBA seasons with the Spurs and won four league titles, will be the ninth player in franchise history to see his number retired. Also on that list are Tim Duncan, David Robinson, George Gervin, Sean Elliott, Avery Johnson, Bruce Bowen, James Silas and Johnny Moore.

After Ginobili, the next number to find a home in the AT&T Center rafters will be Parker's N0. 9.

For now, Parker said he is excited to participate in Ginobili's big night Thursday. He says he has spent the past few days polishing up his speech.

"I'm ready," Parker said. "It's going to be an honor to speak. I expect it will be a great night