OK, so let me know if you've heard this one: A Frenchman, A Canadian and an Aussie walk into an NBA arena, and they all get to fill in at times for this season's best NBA point guard.  
 
Well, it's no joke and the Spurs have already seen some good things from each of them as they try to provide solid play in the absence of Tony Parker, who was enjoying his finest season but will miss an estimated four weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
 
The Frenchman (Nando DeColo) is gaining valuable experience as he adjusts his game from the Spanish League to the NBA.  The Aussie (Patty Mills) is energetic and is capable of getting hot from the outside.
 
The Canadian (Cory Joseph) has spent the major bulk of the season running the Spurs system in Austin with the D League Toros.  He has returned to the Spurs with an aggressive approach on defense and renewed confidence in his offensive game.
 
We could have also added an Argentinian into the mix because there will also be times over the next dozen games or so that Manu Ginobili is playing the role of facilitator.   He took over the point in the third quarter Sunday against Detroit and the Spurs promptly pulled away from the Pistons.
 
If my math and geography are correct Tony's fill-ins will come from four different continents.  The Spurs clearly have searched far and wide to amass the type of talent that has them in the role of serious contender once again.