Spurs legend Manu Ginobili, 41, announced his retirement from the NBA on Twitter Monday; he played all of his 16 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs.
Today, with a wide range of feelings, I'm announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It's been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams. pic.twitter.com/3MLCUtmd6K
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) August 27, 2018
Drafted No. 57 overall by the Spurs in the 1999 NBA Draft, Ginobili began playing in the league in 2002 and spent his entire 16-year career in San Antonio. He was part of four NBA championship teams. In 1,057 games, the two-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Ginobili will always be remembered in San Antonio as a local legend, bringing four championships to the city along side his counterparts; Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The trio created a dynasty that will live forever in NBA history as they won 4 titles in a span of 15 years together. The dynasty was also always led by head coach Greg Popovich who watches the third and final piece leave in a span of three years.
Ginobili received an outpouring of love from the NBA’s best:
.@manuginobili You are true champion my friend and one of the best I have ever matched up with. Enjoy life after the game hermano. You deserve that and more. pic.twitter.com/g5qtYlsNMA
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1034247169879040000
Congrats on an amazing career @manuginobili. You embody how basketball is meant to be played. With Passion, joy, and obviously a Champion through and through. Inspiration many sir. pic.twitter.com/Z86WgYFVMk
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 27, 2018
Ginobili’s last time on an NBA court was April 24, 2018 in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Warriors. He scored 10 points, dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds in the Warriors’ 99-91 series-clinching win.
Ginobili is the third Spurs hero to leave the team during this off season as they traded Kawhi Leonard away to the Raptors, and saw Tony Parker join the Hornets as a free agent. With Tim Duncan also retired, the big question in San Antonio is will Greg Popovich continue coaching the team as is currently constructed.
