Another one of the greatest San Antonio Spurs to play the game retired this past Monday. Here’s a look at the top 10 moments of Manu Ginobili’s career.
Manu Ginobili called it quits this summer, retiring from the San Antonio Spurs after 16 seasons in the NBA. He was selected by the team as the 57th overall pick from Argentina in the 1999 NBA Draft. Ironically, he was sleeping during that moment, not ever expecting to get a look. On Oct. 29, 2002, he made his NBA debut and the rest is history.
Ginobili will now go down as one of the best players in Spurs franchise history. He was a two-time All-Star and won four NBA titles on his journey with the organization. Alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, he formed a solid Big 3. With Duncan retired and Parker now a member of the Charlotte Hornets, the Big 3 is no more in San Antonio.
The San Antonio Spurs were a loyal club to Ginobili as they stuck by him until the very end. He averaged 13.3 points, 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game through 1,057 appearances for San Antonio. While his numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page, Ginobili is responsible for revolutionizing the game of basketball, especially at the international level.
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
The Argentinian will go out on his own terms, which isn’t so bad considering he’s one of only two players to have won an NBA championship, a EuroLeague title and an Olympic gold medal. In his home country, he’ll go down as their own version of Michael Jordan and with good reason. Here we break down the top 10 moments of Manu Ginobili’s career.