Many assumed that Manu Ginobili would return to the San Antonio Spurs. However, a two-year deal was unexpepcted. According to The Vertical, Ginobili is to sign a two-year, $5 million deal with the Spurs to remain with the only team he has ever played for. After pushing back retirement for at least one season, the 40-year old is now going to play two more years. This upcoming season will be his 16th season, which brings forth the question of: How much does he really have left in the tank?
Twenty minutes a game would be a steal
If Ginobili can produce nearly 20 Minutes a night off the bench, the Spurs would come out on top on this deal.
Ginobili is not the player that once averaged 17 points a game. However, he is a veteran that is a four-time champion. Ginobili averaged the lowest points per game total in his career this past season. Most thought he was going to retire, but the Spurs are always a contender to make a run at a championship, and Ginobili was not ready to hang up his shoes. Ginobili will add to a deep bench that includes Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, Rudy Gay, and Bryn Forbes.
The Spurs are going to have their hands full with battling the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Ginobili may not be a difference maker, but he shows flashes that he can still play. In Game 3 of the Conference Finals, Ginobili scored 21 points, making him the oldest player to score 20 or more points in a game off the bench since they began tracking the stat in 1970-1971.
Statue on the way in San Antonio
It's premature to start talking about post-career accolades, but Ginobili is going to leave the Spurs as a legend. By the time Ginobili is done playing, he will have played 17 seasons with one team. Only a handful of players have ever done, that including Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kobe Bryant -- to name a few.
If Zach Randolph can get his number retired for his contributions in Memphis, then Ginobili will surely get his number hung up as well. In a hypothetical world, if the Spurs can secure another championship, a statue could be possible as well.
The best part about this story is that he deserves it. Ginobili is one of the most decorated international athletes.
He is a selfless player. He is a proven winner in the league, and overseas. He is a Euroleague MVP. This is a guy that you want sitting on your bench. Who knows what Ginobili will do after he is done playing? For now, fans should enjoy having this player around.
