It’s a very sad day for basketball fans as Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs officially announces his retirement.
Emanuel David Ginobili from Bahia Blanca, Argentina was born on July 28, 1977. Manu comes from a family of athletes. His two brothers played in the Argentine League and their father was a coach of a basketball club in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. That’s the reason why Manu loved basketball at a very young age. He idolizes Michael Jordan and that’s how his passion for basketball grows.
Manu was drafted 57th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1999 NBA draft but he did not sign with the team and decided to return to Italy to play for Kinder Bologna and helped the team win the 2001 Italian League Championship, 2001 and 2002 Italian Cups and the 2001 Euro League. Manu was named the 2000-2001 Euro League Finals MVP.
Manu played 16 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and won four championships there. He was a two-time all-star, two-time all-NBA third team and a 2003 all-rookie second team. He was also awarded the Sixth man of the year in the 2007-2008 season. Manu was also one of the only two players to won a Euro League title, NBA Championship and an Olympic Gold Medal. The other one was Bill Bradley.
The well-known Big Three Era of the San Antonio Spurs is now over. All those three superstars are not in the roster anymore. Manu and Tim Duncan retired and Tony Parker left the team and join the Charlotte Hornets. The mark that they left in the San Antonio Spurs and the NBA’s history will forever be remembered. They are one of the greatest trios we’ve seen and no other trios can ever replace or replicate the things they’ve done in the NBA. Those three build a dynasty in San Antonio and won championships. They’re always in the playoffs and in fact, the Spurs are in the playoffs in 15 out of Manu’s 16 seasons. This was a heartfelt retirement and end of an era for one of the best franchises in NBA history and I am one of the lucky persons who have witnessed their greatness.
Manu left his heartfelt goodbye using Twitter. He thanks everyone who helped him in his journey in the NBA. Here is his message:
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.
Manu is a legend. His greatness can never be forgot. He is one of the best proofs that even bench players can become a big factor and can become a superstar. And also, a proof that even if you’re a second rounder in the draft you can also thrive and become a huge factor in the game if you will work hard and put your heart to the game.
Comments