- Manu Ginobili announced his retirement on Monday after 16 years in the NBA.
- Across the league, coaches, players, and fans praised Ginobili for his astounding career and longevity in the NBA.
- With his departure, the Spurs will enter the 2018-19 season without one of their “Big Three” for the first time in 20 years.
Manu Ginobili announced his retirement on Monday after 16 years in the NBA.
“Today, with a wide range of feelings, I’m announcing my retirement from basketball,” Ginobili said in a tweet announcing the news. “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.”
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
Ginobili won four championships through his career, spending all 16 of his years with the San Antonio Spurs to help establish and continue one of the most consistently great teams in modern NBA history alongside fellow greats Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.
Throughout the league, players, coaches, and fans shared their love for Ginobili over social media.
https://twitter.com/SteveKerr/status/1034140205433774084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Congrats @manuginobili on an amazing career. Great player. Fierce competitor. Winner. Next stop: HOF
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 27, 2018
What a player @manuginobili! A pleasure to compete against you and enjoy your greatness. Congrats!
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) August 27, 2018
One of my first “welcome to the league” moments. Thank you for what you have done for your fellow lefties and a bringing an unmatched level of creativity to the game. Much respect! @manuginobili the game will miss you! @nba pic.twitter.com/XUljnFGSRk
— Kenny Baze (@24Bazemore) August 27, 2018
Big thanks @manuginobili for pouring your heart into the game and inspiring generations!! Cold blooded southpaw! #madeunorthodoxcool
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) August 27, 2018
Ci sei stato all’inizio, ci sei stato nel momento più alto... grazie di tutto. Per me sarai sempre un idolo! You were by my side at the beginning, you were by my side in the brighter moment... thanks for all. You’ll be my idol forever! @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/rVPQMyUjVV
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) August 27, 2018
Wow got to play with one of my favorite players in his last season. Thanks for all you did for the game gramps @manuginobili
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) August 27, 2018
just scoring. You’re a ultimate competitor and a “team first” kind of guy. You lift the culture in an organization just by simply being around. You were even successful in getting me to participate in more team activities than I have in my entire career. It was an honor competing
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018
Just one word would describe Manu!! #LEGEND ... thanks for everything!!!🙌🙌🙏🙏 @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/frtBj5Jv23
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) August 27, 2018
Thank You Manu... SALUTE💯
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 27, 2018
Ginobili will go down as one of the most innovative and creative players in recent memory, with a knack for finding the basket any way he could.
With his departure, the Spurs will enter the 2018-19 season without a member of their "Big Three" - Duncan, Parker, or Ginobili - for the first time in 20 years.