Manu Ginobili has officially retired.
As he announced early Monday afternoon, the San Antonio Spurs legend is walking away from the game after a prolific 16-year career. The 41-year-old stated the following through his Twitter account, announcing his retirement after months of uncertainty surrounding his basketball future:
“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.”
Ginobili walks away from the game has one of the most storied international players of all time and just one of two players ever to win an NBA title, EuroLeague title and Olympic gold.
Although Ginobili didn’t begin playing for the Spurs until 2002, he was initially drafted by the organization all the way back in 1999 with the 57th overall pick. After spending a few years playing overseas, the 6-foot-6 guard officially made his debut in the Silver and Black in 2002, making 69 appearances and starting five games for the NBA champions that year. Ginobili ends his 16-year career as a four-time NBA champion, two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, former Sixth Man of the Year winner and former All-Rookie selection.
The Argentinean guard retires ranking near the top of nearly every Spurs statistical category. He finishes his prolific 16-year career ranked third in games, fifth in minutes, fifth in field goals, first in three-pointers, fourth in free-throws, first in steals, fourth in assists and fifth in points.
With all of that said, how did the NBA media react to the retirement of one of the best Spurs players ever?
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