Manu's Reportedly Returning to Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have been perennial contenders since the arrival of David Robinson in the 1989-1990 season, and it's maintained that status in the NBA since then.
Besides the Admiral, names like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Kawhi Leonard are a major part in winning five championships over the course of fifteen seasons.
But to attribute those championships to only the star players wouldn’t be entirely accurate. It never is.
To have a run like theirs, those second-unit players often display star-level talent.
For San Antonio, that dude's Manu Ginóbili.
Since 2002 -- when the Spurs signed their Argentinian draft stash -- Ginobili's been a solid dude with an impressive résumé:
- A four-time NBA champion,
- A three-time all-star,
- Two-time All-NBA Third-Teamer, and
- A Sixth Man of the Year Award
Even in his 15th NBA season last year, Ginobili was still a major component in San Antonio's second-place finish in the Western Conference and subsequent playoff run:
During the campaign, Manu averaged 7.5 points a game, shooting 39% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc.
Not too shabby for a dude who's gonna be 40 and second only to timeless wonder Vince Carter for reigning OG.
Many around the league thought Ginobili would be riding into the Argentine sunset this summer.
Nope.
Dude's finalizing a deal to remain a Spur for a 16th season.
The move likely won’t change the club's hopes for another title, though, as it’s hard to imagine anyone's gonna beat another loaded Warriors team.
But you never know.
Still, the move signifies a return of a fan favorite and major contributor.
It’s not like Manu didn’t receive a proper sendoff from the Spurs faithful in their final playoff game this spring.
If Ginobili's shown us anything, it's age can be mitigated. Ask Jaromír Jágr. Or Roger Federer.
And if he keeps making plays like these, dude's still got a few years left in the league: