San Antonio Spurs: NBA fans react to Manu Ginobili’s reported return

Reactions flew in on reports of Manu Ginobili’s likely return to the San Antonio Spurs for his 16th NBA season.

Manu Ginobili’s status was a focal point of the San Antonio Spurs’ offseason. Since Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, it wasn’t official if he was returning for the 2017-18 season or not, but that changed on Tuesday afternoon.

As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported, Ginobili and the Spurs are “finalizing details” of a return for a 16th NBA season. No contract numbers were announced in Wojnarowski’s tweet.

Following the report, there was excitement from Spurs Twitter, as reactions flew in about the long-time member of the Black and Silver’s likely return to the team. Let’s see what NBA fans had to say:

Really enjoyed to see u back @manuginobili!

— Ben RONDEAU (@BenyRondeau) July 18, 2017

Those who say WASHED, don't live in #SA! ..enjoyed & #RESPECT his 16 seasons. #Tnx #Manu #Ginobili #GSG #GoSpurs #GoSpursGo Love my #Spurs

— Jorge EL KaLtero™ (@WP4KTF) July 18, 2017

Internet: *Manu Ginobili is coming back for a 16th season*

James Harden: pic.twitter.com/2IC1p2QSEY

— Alexander Cardenas (@Alexander_Cards) July 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/FedeGVillegas/status/887346602809188352

https://twitter.com/bflowers522/status/887346455383617537

Manu Ginobili must really believe the Spurs have a chance to be strong contenders again this year for him to come back.

— Kyle Worthey (@KyleWorthey) July 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/KierstenEhr/status/887346186327384064

https://twitter.com/spursjesus/status/887346048452222976

Basketball fans out there. We have an entire year to rename the Eurostep to MANUSTEP before @manuginobili retires. He turned it into an art. pic.twitter.com/wGHt3aw5KI

— Javier Gancedo (@ganchetto) July 18, 2017

Manu 4 ever!!!! Yes, with Manu back the Spurs will be in the top 4 of the West no doubt #mademyday #ManuGinobili #Spurs

— Sa Bobcat (@SaBobcat) July 18, 2017

MANU GINOBILI IS COMING BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

— tolboof (@tolboof) July 18, 2017

@manuginobili ♥♥♥

— Javier Agüero (@JCuervo_a) July 18, 2017

YES!!!!!! Finally something thrilling! @manuginobili is back! #GoSpursGo

— Vickie Vix (@TheVickieVix) July 18, 2017

It’s a happy day for these Spurs and other NBA fans that are glad to see Ginobili return for another season. This puts off his eventual retirement, and will see him play at age 40, which he’ll turn on July 28.

At age 39, Ginobili posted some of the lowest numbers of his career, but in the smallest role he’s taken on the Spurs in his 15 years. This includes 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and shooting 39 percent from the field in 18.7 minutes per game.

With no contract details included, it will be interesting to see how much money Ginobili gets. He made $14 million in 2016-17, but that was after a collection of $2.8 million in 2015-16. Something potentially between those numbers seems fair to speculate on. That could be known once Pau Gasol officially re-signs with San Antonio, after he opted out of his 2017-18 contract to take a smaller annual salary.

Next: Free agency grades for the Spurs

As for Ginobili’s role, he should fit in as one of the top players off the bench. His spot could be to fill in for Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, providing veteran leadership and the ability to space the floor. It will be another weapon for the Spurs to use against the loaded Western Conference, which will see this organization battle powerhouses to get to the 2018 NBA Finals.