Manu Ginobili Announces He Will Return

San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili announced Sunday morning that he would be returning to play basketball for one more year.

Manu Ginobili will be back; San Antonio Spurs fans rejoice! While he did not specifically say that he would be coming back to San Antonio, it can safely be assumed that, at his age, he will return to the silver & black to finish off his career.

Ginobili announced the news on his personal blog Sunday morning.

This is great news for Spurs fans, as Manu has always been a fan favorite and crucial contributor regardless of which role he plays in.

Manu has career averages of 14 points, four assists and just less than four rebounds per game in San Antonio, and has always seemed to produce when needed the most.

The Argentinian guard has of course seen some decline in age, as his season scoring average dipped below 10 points per game for the first time since his rookie season; but this isn’t cause for serious concern.

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Everyone who watches the Spurs knows the spark and energy he can bring off of the bench, and he still possesses the IQ to make plays on both sides of the ball.

This is crucial in times when Danny Green’s shots aren’t falling and Johnathon Simmons isn’t quite trusted by Coach Gregg Popovich.

The IQ and experience that Manu has, paired with the same such qualities possessed by Tony Parker, has major potential to impact 2016 first-round draft pick Dejounte Murray in a positive way.

Having both Spurs legends there to learn from will bode extremely well for Murray and the future of the Spurs.

The return of Manu also adds to the depth of the backcourt in a positive way–with Green, Simmons and Ginobili at the shooting guard spot and Parker, Mills, and Murray at the point guard spot.

Seeing as depth is always a crucial factor in the success of the Spurs, it is reassuring to know that there will be no shortage of guards that can come in and impact a game when needed.

Of course, we cannot talk about a Manu Ginobili return without mentioning the possible Tim Duncan return. With Manu back, it seems very likely that Duncan will return as well, and see out his career alongside his long-time teammate.

Seeing the Big Three back for one more year will warm the hearts of Spurs fan without question, but seeing them win it all one last time would be the true cherry on top.

Manu Ginobili will hope to remain effective and reach the Promised Land in what is likely to be his final season in the NBA, meaning fans will be able to see that fiery grit and energy from Manu for one last season.