San Antonio Spurs: Manu Ginobili ‘seriously considering’ retirement

As the San Antonio Spurs wait on Manu Ginobili’s decision, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports it may become a retirement announcement.

Manu Ginobili closed the 2017-18 season with one question: will he return to the San Antonio Spurs for a 17th year at age 41? It became a similar case after the 2016-17 campaign, but with an answer that arrived in July. With August almost over, though, the Spurs still do not know the status of their long-time icon.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there’s no final decision on Ginobili’s status for 2018-19, but he is “seriously considering retirement.” A meeting between him and coach Gregg Popovich will happen soon.

Story filed to ESPN: No final decision yet, but San Antonio's Manu Ginobili is seriously considering retirement and will meet with coach Gregg Popovich in coming days to discuss future.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2018

Despite this, Ginobili has worked out at San Antonio’s practice facility to prep for the season, but without a commitment to play.

Ginobili, 41, has been working out regularly in the Spurs practice facility in preparation for the season, but within almost a month of training camp, he still hasn't committed to returning for his 17th season. https://t.co/y7TorN1Lwf

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2018

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The Spurs allowed Ginobili to take as much time necessary to decide. With training camp and the preseason in four-plus weeks, a decision, theoretically, should arrive soon.

Already with Tim Duncan‘s 2016 retirement and Tony Parker‘s departure in free agency, Ginobili’s retirement means he’s the last of the “Big 3” to leave. This trio played together from 2002-16, with a spot near or at the top of the NBA and four titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014).

If Ginobili decides to retire, it would end a 16-year career that began in 2002, but as a selection in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft. The Argentinian star arrived after a three-year run internationally to join the Spurs for the 2002-03 season, which led to the first of four championships he won with the organization.

Ginobili found his way onto two All-Star teams, as well, in 2005 and 2011. Along with the 2007-08 Sixth Man of the Year award, he racked up numerous franchise and league accolades.

Now, Spurs fans await Ginobili’s decision. The season will arrive soon, so the same may happen with the one called “Grandpa Juice.”