San Antonio Spurs: Who takes Manu Ginobili’s minutes?

By Rob Wolkenbrod | Aug 25, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Manu Ginobili’s potential retirement leaves an opening in the San Antonio Spurs rotation. Who takes his minutes in the 2018-19 season?

Manu Ginobili‘s potential retirement not only opens a second roster spot on the San Antonio Spurs, but creates a space in the guard rotation for the 2018-19 season. No Danny Green, Brandon Paul and Tony Parker already changes its look, and the departure of Ginobili leaves it in a form not seen since the 2001-02 season.

The projected bench guards behind Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan are Patty Mills, Bryn Forbes, Marco Belinelli, Derrick White and Lonnie Walker. It’s possible Belinelli slides into the starting lineup, but this group is if the Spurs roll with a two guard lineup.

Ginobili leaves behind his 20 minutes per game from the 2017-18 season. More than likely, it spreads out between the guards off the bench, unless someone jumps into a role.

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White stands as a main beneficiary of Ginobili’s potential retirement. After a year in the G League and sporadic call-ups to the Spurs roster, he will look for a full-time role on coach Gregg Popovich’s squad, rangering between 10-20 minutes per game. So he could pick up at least half, or maybe more, of Ginobili’s leftover minutes.

If the Spurs keep Walker out of the G League, he stands in position to take some minutes. Though San Antonio usually stays patient with its first-rounders, the Miami standout has a crowded path ahead of him for minutes, with or without Ginobili. He may need to work through Forbes and White for meaningful on-court time.

Forbes himself can benefit from Ginobili’s absence, as well, even after 19 minutes per game in 2017-18. That average might tail off this season, but if experience in this system goes in his favor, then this could become a main guard off the bench.

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The Spurs will have rotation retooling to take care of if Ginobili leaves. Who stands as the main player to take over?

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