San Antonio Spurs: Teammates react to Manu Ginobili’s retirement

With Manu Ginobili’s retirement from the San Antonio Spurs, the reactions poured in from his teammates.

After 16 NBA seasons, Manu Ginobili announced his retirement on Monday. It was the offseason’s long-awaited decision for the San Antonio Spurs, as his status remained in doubt ever since the 2017-18 season ended.

Ginobili was not only a beloved Spur, but a respected player by his teammates, especially those that worked with him in recent seasons.

Current Spurs poured in their support for the now-retired Ginobili, from Rudy Gay to Dejounte Murray, Pau Gasol, and an extended message from LaMarcus Aldridge.

Wow got to play with one of my favorite players in his last season. Thanks for all you did for the game gramps @manuginobili

— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) August 27, 2018

I competed against you for 9 years. I sat through countless pregame meetings discussing how not to let you go to your left hand because when you do, you’re impossible to stop! Then, I became your teammate and got to witness first hand how you bring way more value to a team than pic.twitter.com/JJYbvXNToE

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018

just scoring. You’re a ultimate competitor and a “team first” kind of guy. You lift the culture in an organization just by simply being around. You were even successful in getting me to participate in more team activities than I have in my entire career. It was an honor competing

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018

against you, but even better competing with you on my side. Thanks Manu!

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018

THANK YOU for absolutely everything you have done for basketball. A role model for all of us that love this wonderful sport. Fortunate to have shared locker room with you the last 2 years.#GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/HBJDvjIw2j

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 27, 2018

THANK YOU For Teaching Me What It’s Like To Be A Real PRO On And Off The Court @manuginobili The Game Will Miss You & Forever Remember You!! pic.twitter.com/ahWJxait4r

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 27, 2018

A legend!! Incredible competitor and career. Blessed to have learned from one of the best ✊? https://t.co/c5UvP8kxLC

— Derrick White (@Dwhite921) August 27, 2018

Ci sei stato all’inizio, ci sei stato nel momento più alto… grazie di tutto. Per me sarai sempre un idolo! You were by my side at the beginning, you were by my side in the brighter moment… thanks for all. You’ll be my idol forever! @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/rVPQMyUjVV

— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) August 27, 2018

As a bonus, Steve Kerr, who played with Ginobili in the 2002-03 season, commented on Monday’s news. Kerr, now the Golden State Warriors head coach, faced off against teams with Ginobili over the past four seasons.

One of the all time greats. Fearless, funny, compassionate and competitive as hell. Thank you Manu! https://t.co/eZ61cWRvGb

— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) August 27, 2018

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Tributes from other NBA players poured in, commemorating the teammate or opponent Ginobili was to them. More reactions will arrive from other basketball personalities on social media.

Ginobili joined the Spurs as a second round pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. He did not arrive state-side until the 2002-03 season, which was the second championship in franchise history. Titles in 2005, 2007 and 2014 followed, all of which had the Argentinian star around.

With the 2006-07 Sixth Man of the Year award and two All-Star game appearances, Ginobili racked up other accolades in his 16 years as a Spur; along with the memorable plays that highlighted the “Manu Magic” that ran through San Antonio.

The Spurs will never find another player like Ginobili, as the franchise enters an era that no longer features him, Tony Parker or Tim Duncan.