San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili go for a ride together
By Dylan Carter
Even in their retirement, San Antonio Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are keeping each other company while staying in great shape.
Having such a strong connection on the court translated away from the game with the San Antonio Spurs’ Big Three. It’s part of why they were able to sustain the success they did for a record-breaking duration and it’s why they remain close today.
Things have been heavy lately. The NBA Playoffs were put on hold as players protested yet another unjust police murder of a Black man in Wisconsin. San Antonio missed the 2020 postseason by just a hair and rumors have run amuck that head coach Gregg Popovich is being courted by opposing teams. With all that’s going on right now, it’s great to see Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili keeping each other company there days.
On Sunday afternoon, Ginobili posted a selfie to his Twitter and Instagram with The Big Fundamental himself! The dynamic duo challenged each other to go on a 20-mile bike ride — The first of Manu’s cycling career.
??I found quite a teammate for my first 20 mile ride! ? I finished exhausted and he was fresh as a cucumber. #TDstillaBeast??Pavada de compañero conseguí para hacer +30km por primera vez!! Me reventó. Terminé arrastrándome y él como si nada. ???♂️? pic.twitter.com/ss0aYioY7o
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) August 30, 2020
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It’s been well-known that Duncan has kept in playing shape at 44-years-old. From the moment that he retired, Duncan hung around team facilities to play against NBA competition and keep his body in similar shape to his youth. Ginobili has made a few appearances himself, but he’s kept out of the public eye for the most part. Instead, Manu has used his retirement to travel and spend time with his children.
According to Manu, the 20-mile ride took quite a bit out of him as Duncan remained cool, calm and collected as ever. His conditioning is still great as Duncan finished the ride with relative ease! Considering his conditioning, one has to wonder if Duncan could still be an effective player if given 16-22 minutes per game off the bench for the silver and black.
That’s a hypothetical, as Duncan’s newest role is on the bench as an assistant coach, but the fact remains that he could probably play again if he wanted to. Based on his skill and smarts alone, Manu could probably carve out a role for himself too, but it’s clear that his conditioning isn’t what it once was. There’s no shame in that, Manu! You’re 43!
Seeing these two Spurs legends together is genuinely heartwarming. These two future Hall of Famers are icons in Spurs history and true role models for Spurs fans everywhere.