Now 40-years-old and already in his 15th season in the NBA, many believe that this will be the final year in Manu Ginobili‘s professional career. However, if Game 3 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday was the basis of how much longer he can still play at the highest level, then he might just change the way they think.
The two-time All-Star shooting guard top scored for the San Antonio Spurs with 21 points, on 7-of-9 shooting. When asked if he would consider playing one more season, Ginobili admitted it will be a difficult choice to make but is something he will ponder on this summer. He also made it clear, via a video posted by Michael C. Wright of ESPN, that the outcome of this year's playoffs will not be a factor on his decision, regardless if they win the championship or not.
“I'm the same guy who was struggling against Memphis, and that you were all concerned (about). Same exact guy. Sometimes having good games, sometimes bad ones; sometimes making shots, sometimes not.
“I've always said it: Winning the championship or not winning it, scoring 20 the last game or zero, is not going to change who I am or the decision I make. I can't throw nine months into the trash and just respond to the way I felt the last game. It's a more well-thought decision. I'll let it sink (in), as I've been doing lately, and see how it goes.”
Should Ginobili decide to hang his sneakers for good, he would go down as one of the best international players to ever play in the NBA. He has also won four championships, all with the Spurs, and was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2008, to name some of the achievements he's had in his illustrious career.
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