Thursday night might be the biggest night of the San Antonio Spurs' season. Their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers might not have postseason implications. But the pregame jersey retirement ceremony for long-time shooting guard Manu Ginobili will have Spurs fans glued to their TVs. On Tuesday afternoon, news broke that former teammate (and current Charlotte Hornets point guard) Tony Parker would be flying in with the Spurs to attend. Later that evening, San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich confirmed the report. Via Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News on Twitter:
Gregg Popovich confirms he has reserved Tony Parker a seat on the Spurs' flight to San Antonio late tonight. "He's in the back," Pop says.
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) March 26, 2019
The Spurs are in Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Tuesday night. The scheduling couldn't have been more perfect. After the game, Parker will join the team on their flight back to San Antonio. Following the ceremony, he will fly to Los Angeles to meet the Hornets for their Friday night contest against the Lakers. Ginobili's jersey retirement ceremony wouldn't have been complete without Parker. The two starred side-by-side for sixteen years, leading San Antonio to four championships. It is impossible to remember the Spurs' dynasty without mentioning these two stars and the key roles they played.
This season has been Parker's first away from the Spurs, as he signed a two-year deal with Charlotte last offseason. The 36-year-old has been a productive back-up, averaging 9.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 46.0%.
While Ginobili's retirement and Parker's departure marked the end of an era, the Spurs are still very competitive. At 43-31, they hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference and will head to the postseason for the 22nd consecutive season.
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