It has already been a couple of months since San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili announced his retirement from professional basketball after an illustrious 16-year career. However, praises from his peers continue to flow in, with the latest coming former teammate Patty Mills.

According to Mills, Ginobili had a very big influence on him when it comes to addressing the physical demands of a long and demanding 82-game season.

“You saw him doing certain stuff, andManu Ginobili's legacy lives in part via Patty Mills. #Spurs #GoSpursGo you didn’t know what he was doing,” Mills said, via Jabari Young of The Athletic. “But he was constantly looking after his body, getting his body right whether it was treatment, whether it was his own little routine that he does and then we have a hell of a support staff here … who help us understand what’s good for your body.”

Ginobili was a very durable player for the Spurs, playing a grand total of 1,057 games for the team in the span of 16 seasons. Mills is not bad himself, having played at least 80 games in four of the past five seasons for San Antonio. Surely, he must have learned a thing or two from Ginobili when it comes to constantly staying in shape.

Mills has played a pivotal role for the Spurs over the past few years, providing a reliable spark off the bench. Last season was arguably his best year as a Spur, averaging 10.0 points, 1.9 3-pointers, 1.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 turnovers in 25.7 minutes of action.

The 6-foot point guard is hoping to bring the same type of contribution for the team this season, especially in the wake of Dejounte Murray's season-ending injury and the departure of the legendary Tony Parker over the summer.