Manu Ginobili's retirement validates the end of the golden era for the San Antonio Spurs. The final piece remaining from the legendary Spurs trio of the early 2000s, it is hard to imagine a Spurs roster without any one of them. In a way, it's almost fitting he retired rather than playing without the other two.
While the two-time All-star, two-time All-NBA, and four-time NBA champion will never be replaced in the league, his exploits will forever be remembered and etched in basketball lore. In honor of arguably the best European player in the world, here are the top 5 moments in Manu Ginobili's career.
5. Sixth Man of the Year.
To most, it may not be as significant as an MVP or a championship, but that Sixth Man of the Year award for Ginobili was a sign of things to come for the Spurs.
For a player as talented as Ginobili, it is hard to imagine that a player of his caliber came of the bench for the Spurs. He could easily be a starter for any team, and no doubt he could even be a star. Coming off a 2004-05 All-star season, the Spurs had every reason to start the Argentine shooting guard.
They were at the pinnacle of their success winning their third championship in six years since his rookie season. The only problem was this time the Spurs Big 3 of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili were quickly approaching their 30s.
Instead of doing anything rash, head coach Gregg Popovich had an idea during the 2007-08 season. Despite the talent he possessed, Coach Pop presented Ginobili with the idea of coming of the bench not because he deserved it, but because they were simply better with him off the bench.
The thought was humbly accepted by Manu, and as he officially came off the bench it dictated the selfless winning ways of the storied franchise.
He averaged 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game during that season. His humility, hardwork, and sacrifice was rewarded by being named Sixth Man of the Year for 2008. He is the first player in Spurs history to win the award.
4. The exclamation point
It seems like a long time since the LeBron James-led Miami Heat and the aging Spurs Big 3 (with a budding Kawhi Leonard) were considered rivals in the Finals.
The Spurs were rolling through the playoffs in 2013, with most Western teams failing to put any kind of resistance against the Spurs, they seemed unstoppable. Unfortunately, they met their match in the East and lost their Finals series to the Heat in seven games.
Even though they came up short in their championship dreams, the Spurs were back with a vengeance for the 2014 season. Fate would dictate a Finals rematch between the two. Unlike the previous season, the Spurs took care of business quickly in five games.
Aside from being the closeout game, Game 5 will be fondly remembered as when the then-36-year-old Ginobili destroyed the Heat's comeback aspirations with a vicious transition poster slam on Chris Bosh during the second quarter.
His contributions throughout the series and the game 5 exclamation sealed the fate of the Heat, en route to the Spurs' fourth championship.
3. Career-high
The Spurs' second championship during the 2000s can be recalled during their 2004-05 season. Aside from the great coaching staff and excellent players, team success was near-effortless due to the All-star season of Manu Ginobili.
In addition, this was the year he had a career-high 48 point explosion against the Phoenix Suns. The hard-fought 128-123 overtime victory showcased his efficient offensive proficiency by shooting 16 of 22 from the field and going 5 of 7 from the arc.
For 16 seasons under his belt, Argentinian shooting guard is the franchise leader in three-point field goals made, three-point attempts, and steals.
2. Ginobili for the save
From game winners to clutch baskets, you want the ball in Ginobili's hands in the closing moments of any game. Despite being known for his offensive prowess, he can also get it done on defense when the game is in a pinch.
With the series tied at 2-2, the Spurs needed a savior to get some momentum going against one of the best teams in the West, the Houston Rockets.
Both teams were on the same page on how pivotal Game 5 was. The winner would have the momentum to decide the outcome of the series. It was a grueling back and forth match. Despite James Harden picking the Spurs defense for 33 points, they managed to take it to overtime courtesy of a driving Ginobili scoop shot.
With less than a minute left, the Spurs were up 3 points from some Danny Green free throws. Fortunately, Harden gets the ball from a jump ball scramble. With precious final seconds winding down, with Ginobili on him, Harden seemingly manages to free himself for some space for a three-point shot.
Surprisingly, the then-39-year-old Ginobili conjured enough spring from his youth to block Harden's shot from behind. Officially sealing the Rockets' fate and the series winning in six games.
Saving the Spurs when it mattered once again, Ginobili only managed 12 points along with the game tying shot in regulation and the game winning block on Harden in Game 5.
1. Playoff Manu
The best kind of Manu will always be the playoff version of himself. Despite countless memories of playoff greatness coming from him, his 2005 NBA Finals performance will definitely be one for the books.
Against the Detroit Pistons who arguably had the best defense and starting unit during that time, it was a tall order even for the Spurs Big 3. The Pistons' defense stifled Ginobili enough to be a non-factor in Game 3 for 7 points and Game 4 for just 12 points.
As the series reached a Game 7, with the biggest of stages and the brightest of lights, an unstoppable Playoff Manu shows up and takes over the game with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. He went 8 of 13 from the field and shot a perfect 2 for 2 from the arc.
Securing the win, Tim Duncan ended up winning Finals MVP. Although it is clear, with the game on the line and it mattered the most nobody shined brighter than Manu Ginobili.
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