Happy camper
If Manu Ginobili did play his last National Basketball Association game the other day, he at least got a fitting sendoff. It wasn’t an ideal one; the Spurs lost to find themselves on the wrong end of a playoff sweep, so the outcome left much to be desired, especially in light of his acknowledged team-first predilections. Still, it was notable under the circumstances — remarkable, even, considering his inclusion in the Starting Five for the first time in four years. And, creditably, he delivered, putting up 15 markers (on six-of-12 shooting from the field), seven dimes, and three swipes in 32 minutes of exposure.
If there’s anything Ginobili’s immediate past showing proved, it’s that he remains as impactful as he is compelling. For much of the season, he didn’t have the stuff that figures to make him a certified first- ballot Hall of Famer. When his contributions became absolutely necessary, however, he delivered; his efforts proved vital to the Spurs against both the Rockets and the Warriors. And he remained a leader off the court, ensuring continued success following the retirement of Tim Duncan.
To be sure, Ginobili pointed out in his post-mortem that he hasn’t yet made a decision on his future. As in previous years, he said, he would like to take time off from hoops first and “let it sink in for three weeks, four weeks, whatever, and then I will sit with my wife and see how it feels.” In any case, he argued, “I’ll be a happy camper. I have to choose between two truly wonderful options. One is to keep playing in this league, at this age, enjoying every day, playing the sport I still love. The other is to stay home, be a dad, travel more, enjoy my family.”
Officially, Ginobili is set to join the ranks of unrestricted free agents. Needless to say, though, he cannot but be wearing a Spurs uniform should he choose to plod on. It fits him, literally and figuratively, never mind his instinctual bent vis-à-vis head coach Gregg Popovich’s structured preferences. Meanwhile, all and sundry are left to hope he returns to action, knowing he has already accomplished so much, but believing he can do some more.
Ginobili pointed out in his post-mortem that he hasn’t yet made a decision on his future. As in previous years, he said, he would like to take time off from hoops first and “let it sink in for three weeks, four weeks, whatever, and then I will sit with my wife and see how it feels.” In any case, he argued, “I’ll be a happy camper. I have to choose between two truly wonderful options. One is to keep playing in this league, at this age, enjoying every day, playing the sport I still love. The other is to stay home, be a dad, travel more, enjoy my family.”