Spurs’ Ginobili calls it a career after 16 seasons
Manu Ginobili announced his decision to retire Monday, the 41-year-old wrapping up what he called a “fabulous journey” in which he helped the San Antonio Spurs win four NBA championships in 16 seasons with the club.
Ginobili’s final game was April 24, when the Spurs were ousted from the Western Conference playoffs by the eventual champion Warriors.
The smooth left-handed guard from Argentina came to San Antonio in 2002, forming what quickly became a powerful “Big 3” alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Now, they’ve all moved on: Duncan retired two years ago, Parker left San Antonio earlier this summer as a free agent to sign with the Charlotte Hornets, and Ginobili has worn Spurs colors for the last time as well.
“Today, with a wide range of feelings, I’m announcing my retirement from basketball,” Ginobili wrote on Twitter in making the announcement. “IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It’s been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams.”
The image Ginobili chose to accompany that tweet: A photo of him walking off the floor, away from the camera, with four fingers aloft — signifying his four titles.
“An NBA champion and All-Star, Manu Ginobili is also a pioneer who helped globalize the NBA,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “He is one of basketball’s greatest ambassadors who believes in the power of sports to change lives. And for 16 years, we were fortunate to watch a legend compete at the highest level. Thank you, Manu, for a career that inspired millions of people around the world.”
Ginobili’s pro career lasted 23 seasons in all, starting with stints in Italy and Argentina.
His drawing power was massive even in his final season, and it was common for him to spend plenty of time before road games posing for photos and signing autographs — often international fans proudly displaying an Argentine flag.
NHL
PANTHERS SIGN BROUWER >> The Florida Panthers have agreed to terms with veteran right winger Troy Brouwer to a one-year contract. Brouwer became a free agent when the Calgary Flames bought out the final two years of his contract.
The 33-year-old put up 22 points on six goals and 16 assists in 76 games last season and has 169 goals and 172 assists for 341 points in his 12year NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues and Flames.
Soccer
PORTUGAL’S GUEDES JOINS VALENCIA >> Valencia says it has reached a deal to sign Portugal winger Goncalo Guedes from Paris SaintGermain.
Guedes played for Valencia last season on loan from the French club. The 21-yearold Guedes was part of Portugal’s squad at the World Cup in Russia.
Spanish media said the deal was worth 40 million euros ($46.7 million). BRAZIL PROMOTES RICHARLISON >> Brazil has given Everton forward Richarlison his debut call-up to its squad for two exhibition games in the United States in September.
The 21-year-old will replace Fluminense’s Pedro, who twisted his right knee in his team’s 2-1 defeat at Cruzeiro on Sunday.
Brazil will play the U.S. on Sept. 7 and El Salvador four days later in its first games since its World Cup quarterfinal elimination against Belgium.
Horse racing
ASHER DIES AT 62 >> John Asher, the longtime Churchill Downs spokesman and executive known for his love of horse racing and his encyclopedic knowledge of the sport’s most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, died Monday. He was 62.
Asher, who was an awardwinning radio journalist before becoming a widely respected fixture at the Louisville racetrack, died after having a heart attack while on vacation with his family in Florida. His death comes a couple of weeks before the storied track opens its September meet.