When the San Antonio Spurs suffered a heart-breaking loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of this year’s playoffs, many questioned whether Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili would return for the 2015-16 season. However, Duncan has announced that he will return, and now everyone’s waiting on Ginobili to announce his decision.
The Spurs are reportedly optimistic that he will play, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
After signing LaMarcus Aldridge, the San Antonio Spurs are even more determined to try to convince Manu Ginobili to play one more season, sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein.
Ginobili has long planned to reveal his decision about continuing his career in the newspaper La Nacion in his native Argentina. Sources say the Spurs remain quietly optimistic that Ginobili will ultimately opt for one more season.
The 37-year-old Ginobili has pondered retirement since San Antonio’s season ended with a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 of the Western Conference first round.
If Ginobili returns, it will probably be for cheap, like Duncan. The Spurs are likely hoping that the signing of LaMarcus Aldridge will serve as incentive for Ginobili to return.
Although he’s 37 years old, Ginobili is still capable of bringing valuable contribution of the bench. He has a very high basketball IQ. He’s a good shooter and a better playmaker. If he does decide to return, this season will most likely be his last.
Even if Ginobili doesn’t return, the Spurs will be in a position to contend for a title now that Aldridge is on the roster. However, having Ginobili would be very helpful.
