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Heavy.com
The 2018-19 season will be going ahead without San Antonio Spurs great, Manu Ginóbili. The Argentinian star made his announcement to the world via Twitter:
The 41-year old previously expressed hesitations about going into what would’ve been his seventeenth season. Ginóbili was still productive in his final days, putting up nearly 9 points a game to go with 2.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. With his departure it leaves fellow international sharp-shooter, Patty Mills as the longest tenured Spur on the roster.
In a letter to Argentine newspaper, La Nación, Manu went into detail the reasons behind his decision.
"I can't say this was a hasty or unexpected decision, I'm 41 years old. I've been stretching a little bit this basketball thing, right? In my head, last season was at all times 'the last one.' I never said it publicly because I didn't want to limit my options. I wanted to leave the door open for any changes in my mind or to see if I still felt the physical and mental strength needed to face a new season.
He further detailed a possible return to San Antonio in some capacity.
"I was sure to make it clear to [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] this is not a 'goodbye, I'll see you,'" he added. "My kids have already started school, and while I'm in town, I'll be close to the team and the franchise. I can't help anymore by taking a charge or with a steal, but I'll try to contribute somehow. I appreciate all my teammates, the staff and all the people in the team. I want the best for the Spurs. If I can help, I will do it with pleasure."
Here’s hoping Ginóbili is back involved with the game sooner rather than later.