Manu Ginobili struggled to stay healthy this season. He's struggled all postseason on the court, including the first four games of the NBA Finals. Those struggles, an expiring contract, and a second off day in a row during the NBA Finals had the media asking Ginobili whether he's considered retiring at the end of the season. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Ginobili admitted Saturday he had considered retirement after this season, but doesn't think he's quite ready to step away.
Manu Ginobili contemplating retirement after NBA Finals
After struggling with injuries and consistency for most of the season, the Spurs guard admitted Saturday that the thought of retirement crosses his mind from time to time.
Christian Petersen
“Sometimes I do think about retirement,” he said. “But then I say, ‘No, no. I love what I do. I’m very lucky to be in a franchise like this. So I really can’t picture myself being retired already.’
Aside from a couple of bright spots like the game-winner against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, it's been a rough postseason for Ginobili. He's averaging 7.5 points and three assists through the first four games against the Miami Heat. As Paul Flannery noted, Ginobili would do well to rebound in Game 5, as the Spurs look to go up 3-2 in their last home game of the series. He's still managed to be effective this postseason despite a low shooting-percentage, thanks to his passing and managing of the Spurs offense while Tony Parker is on the bench.
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said the two sides would discuss Ginobili’s future after the season, but the hope is that he remains a Spur for the entirety of his career. Ginobili is in the final year of a three-year, $39 million contract.
Game 5 is Sunday night from the AT&T Center at 8 p.m. ET and can be seen on ABC.
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