Manu Ginibili decided to retire from basketball on Monday, announcing on Twitter that he’s calling it quits. The 41-year-old played 23 professional seasons, 16 with the Spurs, and was beloved throughout the league as a competitor and ambassador of the game.
When you’re that well-liked your departure from the NBA will be predictably met with an outpouring of support and some touching tributes, and that’s exactly what happened to basketball Twitter on Monday afternoon after the news broke. The Spurs posted their own goodbye video thanking Ginobili for helping them win four titles, and many teammates and even those who simply played against him over the years expressed their support for his retirement.
Pau Gasol, a longtime teammate of Ginobili’s in San Antonio, had one of the most touching farewell posts on Twitter, in both Spanish and English.
THANK YOU for absolutely everything you have done for basketball. A role model for all of us that love this wonderful sport. Fortunate to have shared locker room with you the last 2 years.#GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/HBJDvjIw2j
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 27, 2018
Plenty of other now-former teammates said their goodbyes online, too.
THANK YOU For Teaching Me What It’s Like To Be A Real PRO On And Off The Court @manuginobili The Game Will Miss You & Forever Remember You!! pic.twitter.com/ahWJxait4r
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 27, 2018
Honour to play with you mate! https://t.co/rWunzhUSJ8
— Aron Baynes (@aronbaynes) August 27, 2018
The most elaborate message came from LaMarcus Aldridge.
I competed against you for 9 years. I sat through countless pregame meetings discussing how not to let you go to your left hand because when you do, you’re impossible to stop! Then, I became your teammate and got to witness first hand how you bring way more value to a team than pic.twitter.com/JJYbvXNToE
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018
against you, but even better competing with you on my side. Thanks Manu!
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018
He got some kind words from another international player and future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki as well.
Congrats @manuginobili on an amazing career. Great player. Fierce competitor. Winner. Next stop: HOF
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 27, 2018
Even Ginobili’s agents had nothing but nice things to say about him.
Ginobili’s agents continued: “He understands playing for the collective good of his team and will go down in basketball history as one of the best to ever play the game.” https://t.co/XZSFNtXAJt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2018
This one from Charles Barkley is nice but admittedly a bit strange.
Charles Barkley of the @NBAonTNT tells @nytsports in response to the retirement of @manuginobili: "Today my Manu retired — it's like losing a family member. It was an honor and pleasure to watch you play. See you soon at the Hall of Fame."
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 27, 2018
For many players, taking the court with Ginobili was a realization that they had finally made it.
One of my first “welcome to the league” moments. Thank you for what you have done for your fellow lefties and a bringing an unmatched level of creativity to the game. Much respect! @manuginobili the game will miss you! @nba pic.twitter.com/XUljnFGSRk
— Kenny Baze (@24Bazemore) August 27, 2018
Others noted he was an inspiration in coming off the bench as a sixth man.
@manuginobili , you were the main person I looked at when deciding I was gonna be a 6th man for good. Your style, talent, competitiveness, and will to win will be truly missed. Nothing but respect! #best6thman pic.twitter.com/gHsjX9yPvY
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 27, 2018
Even some of the youngest NBA players understood his impact on the game.
Only played against @manuginobili for 1 year, but watching from afar, I’ve always appreciated your competitive nature ✊
— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 27, 2018
Thank you @manuginobili ✊🏽🙏🏾🏀 pic.twitter.com/hy6MRG2Hpk
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 27, 2018
Salute @manuginobili !!
— Moe Wagner (@moritz_weasley) August 27, 2018
Others simply commented on his career and wished him well.
What a career!!! @manuginobili #Legend
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) August 27, 2018
Great career! From his professionalism, selflessness, changing the game by bringing the euro step into the NBA, and becoming a champion! 💪🏽 https://t.co/8cYLy5NENJ
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 27, 2018
South American Legend!!!! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/PqNKHucVaj
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) August 27, 2018
It’s going to be weird watching the Spurs this year without Manu potentially coming in off the bench. Truly the end of an era in San Antonio.
