With their backs against the wall, the Spurs are likely facing another transition phase next season with the aging Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The team has been able to rebuild without David Robinson and Tim Duncan, but Ginobili, who doesn't know if he'll play beyond Monday's Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, could be the hardest of all to replace.
“He is a special player, special human being. I’ve probably said it many, many times before," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters about Ginobili on Monday. "He’s one of those guys who becomes the heart and soul of your team because of his exemplary competitiveness.
“He’s really an anomaly in that regard. He has that same foot-on-your-neck attitude that Kobe [Bryant] and Michael [Jordan] had, those types of guys. Magic [Johnson] and Larry [Bird]. He’s got the same attitude and plays with that same fire. He always has.
“He’s been a huge part of any success that we’ve had. To see him at this age, giving us games here and there that just take you back. It’s been a thrill."
Ginobili, 39, is a four-time NBA champion and spent his whole career with the Spurs since being drafted out of Argentina. The two-time All-Star hasn't been the most flashy of players but he uses his smarts and quickness to create havoc for his opponents.
Ginobili, who has been delegated to the bench has he ages, will become a free agent July 1 and knows his career is coming to a close.
“I’m going to go game by game,” Ginobili said via San Antonio Express-News. “We’ll see if (Monday) is the last one of the season. We hope that it’s not, and that we have a few more. Once it’s over, then I’ll start wondering what the future brings.”
