One hundred and six post season victories between Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker also goes along with the four championships the trio have won. And on Thursday, May 12 we possibly saw the trio on the court for the final time.
Duncan has just completed his 19th season in the NBA and Ginobli 13th (drafted in 1999, but didn’t start playing until 2003 season). So is it time for the two to retire soon? Both aren’t committing to playing or retiring as of yet.
Via ESPN:
Leaning back against a white, cinder-block wall and wearing a black shirt after the Spurs’ 113-99 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Duncan left questions about his future plans unanswered, saying, “I’ll get to that after I get out of here and figure out life. That’s it.”
Ginobili, meanwhile, said he plans to “take my time as always” in deciding whether to return to the Spurs for another season.
“Of course, it’s been an amazing run,” said Ginobili, 38. “We all enjoy playing with each other. I’m so proud of having played with those guys for so many years and winning so many games, and even playing with the new guys. If there’s a reason why you always want to come back and keep being part of this, [it’s] because of the amazing chemistry, the good times and the good people that you play with and spend time with. It’s not always about winning a game or winning a championship. But you learn from losses, and it’s important to enjoy every day. Being a part of this team, I’m very proud of it, even if sometimes it doesn’t go our way.”
If the two do indeed retire, all of basketball will appreciate how they incorporated team basketball to the NBA in ways we haven’t seen.