The San Antonio Spurs are bringing back another franchise legend on board after previously having Hall of Famer Tim Duncan serving on the team’s coaching staff. This time it’s Manu Ginobili, who will take on the role of “special advisor to basketball operations” for the 2021-22 NBA season, according to the team’s official website.
The Spurs didn’t detail Ginobili’s assignments, but sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the role is player-centric and focuses on the “development of players on and off the court.”
Reportedly, the Spurs have been trying to convince Ginobili to return to the organization in a non-playing role ever since he retired in 2018. Head coach Gregg Popovich and CEO R.C. Buford appreciate his leadership skills and believe that he could have a big impact on their younger players.
Manu Ginobili is considered to be one of the greatest international players in the NBA’s history. The Argentinian played 16 years in the league, all with the Spurs, and helped the franchise win four NBA titles. Ginobili received two All-Star nods during his career and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Ginobili, who had his No. 20 jersey retired by San Antonio, also had impressive basketball success outside the NBA. He was crowned the EuroLeague champion with Virtus Bologna and has won the Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004.
