After having one of the most storied careers in the franchise’s history, Manu Ginobili’s #20 went into the rafters at the AT&T Center on Thursday night.
In an emotional post-game ceremony after the Spurs’ 116-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ginobili was immortalized in the franchise’s lore forever.
Ginobili spent his entire career with San Antonio after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 1999 NBA Draft with the 57th overall pick. Ginobili, a native of Argentina, was playing professional basketball in Italy before he made the move to the United States.
The shooting guard spent part of his career as a starter and part of it as a versatile “sixth man.” He won the award for being the NBA’s best bench player in the 2008 season.
In addition, Ginobili was twice named an NBA All Star, in the 2005 and 2011 seasons. He was also named twice to the NBA Third Team All-Pro squad, in 2008 and 2011.
Ginobili retired as a four-time NBA Champion after taking home the crown with San Antonio in the 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014 seasons.
The crafty guard averaged 13.3 points per game, 3.8 assists per game, and 3.5 rebounds per game in a 16-year career.
Now, his #20 will never be worn by another player in San Antonio.
