Manu Ginobili is one of the most beloved San Antonio Spurs players in the club's history. Together with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Ginobili won 4 NBA titles as a part of the franchise. Now, Ginobili is a Hall of Famer.
"There were some conversations along the way, people were telling me it was going to happen," Ginobili said about the anticipation of becoming a Hall of Famer on Saturday." I got a call on Monday from the Hall of Fame saying that I was officially voted in. Before it was all rumors, and the moment you get the confirmation, it's quite special."
The Spurs drafted Ginobili in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft as their 57th overall pick. However, it took him three years before joining the team as he played for Kinder Bologna in the EuroLeague.
"I never won a scoring championship, an MVP, even First Team. I'm here because of my surroundings, the players I played with, the coaches that I've been coached with, and the organizations," Manu said about his career. "I don't take it as an individual achievement. It's just that I've been in the right place at the right time, and I contribute the way I could, and we all make each other better, and that's why I'm here."
"It was expected and deserved," San Antonio Spurs legendary head coach Gregg Popovich said, per Jeff McDonald of San Antonio Express-News. "We're thrilled for him, just like everybody here in San Antonio (and) in Argentina is thrilled for him. It's a wonderful thing."
Although not the first to use it, Ginobili is credited for popularizing the euro step in the NBA. Manu won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2008, he is also a 2-time All-Star. His no. 20 jersey was retired by the Spurs 2 years ago.
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.