San Antonio Spurs News: Manu Ginobili's Playing Decision Possible This Week

San Antonio Spurs veteran Manu Ginobili could make a decision very soon on whether he continues to play in the NBA.

The 41-year-old recently completed his 16th season in 2017/18 and despite naturally declining with age, his numbers are still productive with 8.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game during the regular season.

However, following the Golden State Warriors defeating the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs earlier this summer, there was speculation it may have been the Argentine's last season.

Despite having one more year left in his contract, Ginobili himself stated he was contemplating retirement, but would make a decision in the future.

"I've been contemplating retirement forever so nothing changed, I just don't know," Ginobili told reporters backstage after the Spurs exited the playoffs. "I'll let a month, two months go by and then see how I feel. I'm not the type of guy who makes decisions on the fly and when you're upset, hurt or whatever. I'll just let it sink in and see how it feels."

And according to his brother Sepo, a decision may be made as early as this week.

"The 20th hasn’t even reported if he’s still playing," Sepo said at a basketball clinic over the weekend, as per Real GM. "I imagine there will be news next week."

Ginobili has been with the Spurs since 2002 and has helped them win four NBA titles, cementing himself as a future Hall of Famer. Late last month, former Spurs, now Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green speculated Ginobili may have more left in the tank.

"With the way he's been working out, with the way he's been talking, it seems like we will probably be playing against him this year," Green said, as per the San Antonio Express News. "I don't know for sure, (but) he's under contract and it doesn't seem like he's ready to give it up yet."

Many who are with the Spurs want to see him back as well. New acquisition DeMar DeRozan spoke of his desire to play alongside the two-time All-Star.

"I’ve been a fan of his way before I was in the league," DeRozan said at Team USA training camp last month. "It would be great just to learn from a guy like that and pick his brain."

Head coach Gregg Popovich also wants to see Ginobili return for the new season.

"About two weeks ago, I sent him a picture when he was younger and he’s dunking over somebody and his hair is all over, and it was kind of a hint, like, you know, 'You can keep doing this,'" Popovich said last month, as per KSAT. "He sent me back a picture from my first year as an assistant. I’m not sure what that meant."

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is another fan who, after Game 5, urged Ginobili to keep playing as he compared him to Roger Federer.

"I hope you keep playing. I really do," Kerr said. "If you love it, keep going. Keep going okay? Why not? You know what? We met Roger Federer this year in China. I said 'Why do you keep playing?' he said 'I love it.' If you love it keep going, what the hell? You remind me of him by the way!"