Manu Ginobili retires as Spurs see another pillar of dynasty come down

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In one offseason, three integral parts of the Spurs dynasty have left San Antonio.

Point guard Tony Parker left as a free agent, signing with the Charlotte Hornets. Small forward Kawhi Leonard was traded to Toronto. And now, shooting guard Manu Ginobili has retired.

The 41-year-old from Argentina made the announcement Monday morning on Twitter.

"Today, with a wide range of feelings, I'm announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It's been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams," Ginobili wrote.

Drafted No. 57 overall by the Spurs in the 1999 NBA Draft, Ginobili began playing in the league in 2002 and spent his entire 16-year career in San Antonio. He was part of four NBA championship teams. In 1,057 games, the two-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Ginobili's last time on an NBA court was April 24, 2018 in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Warriors. He scored 10 points, dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds in the Warriors' 99-91 series-clinching win.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who played with Ginobili during his final season in 2002-03, chimed in on his former teammate's retirement.

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