Manu Ginobili — San Antonio Spurs
Age: 40 (16 seasons)
I’m mildly surprised Manu Ginobili is only 40 because he was so good for so long, and has remained relevant in the past few years as his role with the San Antonio Spurs has declined.
Like Carter, Manu trended toward shooting 3-pointers at a higher rater, but his physical decline hurt his eFG% numbers even more. Ginobili’s lack of explosiveness in recent years took away the driving opportunities that vintage Manu would have scored on or at least found a teammate to complete the job.
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But somehow, he still a major part of the San Antonio rotations. He is still playing over 21 minutes a game while averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds a game.
He started off the season in a 28.6% shooting slump that he broke out of in the last two games, shooting 50% in both contests to raise his average over 40%. If he keeps this up, he might average double-digit points soon.
It felt like Ginobili should have retired a few seasons ago. Not because of his play, but just because of how long he has been in our basketball consciousness. Manu was an All-Star in 2004 and won a fourth NBA title a decade later. Few players matter as much to their teams like he has at the beginning, middle, and now end of his career.
This might be his last ride, but he isn’t on the Murtaugh list just yet.