Manu Ginobili on future: 'I have to choose between two wonderful options'

SAN ANTONIO – Manu Ginobili may have played the final game of his NBA career, and if that's the case, he went out in classic Ginobili style.

Ginobili scored 15 points and added seven assists in Game 4 of the Spurs loss to the Golden State Warriors.

The short-handed Spurs fought hard once again without Kawhi Leonard, but their season comes to an end and now the questions begin, specifically about Ginobili's future.

Ginobili spoke to the media after the Game 4 loss and was asked several questions about his possible retirement in the offseason.

"I always said that I wanted to let it sink in for three weeks, four weeks, whatever and then I’ll see with my wife and see how it feels," Ginobili said. "Whatever I decide to do, I’ll be a happy camper. I have to choose between two wonderful, and truly wonderful options." 

"One is to keep playing in this league at this age, enjoying every day, playing the sport I still love," Ginobili said. "The other is to stay at home, be a dad, travel more, enjoy my whole family. I have a wonderful family.”

"Whatever it is, it’s two unbelievable options. So there is no way I can be sad, because whatever I decide, it’s going to be great.”

Ginobili was a surprise starter for the Spurs in Game 4. It was the first time he had started a playoff game since 2013. 

Related: Gregg Popovich talks about 2016-17 season

Head coach Gregg Popovich said he started him out of respect and did not want to miss the opportunity for fans to honor everything Ginobili has done for the franchise.

Ginobili checked out of the game with 2:25 remaining in the fourth quarter and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

"It was kind of emotional and overwhelming. Yeah, I don't have a lot of words to describe it, but it makes you feel really well," Ginobili said.

While Ginobili appreciated the ovation, he re-iterated he has not made up his mind about next season.

He was also asked if he still believes he has enough left in the tank to play another season.

“You know, for moments, I felt like I didn’t in the Memphis series. This series, I played better. I felt more energetic, more needed, more useful to the team, so I ended up feeling better than the way I started. But yeah, I do feel like I can still play.”

Ginobili answered questions in English and Spanish and had a humorous exchange when he was asked if he had just retired in Spanish.

"No, I haven’t,” Ginobili said as the media laughed. 

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