SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared Thursday, Aug. 30, as "Manu Ginobili Day."
Nirenberg said there isn't a big ceremony planned, but Thursday will be a time to appreciate greatness.
"Thursday is just the beginning where we say, 'Gracias Manu,' but I'm hoping the day can be where the whole city is decked out in silver and black with a bunch of number 20 jerseys running around."
Nirenberg said Ginobili meant so much to the Alamo City.
"He's all about grit, determination. He is the ultimate team player. Much of his career was coming off the bench, but in clutch situations and he always gave 100 percent when he was on the court, so for me that symbolizes San Antonio."
Ginobili, 41, announced his plans to retire on Monday after 16 seasons with the Spurs, which included four NBA championships.
The six-foot-six guard retires as the Spurs all-time leader in three-pointers made (1,495) and steals (1,392), while ranking third in games played (1,057), fourth in assists (4,001), fourth in free throws made (3,380) and fifth in points (14,043).
He is one of only two players, along with Bill Bradley, to have won a EuroLeague title, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal.
Ginobili will also be remembered with the way he connected with local fans, in part due to his Latin roots.
Billboards could be seen popping up across the city thanking Ginobili for his contributions.
His retirement officially ends the Spurs' "Big Three" era, after Tim Duncan's own retirement and Tony Parker's exit this offseason to the Charlotte Hornets via free agency. The trio are the winningest trio in NBA history.
On Thursday, let’s honor a player who exemplified grit, sportsmanship, and the pure joy of the game. Join us, sports fans. #ManuGinobiliDay pic.twitter.com/gtgEIUKnvO
— Mayor Ron Nirenberg (@Ron_Nirenberg) August 28, 2018