It's almost blasphemy to say, but the clock is definitely ticking on San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili's basketball career. The 36-year-old Ginobili 
played fewest minutes per game (23.2) of his career last season, and he made the lowest percentage of his shots (42.5 percent) since his second year in the NBA. He also hemorrhaged nearly half as much turnovers (12) in the final two games of the NBA Finals than points (27).
played fewest minutes per game (23.2) of his career last season, and he made the lowest percentage of his shots (42.5 percent) since his second year in the NBA. He also hemorrhaged nearly half as much turnovers (12) in the final two games of the NBA Finals than points (27).
The writing is on the wall; his two-year, $14 million contract will cap his playing career — an illustrious 13-year tenure with San Antonio, including (at least) three championships. So, what, exactly is Ginobili going to do after retirement?
Well, coaching doesn't seem to be apart of the equation.
Via San Antonio Express-News:
“I don't see myself coaching,” Ginobili said. "I love the game and think I have a lot to contribute. I could see myself in a role like (Steve Nash), but I just don't see myself full-time coaching.”
Nash, the Canadian-born Lakers point guard and two-time Most Valuable Player during his days with the Phoenix Suns, became general manager of Canada's senior men's national team in 2012.
Ginobili isn't intrigued by the daunting job of a coach, whose very description is incredibly labor intensive, precluding him from spending ample time with his family.
Still, wouldn't it be a lot of fun to see Ginobili coach a team? He is a daring player and his miscues often infuriates Gregg Popovich, but that shouldn't mire his coaching candidacy. Sports Illustrated Point Forward's Rob Mahoney also believes Ginobili's passion lends himself to a coaching future.
And, also, there's this video of Ginobili drawing up the winning play during the huddle of a Spurs preseason game. He may not be open to the possibility right now, but perhaps Ginobili's basketball passion will open avenues that he isn't anticipating just yet.
