Manu Ginóbili

Lore & Background

Ginóbili comes from a family of professional basketball players. He made his professional debut in Argentina with Andino Sport Club in 1995–96, then played for Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca before moving to Italy. After two seasons with Viola Reggio Calabria, he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 57th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft but remained in Italy to play for Kinder Bologna. There he won the 2001 EuroLeague championship, the EuroLeague Finals MVP, two Italian League MVP awards, and the Triple Crown. He joined the Spurs in 2002–03, helping them win the NBA championship that season. Ginóbili was named an All-Star in 2005 and 2011, selected to the All-NBA Third Team twice, and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2007–08. The Spurs made the playoffs in each of his 16 seasons. In international play, he led Argentina to a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he was named FIBA Olympics Most Valuable Player. Argentina became the only team in Olympic history (as of 2025) to eliminate the United States men's national team since NBA players were allowed to participate in 1992. With that gold medal, Ginóbili became one of only two players (along with Bill Bradley) to have won a EuroLeague title, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal. In September 2021, the Spurs appointed him special advisor to basketball operations.

Reader's Guide

Manu Ginóbili is regarded as one of the greatest Latin American players, sixth men, and draft steals in NBA history. His impact extended beyond statistics: he is credited with popularizing the Euro step move in the NBA. His career spanned three continents and included individual honors such as two Italian League MVP awards, EuroLeague Finals MVP, NBA Sixth Man of the Year, and two All-NBA Third Team selections. His international legacy is defined by leading Argentina to the 2004 Olympic gold medal, a feat that included the only Olympic victory over the U.S. men's team since NBA players began participating in 1992. Ginóbili's four NBA championships with the Spurs, alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, cemented the 'Big Three' as one of the most successful trios in league history. His Hall of Fame induction in 2022 as a first-ballot selection underscores his lasting influence on the game.

Did You Know?

• Ginóbili was selected 57th overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
• He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in the 2007–08 season.
• He is one of only two players (with Bill Bradley) to have won a EuroLeague title, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal.
• Ginóbili is credited with popularizing the Euro step move in the NBA.