Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

Manu Ginobili Will Be Inducted In The Basketball Hall Of Fame On The First Ballot, Rightfully So

NBA legend Manu Ginobili was a pioneer for overseas talent bringing their skills to American waters to test out the NBA. The Argentinian played with grace, flair, passion and love for the game which is lost a lot of the time nowadays.

Ginobili played without fear. I remember him taking to the floor against the Lakers inside Staples Center. His first basket was a corner three-pointer and he had a lot more hair then, who would have thought it was the beginning of something special all those years ago.

Despite being a part of an all-time great system, he was still an unbelievable individual talent, and looking back I’m happy Pop and company gave him the space and freedom to develop the genius he was born with. They didn’t hinder it, instead, they harnessed it and when Manu hung up his shoes, he ended  his career as one of the most enjoyable players to watch.

Manu was always the fiercest competitor, but an absolute gentlemen off the floor respecting the opponent and being humble in victory.

Rightfully so, this international legend will now be inducted on the first ballot.

4× NBA champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
2× NBA All-Star (2005, 2011)
2× All-NBA Third Team (2008, 2011)
Olympic Gold Medal (2004)
Olympic Bronze Medal (2008)
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2008)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2003)
EuroLeague champion (2001)
EuroLeague Finals MVP (2001)
2× EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2001, 2002)
All-EuroLeague First Team (2002)
Italian Cup MVP (2002)
2× Italian League MVP (2001, 2002)
2× Olimpia de Oro (2003, 2004)
Diamond Konex Award (2010)
50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
FIBA AmeriCup MVP (2001)

San Antonio Spurs icon Manu Ginobili will be a first-ballot induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame @Hoophall Class of 2022, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022