Irving has a lot of respect and love for Ginobili
RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Manu Ginobili retired from Argentina's national team on Wednesday, and despite the 105-78 defeat to the USA, the basketball world saluted the four-time NBA champion.
Ginobili probably didn't expect to say goodbye to international basketball on a losing note, but the Americans proved too much for Argentina.
Manu Ginóbili played his final game for Argentina tonight. He helped bring home a gold for his country in 2004. pic.twitter.com/3uv1EKX1wh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 17, 2016
The 39-year-old shooting guard finished with 14 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds. By the time Argentina head coach Sergio Hernandez took him out of the gamem a section of the Carioca Arena 1 crowd gave the 2004 Olympic gold medalist a standing ovation. Players on the USA bench joined the spectators in paying tribute to Ginobili.
End of an era for #ARG basketball
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 17, 2016
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Thank you, @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/e6P64k8PxI
One of those players was recently crowned NBA champion Kyrie Irving.
Irving paid tribute to Ginobili
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard explained to FIBA.com the reason behind his gesture for the Argentine icon.
"He has offered so much, not only to the NBA but to the global game," the 24-year said. "I just appreciate his talent. Just him being a championship winner and a lot of kids want to envy that. Not just in Argentina but worldwide. Watching his game, watching him for years even before I got to the NBA, it's just a lot of respect and a lot of love for what he's given to the game of basketball. "
FIBA
