While the San Antonio Spurs prepare for their run in the NBA Finals, speculation has already begun over the team's upcoming offseason. The team's own big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are all uncertain for a return in 2013. With retirement and free agency looming, will this be the final season of the Big 3 under head coach Greg Popovich?
Ginobili is starting to clear up rumors about his pending future in the NBA. The veteran guard told media on Friday that he has no plans on retiring after the season is over. Ginobili is in his 11th season in the league and injuries have started becoming a plague. He missed 22 games during the 2012-13 season for various reasons, leaving many to think the 36-year old will call it a career.
Along with retirement, Ginobili is also a upcoming free agent. His contract expires at the end of the season, while he coming off a productive season, there is no guarantee the team re-signs him. While the Spurs should like him to come back, he will be asked to take a pay cut. Ginobili earned $14.1 million this past season, making him the team's highest paid player.
"There are some days, you're depressed because you're hurt and you want to say, 'The hell with that.' But I love doing this a lot. Hopefully it's going to be here," Ginobili.
As Ginobili states his plans to return for another year, Duncan has yet to speak on what his future holds. The veteran could also be contemplating retirement. That would leave Parker as the only remaining player left on the Spurs.
A lot of these decisions are pending on the potential of winning a championship. If the Spurs finish on top, both Ginobili and Duncan could call it quits. Duncan would go down as a top-10 player and one of the best of his generation.
While NBA experts continue to contemplate the team's offseason, the Spurs are focused on who they will play in the upcoming Finals. Miami and Indiana are battling it out in the East while the Spurs rest their legs after making quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies. Ginobili says he is hopeful Indiana comes out of the East so San Antonio would have home-court advantage.