If Manu decides to coach, the Spurs are game

As recently as his goodbye press conference nine days ago, Manu Ginobili was adamant that he doesn’t know what the future has in store for him, including the possibility of coaching.

“I don’t know long-term. We have no plans long term, and I am loving that. For all these years of adulthood, I’ve been taking care of my body, getting ready for the Olympics, the World Cup, getting in shape for the next thing. I am loving this uncertainty.”

However, some new light has been shined on that possibility thanks to a little nugget from Gregg Popovich during his appearance at Spurs Media Day. It turns out that Manu actually joined the Spurs coaching staff on last week’s coach’s retreat. Here’s what Pop had to say about his involvement:

“He was a great addition because he was smart enough to listen in the beginning. You know, it’s like a new job, the way you listen, get the lay of the land. He did that, and then as it went along we got to dinner. On the first day he started to open up. By the second, third and fourth day he was right in the middle of arguing about everything. He’s great to have because his insights are so good.”

Of course, it is still too early to start making assumptions about Manu’s future. This by no means indicates he’s ready to throw his hat into the coaching ring, but it sounds like if — and that’s a big IF — he does make such a decision at any point in the future, the Spurs are ready to welcome him with open arms.

We’ll have more on the Spurs Media day, so stay tuned!