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Gregg Popovich has been the coach of some truly incredible players. He got to witness the entirety of Tim Duncan's career and now he might be seeing the end for Manu Ginobili. Everybody had a feeling this might be it for the 2017 Spurs playoff run, and with that in mind, Popovich decided give Ginobili the honor of starting. He hadn't started in a playoff game since 2013.

When asked if he would give any advice to Ginobili, Popovich said that he could reach the decision on his own, but also used that moment to reflect on the incredible career he had. It was here that he revealed starting him was a way to honor him in what might have been his final game with the Spurs.

"Manu, he's a grown man and he'll figure out what is best for him and his family. We started him tonight out of respect. That was the whole reason for starting him. Before the game, you think, you know, this may or may not be the last game that he ever plays in, and I did not want to miss the opportunity to honor him in front of our home fans for his selflessness over the years. I mean, this is a Hall of Fame player who allowed me to bring him off the bench for - I can't even remember now, the last decade or something - because it would make us a better team overall. So obviously he's a big reason for our success, and he deserved to have that night of respect so that he really feels that we appreciate everything he's done over the years. If he decides he's going to play again, that's up to him, but I won't try to convince him one way or the other. I don't think he needs that."

When Ginobili himself was asked about his retirement, he said he feels like he can still play, but he was going to think on it. Hard to disagree with him believing he can still play after a few of the vintage moments he put together this postseason.

I do feel like I can still play. But that's not what, you know, is going to make me retire or not. It's about how I feel. If I want to go through all of that again. I just said in Spanish, but it felt like they wanted me to retire. Like they were giving me sort of a celebration night. And of course, I'm getting closer and closer. There is no secret, for sure. It's getting harder and harder. But I always said that I wanted to let it sink in for three weeks, four weeks, whatever, and then I will sit with my wife and see how it feels. Whatever I decide to do, I'll be a happy camper. I have to choose between two wonderful and truly wonderful options. One is to keep playing in this league at this age, enjoying every day, playing the sport I still love. The other one is to stay at home, be a dad, travel more, enjoy my whole family. I have a wonderful family and spend time with them. Whatever it is, it's two unbelievable options. So there is no way I can be sad, because whatever I decide, it's going to be great.

Ginobili says he feels like he can still play, but he struggled to be the player the Spurs need him to be for the most of the season. If this really is it for him, though, then what a career it will have been. It's clear Popovich has immense respect for one of the greatest players he has ever coached, but there is still this feeling everybody knows this is it for him. Ask Pop: Ginobili was a Hall of Fame-caliber player coming off the bench. That's rare in any era of the NBA.