A few days ago, the San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili had a tearful exit from international competition when Argentina was beaten by the United States during the quarterfinals of the basketball tournament in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Because of this, some believe that the 2016-17 National Basketball Association (NBA) season is also his last in an illustrious career. 

In a report by Michael Erler of SB Nation's Pounding the Rock, he mentioned that fans should enjoy Ginobili in the 2016-17 season because like his stint with Argentina's national squad, his time in the NBA might also be over soon. 

It almost ended in this year's off-season though. Ginobili, 39, was a free agent who considered retirement before he was re-signed by the Spurs last July.

Whatever happens, Ginobili has already established himself as one of the best foreign players to see action in the NBA.

Some of Ginobili's greatest feats in the NBA are his four titles, being named an All-Star twice, and winning the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2007-08 season. 

Perhaps one of the reasons why leaving the game became an option for Ginobili this 2016 is because similar with other veterans in the league, his numbers went downhill. 

Last season, Ginobili only saw action in 58 games for San Antonio. He averaged 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per outing. 

Another factor that could have led to Ginobili almost walking away from the NBA is the emergence of much younger players for the Spurs. 

In the past few years, the Spurs have started to acquire elite and talented players like All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge who are expected to take over for the organization once the veterans like Ginobili retire. 

Spurs icon Tim Duncan already decided to hang the jersey this 2016 after 19 seasons, and next year Ginobili might be following him.