ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy pays Manu Ginobili huge compliment

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SAN ANTONIO - On the same day the Spurs released more details about Manu Ginobili's jersey retirement ceremony, ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy paid the legendary Argentinian a huge compliment.

"I'm not embellishing when I say that over my time, and I think I've spent 30 years in or around the NBA, he is from an opponent's standpoint, my favorite player to watch," Van Gundy said before the Spurs' game with the Warriors on Monday night.

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"I loved his combination of flair, competitive spirit, team-first attitude, willingness to accept the sixth-man role, start at certain times, never back down."

Van Gundy, who coached the New York Knicks from 1996-2001 and the Houston Rockets from 2003-2007, said he always admired Ginobili's ability to be a fierce competitor without crossing the line into becoming "dirty or nasty."

"In my experience with USA Basketball, the Argentinian national team players are all that same way," Van Gundy said. "It's really admirable."

Jeff Van Gundy has worked alongside Mike Breen on NBA broadcasts for 11 years, following a successful coaching career. Jeff Van Gundy has worked alongside Mike Breen on NBA broadcasts for 11 years, following a successful coaching career. Photo: Photo For The Washington Post By Billy Delfs Photo: Photo For The Washington Post By Billy Delfs Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy pays Manu Ginobili huge compliment 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

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The Spurs are set to retire Ginobili's jersey No. 20 after their game with Cleveland on March 28.

Ginobili played 16 seasons for the Spurs, winning four championships while becoming arguably the most beloved player in franchise history.