Within a press release announcing more than a dozen additions and promotions within their basketball operations department, the Spurs confirmed Friday that they hired former star player Manu Ginobili as a special advisor to basketball operations.

Ginobili’s role with the franchise was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, who hears that the four-time NBA champion will work closely with Spurs players, focusing on their development both on and off the court.

According to Wojnarowski, the Spurs have been persistent in trying to get Ginobili to accept a position with the organization since he retired as a player in 2018. Head coach Gregg Popovich, CEO R.C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright believe Ginobili can help pass on the Spurs’ culture to the next generation of players and staffers, Woj adds.

The 44-year-old spent 16 seasons with the Spurs, earning two All-NBA nods and a Sixth Man of the Year Award in addition to his four championships with the club. He also won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004.