Host Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux), Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer (@JonathanTjarks) and Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated (@RobMahoney) go in-depth on the NBA’s Southwest Division.

They discuss how the Rockets, Pelicans, Spurs, Mavericks and Grizzlies fared in the off-season, including which teams improved and what moves stood out. The three also predict the season to come, including projected finish, breakout players and rookies they are most excited to see.

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The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to sign Chimezie Metu to a three-year rookie deal.

Metu was the 49th overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft out of USC. 

Metu averaged 11.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game in Summer League with the Spurs.

Manu Ginobili wrote a column detailing his decision to retire.

Ginobili plans on contributing to the San Antonio Spurs in retirement.

"I can't say this was a hasty or unexpected decision," Ginobili wrote. "I'm 41 years old. I've been stretching a little bit this basketball thing, right? In my head, last season was at all times 'the last one.' I never said it publicly because I didn't want to limit my options. I wanted to leave the door open for any changes in my mind or to see if I still felt the physical and mental strength needed to face a new season.

"I was sure to make it clear to [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] this is not a 'goodbye, I'll see you,'" he added. "My kids have already started school, and while I'm in town, I'll be close to the team and the franchise. I can't help anymore by taking a charge or with a steal, but I'll try to contribute somehow. I appreciate all my teammates, the staff and all the people in the team. I want the best for the Spurs. If I can help, I will do it with pleasure."

The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a one-year deal with Quincy Pondexter.

Pondexter has been limited by injuries over the past few seasons.

Manu Ginobili has decided to retire from the NBA.

Ginobili was a four-time NBA champion, two-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist.

Ginobili was the 57th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft and joined the Spurs in 2002.

Today, with a wide range of feelings, I'm announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It's been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams. pic.twitter.com/3MLCUtmd6K

— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) August 27, 2018

Manu Ginobili is seriously considering retirement though he has yet to make a final decision.

Ginobili will meet with Gregg Popovich in the coming days. Ginobili has been working out regularly at the Spurs' practice facility in preparation for the season.

Ginobili has played for the San Antonio Spurs since 2002 and is under contract for the 18-19 season at $2.5 million.

The Spurs also lost Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green this offseason.

Manu Ginobili could make an announcement on whether he will continue his playing career within the next week.

“The 20th hasn’t even reported if he’s still playing. I imagine there will be news next week,” Sepo Ginobili said at a basketball clinic.

Ginobili is already under contract with the San Antonio Spurs, which would be his 17th in the NBA.

The contract Bruce Bowen as a television analyst with the Los Angeles Clippers won't be renewed due following comments that were critical of Kawhi Leonard.

Bowen was under contract with Fox Sports West, but the Clippers have significant input into the hiring of broadcasters.

"I think there's nothing but excuses going on," Bowen told Sirius XM Radio on June 22. "First, it was, 'Well I was misdiagnosed.' Look here: You got $18 million this year, and you think that they're trying to rush you? You didn't play for the most part a full season this year. And you're the go-to guy, you're the franchise, and you want to say that they didn't have your best interest at heart? Are you kidding me?"

The decision is believed to be related to the Clippers' expected pursuit of Leonard in free agency in 2019.

Kawhi Leonard will return to play at the San Antonio Spurs as a member of the Toronto Raptors on January 3rd.

The Spurs traded Leonard to the Raptors in July.

Kawhi Leonard published an open letter in the San Antonio Express-News several weeks after his trade from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors.

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San Antonio,

I have been going back and forth the last few weeks trying to figure out the right things to say, and it comes down to two simple words: THANK YOU!

My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.

THANK YOU to every one of my teammates I’ve played with over my seven years in the NBA.

THANK YOU Pop I’ll always be grateful for my growth under your guidance.

THANK YOU to the fans! There is not a more passionate or dedicated fan base than what I’ve witnessed in San Antonio.

Through all the ups and downs – I’m glad there were many more ups! – I’ll never forget what we have shared and accomplished together.

While I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I’ll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio! THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

– Kawhi Leonard

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