With all the attention given to big trades by the Lakers, Suns and Mavericks that have tightened up the Western Conference to an even greater extreme, it’s been way too easy to ignore the Spurs, who just happen to be leading the Southwest Division and are just a game behind the Lakers for the best record in the West.
They’re the team conducted by Gregg Popovich that has won four of the last nine NBA titles, including the last one in case you’ve forgotten.
And for some reason it’s even easier to just flat-out miss what a great player Manu Ginobili is … you know the shooting guard who draws ire for flopping, don’t you? Well, his hair isn’t quite as long anymore and the hairline is receding as he’s reached the magic number of 30, but he’s still the guy who has been there for three of the Spurs four championships.
I’m not alone in the belief that he should have won the 2005 Finals MVP – if not for a conspiracy of the voters who were allegedly fed up with commissioner David Stern’s constant pronouncement of the Spurs as the “World’s team,” so they opted for the always safe pick of Tim Duncan.
Nonetheless, the 6-foot-6 Ginobili was in the midst of arguably the greatest individual run in international basketball history from 2001 to 2005 – winning the Euroleague championship and MVP award in 2001; the NBA title in 2003, the Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004 and another NBA title in 2005 (not to mention 2007).
But that’s not what prompted this shout-out for Manu, and the thought was there even before he was named Western Conference player of the week on Monday. Sure, the shooting guard had an ordinary 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in Monday’s win over Atlanta – the Spurs’ sixth in a row. It was the first five games of the winning streak that were absolutely stunning and had to make you wonder how the Western Conference coaches missed him for the All-Star Game in what has become a career year perhaps necessitated by point guard Tony Parker’s right heel injury that kept him out more than three weeks.
Consider Ginobili averaged 34.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.0 steals, set his career-high with 40 points at Cleveland, then topped it eight days later with 44 against Minnesota — including the game-winning shot. During the run, he shot an amazing 64 percent from the field (59.1 percent from 3-point range) and made 36 of 40 free throws.
However, the numbers — the 20.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists he’s averaging are all career-highs — never really tell the story of Ginobili anyway. He’s all about providing the energy to win on both ends of the floor. It’s about how he’ll come off bench rather than start because it gives the Spurs a better lift, and be there at the end of the games.
To be sure, the consistently superb play of Duncan is the backbone of the team and Parker, the 2007 Finals MVP, has to regain the confidence and speed for them to win. But Ginobili is the guy who lifts the team to another level. He’s even the guy who had the bad foul on Dirk Nowitzki in Game 7 of the conference semifinals in 2006 that may have been the only reason the Spurs didn’t win that title too.
In other words, he is the lightning rod for the Spurs — good, bad or indifferent. Ginobili is so wiry strong at 210 pounds and his hands so quick that he can be dominant defensively just as often as with the ball in his hands. He’s taught the previously inflexible Popovich that it’s OK to stray from the plan on occasion because that style, too, can take control o####ame. He and Parker allowed the Spurs to be able to win by running as well as in the halfcourt offense.
So as we watch what will be as exciting a stretch of NBA basketball as we’ve seen in more than 20 years — seven teams within three games of the best record in the West — it’s been too easy to forget the Spurs are the defending champs and seeking their fifth title in 10 years. And yes, they did get better before the trade deadline by signing veteran point guard Damon Stoudamire, and then trading for tough post player Kurt Thomas. Of course, Duncan and Parker have to stay healthy for them to match the top of the West, and we’ll have to see the hands, arms and feet of Bruce Bowen’s electric saw defense befuddle scorers.
But the difference is always Ginobili, whether it’s in Bologna, Buenos Aires, San Antonio, Cleveland, Detroit, New Jersey, New York, or perhaps this time around … Boston.
Manu is awesome. The Spurs are the best drafting team in the NBA, they have plucked all-star talent from around the globe...with low round picks!! They are the second best franchise in the league...YES, I'm a homer, but I give credit where it's due...the Spurs ARE the reigning champs and a model franchise, enjoy it while it lasts.
I agree that Manu's been a total beast the past couple of weeks. This guy just has a knack for finding his rythm in the spot when the situation calls for it, and has shown that he can maintain his composure when the game is on the line - at home and on the road.
You're right Bleed, the Spurs have proven to be a world-class team on the court AND in the front office. I'm excited to see how the series go if and when the Lakers meet them in the post-season. Only thing Tim and Pop have to prove is what Phil and Kobe have done... win consecutive 'chips.
The Spurs irritate me to no end!!! That just shows that they're doing the damned thing and doing it right!
I remember the high compliments that Charles Barkely bestowed upon Manu, when he first splashed on the NBA scene.
I personally thought Charles was a little over zealous at the time, but now I would think it is safe to say, he is the best SG in the world not names Bryant.
He wasn't a part of the Spurs team that won in NY though! That was the Avery J. Crew
Ginobili has always been one of my favorite players in the league. He's a winner and he's clutch as they come. Anyone with hopes of dethroning the champs had better have a plan to stop Ginobili because when the game is on the line - the Spurs go to him - not Duncan.
I agree with your comment bleed. The spurs have drafted very good players in really low positions. Don't forget. Next your we're bringing Tiago Splitter over. He has awesome potential and was considered a top ten draft pick 2 years ago.
San Antonio will eventually retire Ginobili's number. IMO he is the best international player in the world.
As a basketball fan I cannot really call the Spurs champions that year. The season was shortened by 30 games and was not a full season. There has to be an asterisk or something for that. I know there is going to be all these pissed off people but come on. How can you really be champions and not play a full year?
I'm glad you responded about Manu and there is some passion where he's concerned. Nowhere in the blog did I saw he played in 1999. I began with the 2003 championship. Geez, I'd hope I'd remember all of them since I was there.
I know Manu is good. I respect him as a good player too. I just hate with a passion that he plays basketball like its european soccer. So much acting and arm flailing when there is a guy a foot from him.
As a Spurs lifetime fan, thanks for the kind words from Lakers fans. When we watch what Manu does with his steals, rebounds, drives to the basket, passes, shooting, and overall energy, I think that it adds up to him being the most exciting player to watch in the NBA at this time.
Kahn... you never said Manu played with the spurs in 1999 but you did kinda imply it. The very last sentence of your article reads,
"But the difference is always Ginobili, whether it’s in Bologna, Buenos Aires, San Antonio, Cleveland, Detroit, New Jersey, New York, or perhaps this time around … Boston."
You said that the difference is always ginobili and then stated all the cities the Spurs have played in during their 4 championships. Including New York which was in 1999 when Ginobili was still not with the Spurs.
Whos fault was it for the shortened season? Not the Spurs. Everybody played the same amount of games, and the Spurs won their best of 7 series. They then went on to win 3 more championships. And oh ya, 4 is bigger than 3 Laker Fans. I'll take 4 in 9 years over 3 in a row any day. One more thought, Spurs have the best winning percentage in all of sports for the last decade. Stick to football Angry Dwarf!
dafnani all that matters is to you and the Spurs fans that you were champions that year. Dont let my opinion make you mad, its just an opinion...shared by everyone not a Spurs fan. I hope we get to play the Spurs in the western conference finals though. I do as a Laker fan have to respect the Spurs as a dynasty. They have been more consistent year to year than the Lakers.
Great article! Manu is a difference maker and is one of those players that always exudes 100% energy. With this energy and talent he makes an already talented Spurs team capable of some great things. Perhaps another title is in the books if all stay healthy. It will be an exciting playoffs with the improvements in Boston and LA, and possible improvements in Dallas,Cleveland and Phoenix. Not to mention the always dangerous Detroit Pistons.
i don't know what the fuss is all about over '99: that's not even what this article is about, but if you must complain angry dwarf, just consider that you probably wouldn't want an * next to that year if the lakers had won it, and that the spurs did sweep them in those play-offs so they blew their chance.
back to manu, he is probably the most under-estimated all-star in the league. he is an amazing player who scores when he needs to, and when he can't score he finds someone who can. those of you who think the spurs are boring haven't watched manu lately.
Angry dwarf, you must have not been watching the last 3 weeks, Manu has not been doing the flopping. He hasn't time to act, he has been busy carrying the Spurs. The Road to the Champs this year go through SA. Phoenix is a pretender, as are the Mavericks, the Lakers vs Spurs for the Western Conference finals. The Celtics remind me of Dallas last year, playing hard and a lot of minutes for the Big 3 in the reg season, so that when the playoffs start they won't be able to turn it up another notch. Detroit wins the East, and SA repeats. GO Spurs!!
Last edited by racingw12 on February 27th at 12:51 PM.
All hail Manu...I would like to give Ginobili credit for changing the pace of the game...I believe Manu will go down as the best European player ever to play the game...his leadership and fearless play have made him one of the most exciting players to watch ever...it almost seems that when Gino takes over the game, the Spurs cannot lose...I still think those people who that doubt the Spurs will win the NBA Championship this year are smoking c-rack...and thanks for the love LA fans...I grew up watching the Lakers and were always one of my favorite teams growing up...I just can't except Kobe...the greatest bballer to ever lace 'em up happens to be a douch-ebag...he reminds me of Barry Bonds...selfish and standoffish...it's too bad he doesn't have a Duncan or Jordan personality...they're playing hot right now...but Kobe and Gasol will clash...it's inevitable...Kobe will be demanding a trade next summer...it's too bad to waste such talent on a c-u-m guzzlin son o b!t-ch.
All hail Manu...I would like to give Ginobili credit for changing the pace of the game...I believe Manu will go down as the best European player ever to play the game...his leadership and fearless play have made him one of the most exciting players to watch ever...it almost seems that when Gino takes over the game, the Spurs cannot lose...I still think those people who that doubt the Spurs will win the NBA Championship this year are smoking c-rack...and thanks for the love LA fans...I grew up watching the Lakers and were always one of my favorite teams growing up...I just can't except Kobe...the greatest bballer to ever lace 'em up happens to be a douch-ebag...he reminds me of Barry Bonds...selfish and standoffish...it's too bad he doesn't have a Duncan or Jordan personality...they're playing hot right now...but Kobe and Gasol will clash...it's inevitable...Kobe will be demanding a trade next summer...it's too bad to waste such talent on a c-u-m guzzlin son o b!t-ch.
Batmanim18- True True True!! The spurs were down by 17 points in the third quater against the Suns and Manu got all crazy and Scored I thought it was 47...
I'm sure when it's all said and done, history will be kinder to Kobe. Personality aside, no one can deny the man's ability to kill the opposition. No one can win every game, but every team knows that if the game is on the line, you do NOT want the ball in #24's hands because he is more likely to bury you than not.
As for him being a decent human being, a piece of trash or the greatest man to ever walk the earth... it's all relative. He's in the league to play the game, not win over anyone and everyone that happens to tune in to a game. One thing to keep in mind is this: we do not know these men personally. Even the seemingly "good guys" have a dark side. From experience, I live in L.A., as countless athletes from all teams and sports do... and let me tell you, just because someone is all smiles on camera and seem to say all the right things, it still does not make them a good person outside of the limelight.
And if most of us had Kobe's skills and passion for winning, I'm sure we'd rub people the wrong way as well. The line between confidence and arrogance can be blurred.
This brings to mind a C-Webb interview a few years back when he was still running with the Kings. He said that Shaq and Kobe were killers on the court. They played with ice in their veins and jumped on the opposition like rabid dogs going for the jugular, and when they knocked you down, they made sure to step on your throat to keep you there.
I can see how one can hate that attitude if it's your team getting stepped on...
As a Pistons fan, I can remember who really scared me back in the 2005 finals. Not Tony Parker, not Tim Duncan, but Manu Ginobili! The guy is scary good.
Manu is good. Imagine how great he'd be if they actually called traveling on him!!!!!!!! I know the NBA is no stickler for rules, but c'mon. Only 2 steps from the 3 point line to the rim? Dwight Howard on the superman "dunk" couldn't do that.
Why not just shorten the article and call Ginobli what he is, a winner. Some guys might be more exciting to watch on-on-one, but they don't win(i.e. Iverson). Some people want that isolation, chest thumping after a lay-up, braggart b-ball, but that doesn't matter if you don't win. Ginobli is the kind of guy who you watch on the court and can learn something about the game of life.
First of all, Manu is Da Shiznit! He can turn into a scoring machine at will.
Now, as for those complaining about that short season... C'mon! that season was up for grabs, and every team had the exact same opportunity as the Spurs did. So, with that being said, if the Lakers weren't able to capitalize on it, then too bad, so sad, that wasn't the Spurs problem. They went out and took care of business, and dealt with it just like every other team in the league. And if your team got swept that season, of course thats the best excuse you can think of to compensate for your failures. But, thats history, so get over it.
For all those people who think the 1999 championship should have an asterisk on it due to the lockout season, ask yourself this question; if it were your team, would you have watered down the crown they rightfully won? As far as I'm concerned every team played 52 games and wanted to win that championship as much as the Spurs did, so don't go discrediting their achievements.
I've been saying for three years that Ginobli was the man that made this team go. Granted, he has shone extra brightly with the absence of Parker, but I just think that proves he would start for any other Championship caliber team, because his presence on both ends of the floor would make anyone else a Championship caliber team. C'mon Blazers! BAM! Kick it up a notch!
It Still Bugs me that spurs didnt keep Luis Scola. I Know he is a Stud In Argentina Team When they won the Olympic, but for the Spurs to trade him to the Rockets, Just because theyre afraid hell mess up the chemisrty still doesnt `justify it. But then again, As a Laker Fan,
wesnecan...the spurs didn't trade scola because of team chemistry. They traded him because if would have cost to much money to but out his contract from his previous team. I wish the spurs could have kept them but unfortunately it didn't work out
Kahn! THANK YOU! Finally someone over at Fox Sports will highlight something about the Spurs. They never get any of the credit they deserve. Charley Rosen is a complete #### and should never be allowed to write an article again for Fox Sports. Rosen can go play in a microwave and Kahn should run for president
Thank you for a good article but PLEASE, do me a favor...no more articles about the Spurs until after the season. I like it that they are under the radar...one day they are in 5th position in the Western Conf and the next thing you know...they are 1 game behind the Lakers for Conf lead (and tied for 1st in fewest games lost). I like that Stoudamire and Thomas are a part of the team now...they add that experience in the back up role and who knows, maybe we will get Brent Barry back if he is healthy enough.
It has started folks. All the Laker fans are crawling out from the rocks they were hiding under for the last fwe years. Get this straight, ITS THE SPURS AND THE SUNS IN THE WESTERN FINALS AGAIN.
Nobody else has any significant playoff experience to make it that far. You can yap yap yap but come late May I'll say I told you so!!!!
Kahn...great to see you devote a whole article to Manu -- he's not just the hardest-working player in the NBA, he's probably the smartest in terms of basketball IQ.. he just "sees" the court on higher level - there's not a more well-rounded player in all aspects of the game on BOTH sides of the ball.
Manu is one of the best all-around players. I don't know why he's not getting consideration for defensive player of the year every year. He's the first player I have seen to make Kobe uncomfortable.
angry dwarf: all teams played the same amount of games, had the same preparation, and went through the same playoffs - how could it not be a championship. I'm sure the other 29 teams would give their rings back or want an asterisk placed by their championship. a true basketball fan could see it for what it was - a shortened season.
Last edited by rocker68 on February 27th at 6:14 PM.
manu is a consistent baller! produces night after night, dude is so uncoordinated when he drives to the hole you wonder what the hell his doing. its like the opposing teams are scared they'll get hurt guarding him! lol! the crazy thing is the shot goes in!!! we hear about how boring the spurs are but people - love it or hate it the Spurs are the team until the Lakers or Celtics take back what was once theirs.
Manu is the man.....Stevie Wonder can see this. He should have been MVP last year in the finals. Can't wait till July when their having the parade in SA. The networks will #### their pants if they don't get the Celtics/Lakers championship they want. Oh well the cream always rises to the top!
