Manu's Agent says....

[Solid D]

Don Harris on WOAI 6PM news said he spoke with Manu's agent Herb Rudoy about an hour ago and "Manu has every intention of playing in the Olympics."

Harris went on to say "Ginobili spent only 24 hours in San Antonio getting both an anti-inflammatory shot and an another MRI on that ankle. He is now in route back to Argentina and will be presented with the flag at the presidential palace by President (Cristina) Fernandez at a big ceremony tomorrow."

"Rudoy made it clear to me, Manu's got his mind made up. He (Rudoy) told me on the phone last night:

'Manu told me last night, that the ankle feels fine. It's much better. He returned to Argentina today. His plan is to go to Beijing to play in the Olympics and to carry the flag. Barring something unforeseen that is his intention. You would have to shoot him to keep him out.'

He has spoken with the Spurs about a contract extension with Ginobili, but that is now on hold until after the Olympics are over."

[Jlowd21]

Somebody shoot him!

[brespursfan20]

I can't believe it....I just don't think he could have completely recovered from an injury everyone said was so serious a week ago! If he is determined to play I hope he doesn't do any further damage to his ankle, but it is obviously going to damage his chances of a contract extension!!!

[ElNono]

I can't believe it....I just don't think he could have completely recovered from an injury everyone said was so serious a week ago! If he is determined to play I hope he doesn't do any further damage to his ankle, but it is obviously going to damage his chances of a contract extension!!!

Enough with this contract extension nonsense. I would dare saying he would make MORE money if he were to test the market once his contract is done in 2010. The guy is an All Star, 3 time NBA champion.
Some of you sound like Manu is going to war, not the Olympics.
The very very worst case is he gets injured, and has to take 6 months(?) to recover. He won't freaking die!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

The guy is an All Star, 3 time NBA champion.
Some of you sound like Manu is going to war, not the Olympics.
The very very worst case is he gets injured, and has to take 6 months(?) to recover. He won't freaking die!

:tu

[brespursfan20]

I wasn't saying he shouldn't play, and definetely didn't say he was going to war....BUT...I am a Spurs fan 1st and I don't want him injured for 6 days much less 6 months.

[Ocotillo]

I hope it doesn't turn out like Grant Hill's ankle injury.

[Spurtacus]

We can only hope for a speedy recovery before the Olympics and when he does play his time will be limited.

[Jlowd21]

hopefully he plays the US in the first game of the olympics and the US dominates Argentina.

[TMTTRIO]

I'll support whatever Manu decides to do but this ankle thing is really worrying me and we all know how many times Manu has said he was fine when he really wasn't. It all comes down to what Manu really wants in his life.

[2centsworth]

trade him

[mytespurs]

trade him

NO!!!!!!!! :nope

[xtremesteven33]

we better hope maggette is with the spurs

[BOHOLANO#21]

get the clippers to resign maggette and trade him for manu. i'm tired of this bullshit!!! he always get injured yet he always play most of the time in the summer. he should know his priority. argentina didn't pay him millions to play for the national team.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

get the clippers to resign maggette and trade him for manu. i tired of this bullshit!!! he always get injured yet he always play most of the time in the summer. he should know his priority. argentina didn't pay him millions to play for the national team.

That would leave both teams terribly worse.

[spursfan09]

we know who is loyalty is with

[boutons_]

What are these anti-inflammatory shots? steroids?

They said such shots with Tim's plantar fasciitis were not to surpass 1 or 2.

[ElNono]

get the clippers to resign maggette and trade him for manu. i'm tired of this bullshit!!! he always get injured yet he always play most of the time in the summer. he should know his priority. argentina didn't pay him millions to play for the national team.

His priority is his country. Spurs knew this when they signed him. After 3 championships, I'd say the gamble paid off. There's no reason to think it won't keep paying off.

[Anti.Hero]

Do Work Manu.


Crush Kobe

[MmP]

It's understandable that Manu desperately wants to go. But I thinks he's concious that if playing means any long term risk and can affect his performance with the Spurs he won't play.

Also think what it means to a sportman to be in the Olympics (probably Manu's last one), it's the best achievement for any. It's a whole different world to be out there.
Plus as competitor as Manu is, he probably feels deep in his guts that he has to defend his gold medal, especially now that the US has a great roster.

[Anti.Hero]

Wipe the tears of Kobe with your country's flag Manu!

[duncan228]

What are these anti-inflammatory shots? steroids?

They said such shots with Tim's plantar fasciitis were not to surpass 1 or 2.

I'm not sure exactly what Manu's issue is but with Duncan it was said that too many injections could do more harm than good. I don't remember exactly why.

The injections only helped for a short period. He also did some kind of procedure with electrical currents with steroids. In the end, it was only rest that got rid of it.

I think Manu's ankle is different than plantar fasciitis, so treatment could be different.

[urunobili]

we better hope maggette is with the spurs

that would be bad ass.. manu just playing 20 min all season and pop starting to unleash the guy after the all star break! Maggette getting all the load... that'd be bad ass

[ElNono]

Kobe said it best:

What would it mean for you to win an Olympic gold medal?
It would be the most special thing to happen in my career. Winning an NBA championship is incredible. But you're playing for a particular market. With a gold medal you're playing for your country. I don't think there's any greater honor as a professional athlete that you can have.

[carina_gino20]

Manu must be feeling fine if he's that sure. He already said before that if the ankle still isn't fine, he won't play.

[MannyIsGod]

Manu must be feeling fine if he's that sure. He already said before that if the ankle still isn't fine, he won't play.

:lol

Righttttttttttttttttttttttt Manu would never play at less than full strength. Not Manu. Never.

All in all I don't mind if he plays personally. I can see why the Spurs don't want him to play but it means a lot to him so I hope he does well and I hope his ankle is fine. I respect Manu's right to do what makes him happy regardless of what his employer may or may not want.

[Spur-Addict]

I hope it doesn't turn out like Grant Hill's ankle injury.

Why would you even say something like that?

[angelbelow]

best of luck to manu and his country. i'll be cheering for them! (and usa of cousre)

[carina_gino20]

:lol

Righttttttttttttttttttttttt Manu would never play at less than full strength. Not Manu. Never.

All in all I don't mind if he plays personally. I can see why the Spurs don't want him to play but it means a lot to him so I hope he does well and I hope his ankle is fine. I respect Manu's right to do what makes him happy regardless of what his employer may or may not want.

I said if he's that sure. Two weeks ago, he said he was more scared and worried than anyone else in Argentina. Now he's talking of it like it's a certainty. Of course he's still going to wait out the results of that MRI. But he has already stated before that if the MRI results are bad, he won't play. Manu is competitive, not stupid.

[timvp]

Manu would never skip the Olympics. If the Spurs told him to pick between the NBA and the Olympics, Manu would pick the Olympics every time.

It's not fair to say that Manu views San Antonio as that place he has to be to make money when he's not playing for the Argentina national team ... but it's probably somewhat close.

[dbreiden83080]

Fucking Manu, Spurs may lose a title they could have won because of this bullshit, this guy is just pissing me off by the minute anymore. You already have a gold medal, Spurs are not paying you 10 mil a year to be injured all year long. This guy needs to get his priorities in order.

[dbreiden83080]

Manu would never skip the Olympics. If the Spurs told him to pick between the NBA and the Olympics, Manu would pick the Olympics every time.


Your right and to me that is bullshit when he already has a gold medal, is injured and making a ton of money for the Spurs. So what he comes into next year all beat up to shit?? If i am the Spurs i am pissed at him big time right now.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Fucking Manu, Spurs may lose a title they could have won because of this bullshit, this guy is just pissing me off by the minute anymore. You already have a gold medal, Spurs are not paying you 10 mil a year to be injured all year long. This guy needs to get his priorities in order.

See Timvp's post right before yours. (Ginobili DOES have his priorities in order.)

[dbreiden83080]

Kobe said it best:

What would it mean for you to win an Olympic gold medal?
It would be the most special thing to happen in my career. Winning an NBA championship is incredible. But you're playing for a particular market. With a gold medal you're playing for your country. I don't think there's any greater honor as a professional athlete that you can have.

Kobe needs an NBA title without Shaq far more than he does an Olympic Gold Medal, that means far more to him nomatter what the hell he says.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Kobe needs an NBA title without Shaq far more than he does an Olympic Gold Medal, that means far more to him nomatter what the hell he says.

+1

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Honestly, I am still confused as to how many people are freaking out over Manu wanting to represent his home country. I could understand if he wanted to play for some Argentinian club for a local tournament, but this is the OLYMPICS. Not only that, but this is most likely the last time Manu will ever be able to represent Argentina. I understand the concern over his ankle, but to flame the guy for having national pride is a bit much.

Would I rather he rest this summer? Absolutely, but come on people, this is Ginobili, of course he's gonna play for the national team even if he had a broken leg.

If anything, I'm excited to get my Ginobili fix over the summer instead of having to wait till the end of October.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Honestly, I am still confused as to how many people are freaking out over Manu wanting to represent his home country. I could understand if he wanted to play for some Argentinian club for a local tournament, but this is the OLYMPICS. Not only that, but this is most likely the last time Manu will ever be able to represent Argentina. I understand the concern over his ankle, but to flame the guy for having national pride is a bit much.

Would I rather he rest this summer? Absolutely, but come on people, this is Ginobili, of course he's gonna play for the national team even if he had a broken leg.

If anything, I'm excited to get my Ginobili fix over the summer instead of having to wait till the end of October.

I could not agree more. As a fan, I too want Ginobili fully rested and healthy for the upcoming season - but as a person, I admire Manu for his patriotism and competitiveness. I cannot fault him just because his priorities differ from what I would want them to be.

[dbreiden83080]

Honestly, I am still confused as to how many people are freaking out over Manu wanting to represent his home country. I could understand if he wanted to play for some Argentinian club for a local tournament, but this is the OLYMPICS. Not only that, but this is most likely the last time Manu will ever be able to represent Argentina. I understand the concern over his ankle, but to flame the guy for having national pride is a bit much.

Would I rather he rest this summer? Absolutely, but come on people, this is Ginobili, of course he's gonna play for the national team even if he had a broken leg.

If anything, I'm excited to get my Ginobili fix over the summer instead of having to wait till the end of October.

I'm sorry but i think the guy puts himself up to be flamed when he is making 10 mil a year, ends the season hurt, is still hurt and wants to play in the Olympics. What if he comes into camp totally beat up and can't play at a high level this year or worse gets hurt so bad in the olympics he needs season ending surgery?? Would you be OK with his decsion then??

[Avitus1]

Guess you can't have no in your heart... :-s

[sabar]

Basketball is just a game, Spurs fans need to step away from the "doom and gloom". I'm not paying Manu, he can do whatever he wants as far as I'm concerned.

[dbreiden83080]

If anything, I'm excited to get my Ginobili fix over the summer instead of having to wait till the end of October.

If you want to see Manu limping around playing at 40% of what he is capable of just pop in a tape of his WCF and you'll have your fix. He is still hurt, this decision on his part is a bad one.

[dbreiden83080]

Basketball is just a game, Spurs fans need to step away from the "doom and gloom". I'm not paying Manu, he can do whatever he wants as far as I'm concerned.

Will you be saying this if he is hurt all year because of his off-season activities???

[sabar]

Will you be saying this if he is hurt all year because of his off-season activities???

Yes, it's his life. Until there are contracts that explicitly forbid extra-curricular activity he can risk what he wants. Manu has given this city FAR more than anyone thought he would, he owes us nothing.

[Phenomanul]

I'm sorry but i think the guy puts himself up to be flamed when he is making 10 mil a year, ends the season hurt, is still hurt and wants to play in the Olympics. What if he comes into camp totally beat up and can't play at a high level this year or worse gets hurt so bad in the olympics he needs season ending surgery?? Would you be OK with his decsion then??

People here are acting like Ginobili played international ball last summer and seem to imply that this was the reason why he was hurt during the Laker series.

Since those events were mutually exclusive I don't believe that the arguments even present a valid correlation.

In fact, Manu's history has indicated otherwise. When he has played international ball during the summer the Spurs went on to win the NBA Title the following season. I'd cheer to banner No. 5 given the trend.

If he's healthy... let him defend his country's gold medal.

[wijayas]

get the clippers to resign maggette and trade him for manu. i'm tired of this bullshit!!! he always get injured yet he always play most of the time in the summer. he should know his priority. argentina didn't pay him millions to play for the national team.

It is true that Argentina does not pay him his millions. But consider this: how many of us have the opportunity to carry our national flag on the world stage such as the Olympics?

Manu is Argentinian first, and Spurs 10th (or millionth). He is an Olympian for the millions of Argentines. He is an athlete/entertainer for the millions of Spurs fan.

I will do the same if I were him. No question.

[dbreiden83080]

Manu has given this city FAR more than anyone thought he would, he owes us nothing.

That is bullshit when you are making 10 mil a year, in my view it is complete nonsense. You are right about it is his choice since his contract says he can do it, but that doesn't make it right. He is letting down the Spurs FO in my view big time with this nonsense. Tim Duncan would never pull this garbage. He is too loyal to Pop and the Spurs. Manu seems more loyal to the Olympics and knows nomatter what he has a guranteed payday coming his way. If this was the NFL where he could be cut, he'd never do this.

[dbreiden83080]

If he's healthy... let him defend his country's gold medal.

He's not healthy, that is the problem

[MannyIsGod]

He's not healthy, that is the problem

Manu's doctor, is that you?

What did the MRI say?

[xtremesteven33]

KFU-wXsRhic

[rj215]

I'll never understand how as SPURS fans anyone can say that they would be ok with an already injured Manu playing in the Olympics....I can see if you're a fan of Argentina or from there but how can you say that you would be ok with this guy jeoperdizing the '09 season by not letting the ankle heal properly during the summer so he can be at full strength for camp and more importantly the start of the season.

If this past season showed us that we can't afford any of the big three to be hurt for an extended period of time or to lose close or winable games during the regular season as it impacts playoff standings in a hypercompetitive western conference.

[wijayas]

That is bullshit when you are making 10 mil a year, in my view it is complete nonsense. You are right about it is his choice since his contract says he can do it, but that doesn't make it right. He is letting down the Spurs FO in my view big time with this nonsense. Tim Duncan would never pull this garbage. He is too loyal to Pop and the Spurs. Manu seems more loyal to the Olympics and knows nomatter what he has a guranteed payday coming his way. If this was the NFL where he could be cut, he'd never do this.

Tim Duncan cannot represent Virgin Islands anymore, not because he is too loyal to Pop. Remember his agony when he had to play against V.I. in 2004?

Let Manu live his life the way he wants it. He has life outside the Spurs, just as much as we have life outside our professions.

[dbreiden83080]

Manu's doctor, is that you?

What did the MRI say?

Yeah he got an MRI and an injection because everything is feeling great. :rolleyes

I had that done the other day myself, give me a break

[Phenomanul]

He's not healthy, that is the problem

I would venture to say that Manu is never "100%"... He plays to win, nagging injuries and all. Why didn't Pop sit him out during the Lakers series; why wasn't he protecting the franchise's asset then? True, Ginobili wasn't himself, and the entire NBA nation was witness to that. But a month has already passed. I would think that he is healthier now than during the playoffs.

He took less money to play for the Spurs, he fulfills his role as sixth man when he could easily start for most other teams, he is a team player, a proven leader, a clutch performer, he carried the Spurs this season and he plays to win. That is Manu. You can't trash him and praise him in the same breath for the same attributes that make him who he is.

[duncan228]

Tim Duncan cannot represent Virgin Islands anymore, not because he is too loyal to Pop. Remember his agony when he had to play against V.I. in 2004?

Duncan never represented VI, he played for team USA.
And he choose to sit out the qualifying game against VI rather than play against them.

He won't play again, his experience was horrible. "FIBA sucks" were his exact words.

[wijayas]

Duncan never represented VI, he played for team USA.
And he choose to sit out the qualifying game against VI rather than play against them.

Right on the money!

[dbreiden83080]

Tim Duncan cannot represent Virgin Islands anymore, not because he is too loyal to Pop. Remember his agony when he had to play against V.I. in 2004?


If Tim Duncan ended the season hurt like Manu is and wanted to play in the Olympics he would not do it, he is too loyal to say Screw You Spurs FO, i'm playing hurt nomatter what. Manu can risk this because he knows injured or healthy i am getting paid.

[dbreiden83080]

He took less money to play for the Spurs, he fulfills his role as sixth man when he could easily start for most other teams, he is a team player, a proven leader, a clutch performer, he carried the Spurs this season and he plays to win. That is Manu. You can't trash him and praise him in the same breath for the same attributes that make him who he is.

I respect the hell out of Manu as a player but i do not support this decision. The man was a shell of himself this post-season and he is still not right. The Olympics are a grind and now the odds of him coming into camp at all healthy have gone down considerably. I can say i think this is a bad call on his part, a lot of people feel that way. If he gets really hurt, most everyone will feel that way.

[wijayas]

If Tim Duncan ended the season hurt like Manu is and wanted to play in the Olympics he would not do it, he is too loyal to say Screw You Spurs FO, i'm playing hurt nomatter what. Manu can risk this because he knows injured or healthy i am getting paid.

See my earlier post about being an Olympian vs. being an athlete.
Besides, nobody wants to consciously get injured (re-injured). Not even someone as reckless as Manu. Manu is too clever for that.

[Phenomanul]

Duncan never represented VI, he played for team USA.
And he choose to sit out the qualifying game against VI rather than play against them.

He won't play again, his experience was horrible. "FIBA sucks" were his exact words.

However, the scenarios don't compare. Tim's reluctance to play international ball has more to do with the style and officiating than with his intentions to please the Spurs FO. If Tim's knee had been healthy during the 2000 Sydney Olympics... There's no doubt in my mind Tim would have represented the USA.

One notable difference to Manu's current situation: Tim underwent surgery. Manu's condition has not warranted any medical procedure.

[dbreiden83080]

See my earlier post about being an Olympian vs. being an athlete.
Besides, nobody wants to consciously get injured (re-injured). Not even someone as reckless as Manu. Manu is too clever for that.

You have a choice to be an olympian or take the summer off and see to it you come in ready to go for your team paying you millions of dollars. I actually agree with Mark Cuban on this one. Why should we pay these guys so much money and have them risk it all playing for another team in the summer?? The problem is guaranteed money here. They get it, injured or healthy, so they can risk whatever the hell they want.

[duncan228]

However, the scenarios don't compare. Tim's reluctance to play international ball has more to do with the style and officiating than with his intentions to please the Spurs FO. If Tim's knee had been healthy during the 2000 Sydney Olympics... There's no doubt in my mind Tim would have represented the USA.

One notable difference to Manu's current situation: Tim underwent surgery. Manu's condition has not warranted any medical procedure.

I agree. Duncan hates international ball after his '04 experience, and yes, I think he would have played in 2000 had he been able to.

I wasn't trying to compare the situations, I was just responding to what wijayas posted about Duncan representing VI.

[dbreiden83080]

However, the scenarios don't compare. Tim's reluctance to play international ball has more to do with the style and officiating than with his intentions to please the Spurs FO. If Tim's knee had been healthy during the 2000 Sydney Olympics... There's no doubt in my mind Tim would have represented the USA.


Tim Duncan is in a class all by himself. If POP Came to him and said "I don't want you to risk your health by playing in the Olympics", he would not play, especially if he ended the season with an injury. There is no doubt in my mind of that.

[ElNono]

I'm sorry but i think the guy puts himself up to be flamed when he is making 10 mil a year, ends the season hurt, is still hurt and wants to play in the Olympics. What if he comes into camp totally beat up and can't play at a high level this year or worse gets hurt so bad in the olympics he needs season ending surgery?? Would you be OK with his decsion then??

What if he doesn't play the Olympics then gets injured the very first game of the season and needs a season ending surgery? It's the same end result. And would you feel any different if he made $1 a season instead of $10 million? If he gets injured during the olympics the Spurs don't have to pay him a dime of his salary until he recovers. That's why there's mandatory insurance in these cases.

[Phenomanul]

I respect the hell out of Manu as a player but i do not support this decision. The man was a shell of himself this post-season and he is still not right. The Olympics are a grind and now the odds of him coming into camp at all healthy have gone down considerably. I can say i think this is a bad call on his part, a lot of people feel that way. If he gets really hurt, most everyone will feel that way.


I would agree except for the fact that Ginobili has shown that his 'slow starts' typically mean that he ends the season on a tear (2003, 2005, 2007). When he starts the season off at such a high level, he takes on more of a burden, puts more pressure on himself, and ultimately can't sustain it. We saw that this season. Besides, people need to accept the fact that his injury this year was 'unlucky' in terms of timing. You can't plan around that. For all we know, he can rest the entire off-season and have a season-ending injury on Game 1 of the NBA schedule - refer to Corey Magette. I'd rather Ginobili pace himself next season, play 24-26 mpg and that the Spurs address the deficiency through the FA market, that they use Manu's minutes to help develop their younger players - I believe that this goal can still be accomplished regardless of whether or not Ginobili participates in this year's Olympics.

[ElNono]

You have a choice to be an olympian or take the summer off and see to it you come in ready to go for your team paying you millions of dollars. I actually agree with Mark Cuban on this one. Why should we pay these guys so much money and have them risk it all playing for another team in the summer?? The problem is guaranteed money here. They get it, injured or healthy, so they can risk whatever the hell they want.

Fallacy. If they get injured insurance, not the team, pay their salary.

[Phenomanul]

I agree. Duncan hates international ball after his '04 experience, and yes, I think he would have played in 2000 had he been able to.

I wasn't trying to compare the situations, I was just responding to what wijayas posted about Duncan representing VI.

I understood your intentions the moment I read your post. I just felt inclined to help others discern the difference. :toast

[dbreiden83080]

Fallacy. If they get injured insurance, not the team, pay their salary.

Again so he still gets paid and can do what he wants, the money is coming nomatter what. Plus as a fan this is obviously more about wanting to win another title and we can't do it without Manu being Manu.

[ElNono]

I would agree except for the fact that Ginobili has shown that his 'slow starts' typically mean that he ends the season on a tear (2003, 2005, 2007). When he starts the season off at such a high level, he takes on more of a burden, puts more pressure on himself, and ultimately can't sustain it. We saw that this season. Besides, people need to accept the fact that his injury this year was 'unlucky' in terms of timing. You can't plan around that. For all we know, he can rest the entire off-season and have a season-ending injury on Game 1 of the NBA schedule - refer to Corey Magette. I'd rather Ginobili pace himself next season, and that the Spurs address the deficiency through the FA market, that they develop their younger players - that goal can still be accomplished regardless of whether or not Ginobili participates in this year's Olympics.

Completely agree. Plus Manu would have been fine in the playoffs if not for that injury in the Phoenix series. It happened with Tim in 2006, even when he got all summer off. Injuries are something you can't control, and when they happen at the end of the season there's nothing you can do about it.

[dbreiden83080]

Injuries are something you can't control.

What you can control is avoiding the odds of suffering one

[duncan228]

I understood your intentions the moment I read your post. I just felt inclined to help others discern the difference. :toast

My intentions are usually pretty obvious...Duncan's mentioned, I appear. :lol


Tim Duncan is in a class all by himself.

Yes he is. :)

[ElNono]

Again so he still gets paid and can do what he wants, the money is coming nomatter what. Plus as a fan this is obviously more about wanting to win another title and we can't do it without Manu being Manu.

We get it. If your boss tells you not to have fun with your family during your time off, you'll nod and do just that. I personally would start looking for another job.
Playing for your country is a matter of pride. It has historical connotations. The day the story of Manu Ginobili is written after he retires, it will say he represented his country in two Summer Olympic games, not how much he was making as a Spur at the time.

[ElNono]

What you can control is avoiding the odds of suffering one

With that mentality we'll just suspend training camp aswell.

[dbreiden83080]

We get it. If your boss tells you not to have fun with your family during your time off, you'll nod and do just that. I personally would start looking for another job.


Manu's job entails being a great athlete, not having his ass chained to a desk, surely you see a diference there?? Some people have it in their contracts that they can't ride motorcycles, in the offseason, and if they get hurt bye bye salary. That is having fun in the offseason isn't it?? But you don't do it if it means kissing a payday goodbye. Tell me or anyone with a straight face you would risk your health if you knew that if you got hurt you would lose out on 10 mil. Manu can do this because that is not at risk nomatter what.

[benefactor]

I know this is tough for Manu...but even though you take a lot of pride in your own country and want to represent them you still have a job that you are paid for. There is loyalty involved in both with regards to the fans, but you have co-workers that are depending on you. Its not fair to them for you jeopardize what all of them work so hard to achieve every year because you feel a sense of obligation to your country regardless of your health. You can't let loyalty and national pride turn into selfishness...and you are riding that line with this decision.

[dbreiden83080]

With that mentality we'll just suspend training camp aswell.

:rolleyes

Oh My GOD

[dbreiden83080]

I know this is tough for Manu...but even though you take a lot of pride in your own country and want to represent them you still have a job that you are paid for. There is loyalty involved in both with regards to the fans, but you have co-workers that are depending on you. Its not fair to them for you jeopardize what all of them work so hard to achieve every year because you feel a sense of obligation to your country regardless of your health. You can't let loyalty and national pride turn into selfishness...and you are riding that line with this decision.

This call should be easy for Manu. You have a gold medal and you ended the year hurt, sit home this summer and get healthy for your team paying you millions of bucks to be healthy.

[ElNono]

Manu's job entails being a great athlete, not having his ass chained to a desk, surely you see a diference there?? Some people have it in their contracts that they can't ride motorcycles, in the offseason, and if they get hurt bye bye salary. That is having fun in the offseason isn't it?? But you don't do it if it means kissing a payday goodbye. Tell me or anyone with a straight face you would risk your health if you knew that if you got hurt you would lose out on 10 mil. Manu can do this because that is not at risk nomatter what.

Ofcourse he would still do it even if he would lose 10 million. That's what you can't seem to get through your thick head. And injury would set him back, at worse, one year. After that he can easily sign a $60+ million contract.
You know, I wouldn't pass up on 10 million because I'll probably never see that kind of money again. But Manu is basically getting paid below average money for a ex-All Star player still in his prime.

[ElNono]

I know this is tough for Manu...but even though you take a lot of pride in your own country and want to represent them you still have a job that you are paid for. There is loyalty involved in both with regards to the fans, but you have co-workers that are depending on you. Its not fair to them for you jeopardize what all of them work so hard to achieve every year because you feel a sense of obligation to your country regardless of your health. You can't let loyalty and national pride turn into selfishness...and you are riding that line with this decision.

How is this selfish?
It's deciding between co-workers depending on you, or your entire country counting on you.
It's like having to decide between my co-workers or my family. This is a no-brainer.

[v2freak]

How is this selfish?
It's deciding between co-workers depending on you, or your entire country counting on you.
It's like having to decide between my co-workers or my family. This is a no-brainer.

What? Entire country =/= family.

I'm not sure what the odds are, but I think that Ginobili getting injured further is more probable than his leading Argentina to another gold medal.

And another poster said that Tim may have played if he had been okay in 2000. That's the thing, he wasn't okay, hence he did not play. Simple. He decided against mortgaging the future. Realizing that the NBA overpays its players probably didn't escape his mind either.

[GSH]

Trade him. Larry Bird wants to get rid of Jamaal Tinsley's contract. Danny Granger would fit right in here. Those two contracts would work with Manu's.

[ElNono]

What? Entire country =/= family.
Family > Country > Coworkers

When it comes to sports, both fans and players are super prideful. You need to realize that Argentina never won ANYTHING in basketball, before this generation of players. 15 years ago it was unthinkable that a player from Argentina, who historically sucked at Basketball, would play in the NBA and even less win 3 championships. So Manu, along with Nocioni, Oberto, Scola, etc basically know they're writing the history book of Argentina's basketball every time they play.
There's a reason they call them the Golden generation.



I'm not sure what the odds are, but I think that Ginobili getting injured further is more probable than his leading Argentina to another gold medal.


And you base this on what exactly? They're the defending Olympic champions, and the only team to beat team USA twice. They're playing under international rules that favor them. I think along with Spain, Greece and the US, they are candidates.

[d-train]

As far as I'm concerned, Manu can do whatever is within his right in his contract with the Spurs. This is a FACT.

I'm pretty sure he wouldn't play if he didn't feel like he could go at some sort of competitive level. Not only would he be risking his own long term health, but selfish in taking a spot in the Argentinian team that another player could've taken.

And from I what I've seen of Manu on the court, I couldn't label him as having a selfish personality. And this is fundamentally what people are questioning.

I say Go Manu. You have my benefit of the doubt.

[Bruno]

Baring he hasn't a significant risk to turn his injury into a long-term one, that is to say at least season ending injury, I'm all for Manu playing the Olympics. That's areally big even for him.

However, I'm quite concerned about Manu's ankle. I wonder how bad is his arthritis and if it will hurt him in the long term.

[v2freak]

Family > Country > Coworkers

When it comes to sports, both fans and players are super prideful. You need to realize that Argentina never won ANYTHING in basketball, before this generation of players. 15 years ago it was unthinkable that a player from Argentina, who historically sucked at Basketball, would play in the NBA and even less win 3 championships. So Manu, along with Nocioni, Oberto, Scola, etc basically know they're writing the history book of Argentina's basketball every time they play.
There's a reason they call them the Golden generation.

So automatically fans of the Spurs deserve to be held in a much lower regard than Argentinean fans of their NT?

You should put coworkers/boss, because we both know that part of the reason he is able to live comfortably with his family in his country in the offseason is because of his coworkers/boss. His salary should be a huge deal in this argument. It's a lot of money to me, you, Ginobili, the Spurs, etc.


And you base this on what exactly? They're the defending Olympic champions, and the only team to beat team USA twice.

Not the same US team now


They're playing under international rules that favor them.
Agree 100%


I think along with Spain, Greece and the US, they are candidates.

The Miami Heat may have been the NBA champions in 2006, but they got embarassed in 2007. That was year to year. I don't think that after 4 years, this team could have possibly stayed as sharp as in 2004. Every player has aged and/or injured and it seems that international teams do not shift their rosters around as much as, say, the US. Just my 2 cents though, I have no idea how it will turn out.

[wijayas]

You have a choice to be an olympian or take the summer off and see to it you come in ready to go for your team paying you millions of dollars.

Manu has decided to be an Olympian, represents his country in the world's biggest stage and has a life outside the Spurs/NBA. He is exercising his basic rights. Who are we to deny someone something so fundamental, so human?


I actually agree with Mark Cuban on this one. Why should we pay these guys so much money and have them risk it all playing for another team in the summer?? The problem is guaranteed money here.

Unlike us mere mortal, guaranteed money in NBA is in fact--dont hold your breath--LEGAL. Something legal is never a problem. If Mark Cuban does not want to pay guaranteed money, he can choose not to "play" in NBA.


They get it, injured or healthy, so they can risk whatever the hell they want.

Just because the NBA millionnaires have the money does not mean they can (or want) to risk their health. Your concise argument earlier is getting incoherent here. Have you been injured yourself? Do you consciously want to trade money with injury? I don't think so. Manu can play hurt. He cannot play injured. Relax. Manu is not our nor the Spurs' property.

[carina_gino20]

dbreiden83080, I'm not asking this to be downright contrary. I just want to know. Do you have any confirmation that Manu is still hurt?

I just don't see what the fuss is all about. He already said before that if the injury turns out to be really serious (which we'll know in four or five days), he will sit it out. I don't think he said what he said to be spiteful and say "Fuck it. Injured or not, I'm going to play." To go from "more worried and concerned than all of you" to almost certain that he will be able to play in a span of two weeks, Manu must have significant reason to believe that indeed he is healthy enough. Besides, from the last column he wrote in his website, he says that the Spurs and Argentine doctors are already on the same page and working together with him. If they say he's fine, let the guy defend his medal.

[Manufan909]

Hey, can you post a link of that atricle?

[carina_gino20]

Hey, can you post a link of that atricle?

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1026607&high=manu

[Manufan909]

Thanks

EDIT: And is there an english version somewhere?:(

[Brutalis]

Manu is playing regardless of how he feels. This was just the politically correct thing to do/say.

I love the Spurs already, but I love the fact they will not discuss any contract extension until after his Olympic play is over. Obviously we don't want him if he shows continued wear on that ankle, and has a terrible outing or even worse re-injures it.

[urunobili]

Hey, can you post a link of that atricle?


http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100391


(I think he wrote all this at the airport when boarding to go to San Antonio)

“Being the flag bearer is a distinction that I can’t enjoy; my head is everywhere right now”

By Manu

I am at full speed right now and doing several things in my visit to Buenos Aires, being there for my commercial compromises and leaving to San Antonio in a couple of hours. There were some changes regarding my rehab with the ankle and I had to set up this trip almost urgently. As the work and treatment on the ankle is finished and now I need a final injection to lower the tendon size on the ankle, the doctors thought it was more convenient if I do this in San Antonio

Luckily, now the specialists here and the ones hired by the Spurs are agreeing and thinking the same way. The fact that both parties are now on the same page alleviates me a big deal. It also favors me having this trip earlier than originally scheduled in 4, 5 days from now, because that way, I could start with the preparation earlier and go to the training camp in Rosario next Friday.

We now have to wait the results of the injection; it won’t be immediate because I’ll have to immobilize the ankle for 4 days after it. If everything goes well, great, otherwise we’ll have to make a decision about my trip to Beijing. Furthermore, it wasn’t any good wait too long because the spur that I had on the ankle could make me lose strength on my leg’s muscles. Things changed now, but we are all lucky that everybody agrees on the following steps to follow and it is also possible that the Spurs kinesiologyst travel with me to check on the rehab and workouts.

So far, i have done all the treatments that were recommended during my days in Bahia Blanca, and that wasn’t a show stopper for me to get good rest, spend a lot of time with family and friends and ate all the “asados” (barbecues) I wanted.

Anyhow, the situation is not easy. Uncertainty is big and in this moment I am more concerned about my ankle than of the Olympics. I don’t even know which teams we have friendly matches scheduled against in our preparation tour. The only thing I want is to heal, be fine and start training because I already lost a lot of time. Normally, ten days before camp I start running and weight lifting, but this time I couldn’t. that’s one of the things bothering me already.

I generally don’t have a tendency to gain weight because of inactivity and before Japan’s World cup, 4 weeks of intense training was enough for me to be fine. But this time is different because my ankle has been immobilized and I have walked very little. I didn’t do any physical activity.

Spurs being worried is very logic. We had a couple of phone calls with Pop the first week and then just a couple of emails to coordinate my trip.

It has been brought to my attention that some people are saying that I don’t want Togo to the Olympics. Unfortunately I can’t convince all first hand of the opposite, but Confederation Front Office, my teammates, the coaching staff, the doctors here and in San Antonio and my family know very well that I am doing all possibly to be in Beijing. If they don’t believe that I can’t do anything for them.

In regards to the condition of being the flag bearer that the Argentinean Olympic committee has just designated for me, it does not mean additional pressure because I still have the same willingness to play that I always had. The flag does not change my objective. It isn’t also a distinction that I could enjoy today or even get to understand. I have my head somewhere else. When the time passes by I will probable value that fact that the flag will be give to me by the president next Friday at Cenard (Argentinean High Performance Sports Facility). Surely the 8th August in Beijing, I will know what it means and I will feel a great emotion and happiness.

I do not want to say goodbye without referring to Ruben Wolkowyski’s declarations in the press. The first thing I want to say is that I don’t share his opinion and the coaching staff has my absolute support. Those were critics that do not bring anything and have little sense to be said on this moment. I hope that this doesn’t affect the team. Probably he being left out for this team provoked his anger and that’s why he said it.

Past tomorrow I’ll be back to join the team at Rosario’s camp. I hope everything goes fine. For now, I have great expectations and a big uncertainty.

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu wants to play and I'm fine with it.

Play and win Manu

[GrandeDavid]

I could care less whether he plays or not.

[ElNono]

So automatically fans of the Spurs deserve to be held in a much lower regard than Argentinean fans of their NT?


He's a native from Argentina. What do you think?
Kobe said it best: When you play for your team you're just representing a market. When you play for the NT you're representing your entire country.
That's not to say that Manu doesn't care about Spurs fans. He cares enough to earn less money to play with our team. But if you put him in a bind to select between San Antonio vs Argentina, he'll pick the latter 10 out of 10 times.



You should put coworkers/boss, because we both know that part of the reason he is able to live comfortably with his family in his country in the offseason is because of his coworkers/boss. His salary should be a huge deal in this argument. It's a lot of money to me, you, Ginobili, the Spurs, etc.

He does his job throughout the year. He's been bailing out co-workers (Hedo, Finley) that can't came off the bench for years. He's a talented player. You seem to ignore that if he wouldn't be working for us, he would be working for another NBA team, or even an Euro team, where he won't have to deal with all this bitching and still have a very comfortable offseason with his family.
So let's just be grateful the guy came over back in '02 and played VERY hard for our team to win 3 championships.



Not the same US team now

It's not about Team USA. It's about playing (probably for the last time) an Olympic competition with a team that's been together for a decade or more, and that is writing Argentina's basketball history.



The Miami Heat may have been the NBA champions in 2006, but they got embarassed in 2007. That was year to year. I don't think that after 4 years, this team could have possibly stayed as sharp as in 2004. Every player has aged and/or injured and it seems that international teams do not shift their rosters around as much as, say, the US. Just my 2 cents though, I have no idea how it will turn out.
I have not idea how it will turn out either. But when you looked at the '04 Olympic team, it was pretty much the same as looking at this US team: Iverson, Duncan, Wade, Lebron, Carmelo, Boozer, Odom, etc.
That's why they play the games...

[ElNono]

LINK (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/07/04/basquet/01708332.html)

"Es un momento bastante especial. No saben el honor y la alegría que siento en este momento por haber sido elegido como representante del grupo increíble de atletas que va a estar en Beijing", dijo Manu tras recibir la bandera de manos de la Presidenta.

"El sueño de cada atleta es competir en los Juegos Olímpicos. Yo encima estoy representando a 35 ó 40 millones de personas. El honor es enorme y el orgullo es incalculable, así que haré lo posible para estar ahí", concluyó Ginóbili, quien esta mañana regresó de Estados Unidos, donde fue revisado por el cuerpo médico de San Antonio Spurs. El zurdo terminó la temporada de la NBA con una lesión en el tobillo izquierdo y aún no está confirmada su presencia en Beijing 2008.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is a very special moment. I feel honored and happy to be selected the representative of this group of incredible athletes that are heading to Beijing.", said Manu after receiving the flag from the President.

"The dream of every athlete is to compete in the Olympics. I'm also representing 35 to 40 million people. The honor is huge and the pride incalculable, so I'll do what I can to be there", he concluded.
Ginobili returned this morning from the US, where he was examined by the Spur's medical staff. The lefty ended the NBA season with an injury in his left ankle, and his presence in Beijing is still not confirmed.

[Cherry]

Manu is playing regardless of how he feels. This was just the politically correct thing to do/say.

I love the Spurs already, but I love the fact they will not discuss any contract extension until after his Olympic play is over. Obviously we don't want him if he shows continued wear on that ankle, and has a terrible outing or even worse re-injures it.



Today, Manu say in the NT press conference that if he feels bad in Spain, he's gonig back to San Antonio. Obviously they want him for more years.

[v2freak]

He's a native from Argentina. What do you think?
Kobe said it best: When you play for your team you're just representing a market. When you play for the NT you're representing your entire country.
That's not to say that Manu doesn't care about Spurs fans. He cares enough to earn less money to play with our team. But if you put him in a bind to select between San Antonio vs Argentina, he'll pick the latter 10 out of 10 times.


He does his job throughout the year. He's been bailing out co-workers (Hedo, Finley) that can't came off the bench for years. He's a talented player. You seem to ignore that if he wouldn't be working for us, he would be working for another NBA team, or even an Euro team, where he won't have to deal with all this bitching and still have a very comfortable offseason with his family.
So let's just be grateful the guy came over back in '02 and played VERY hard for our team to win 3 championships.

So when does pride become nationalism? I've seen the two be applied to the exact same situation, although one is held in a much more positive light. And the Spurs drafted Ginobili at a ridiculously low number. Had the Spurs not taken a chance on Ginobili, I don't know where he'd be right now. There's also an argument that he's developed tremendously as a player playing next to Duncan, learning the Spurs system and performing against the bad.

Some homers here act like Ginobili single-handedly led the Spurs to 3 championships. He was absolutely critical in 2005 when Duncan was limping - I'll give you that. Without him, the Spurs would not have pulled it out. Still interesting why he only had good games when Duncan did though.



It's not about Team USA. It's about playing (probably for the last time) an Olympic competition with a team that's been together for a decade or more, and that is writing Argentina's basketball history.


I have not idea how it will turn out either. But when you looked at the '04 Olympic team, it was pretty much the same as looking at this US team: Iverson, Duncan, Wade, Lebron, Carmelo, Boozer, Odom, etc.
That's why they play the games...

Just explaining why I don't think they will have the same type of success.

[Argiebabe]

When it comes to sports, both fans and players are super prideful. You need to realize that Argentina never won ANYTHING in basketball, before this generation of players.

mmmm... do you know wich was the first country to win the world tittle in basketball???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_basketball_team


Besides that... I believe that Manu knows pretty well that an injury on this olympics could cause big damage to his relationship with the spurs and his career , also he is aware that our nt needs him and that this could be his last chance representing our country.
He is a fighter who ALWAYS wants to win (and to show that he decided to play and put aside the bad relationship he has with the argie coach)... I love the spurs and I love Manu, it would suck if he gets hurt... but I know he will do anything to take good care of himself and get the gold medal.

[diego]

What you can control is avoiding the odds of suffering one
you can avoid the odds, but you cant control the odds. there is a big difference.


The problem is guaranteed money here. They get it, injured or healthy, so they can risk whatever the hell they want.

the spurs money isnt at risk, because manu has mandatory insurance for the olympics. if manu gets injured at the olympics, the spurs dont pay a penny; if he gets injured during the season, then they foot the bill (although they probably have insurance for that too.)

so the issue isnt money at all, its performance, and you have no way of knowing how manu, or any other spur, will perform next season.


Manu's job entails being a great athlete, not having his ass chained to a desk, surely you see a diference there?? Some people have it in their contracts that they can't ride motorcycles, in the offseason, and if they get hurt bye bye salary. That is having fun in the offseason isn't it??

kind of. manu's job entails being a great BASKETBALL PLAYER. how do you think he became one? by sitting on his ass in the summer? or maybe, by PLAYING BASKETBALL? he's not out riding motorcycles.

Pop (and Kori) said it best- playing organized basketball is the best case scenario for manu.

but please, dont mind reason, carry on complaining about a problem that doesnt exist (oh no, the risk!), and when manu does have a career ending injury, most probably playing for the spurs, tell yourself that it was argentina's fault and that the spurs paid for the right.

[mrspurs]

we better hope maggette is with the spurs

bingo..... or someone close to his talent.... i know finley isnt gonna get faster over the summer, who else we have after finley? barry? i know he isnt gonna get faster over the summer either

[ElNono]

So when does pride become nationalism? I've seen the two be applied to the exact same situation, although one is held in a much more positive light. And the Spurs drafted Ginobili at a ridiculously low number. Had the Spurs not taken a chance on Ginobili, I don't know where he'd be right now. There's also an argument that he's developed tremendously as a player playing next to Duncan, learning the Spurs system and performing against the bad.

How does where the Spurs drafted him has anything to do with how talented the guy is? The Spurs brought him over right after the 2002 championships in Indiana when they saw first hand what he can bring to the team. If the Spurs didn't bring him over then, and still kept his rights (doubtful), he would still be making millions of Euros in Europe. You make it sound like the Spurs gave him the talent or something.



Some homers here act like Ginobili single-handedly led the Spurs to 3 championships. He was absolutely critical in 2005 when Duncan was limping - I'll give you that. Without him, the Spurs would not have pulled it out. Still interesting why he only had good games when Duncan did though.

I'll take Pop word on it, where he says we wouldn't have won them without Ginobili. Now, I don't claim he single-handedly led the Spurs. That would be Timmy. But he contributed largely to the cause. Think back a little bit. How long did Tony took to develop? Maybe 3 or 4 years? Think about Manu. It took him about a season to catch up. But by the end of his first season, he was playing crunch time on our team. He was an All-Star by his second season. When have you seen something like that in any other Spur player under Pop's command? That's how special Manu has been.

[ElNono]

mmmm... do you know wich was the first country to win the world tittle in basketball???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_basketball_team


Mujer, that was 58 years ago. Not to mention that there were only 6 teams involved in the actual competition. The star of that Argentina team, top scorer and MVP of the tournament was Oscar Furlong, who averaged 11,2 ppg(!). I'm talking modern basketball here. Like from the 80's onwards.



Besides that... I believe that Manu knows pretty well that an injury on this olympics could cause big damage to his relationship with the spurs and his career , also he is aware that our nt needs him and that this could be his last chance representing our country.
He is a fighter who ALWAYS wants to win (and to show that he decided to play and put aside the bad relationship he has with the argie coach)... I love the spurs and I love Manu, it would suck if he gets hurt... but I know he will do anything to take good care of himself and get the gold medal.

Totalmente de acuerdo.

[angel_luv]

Don Harris on WOAI 6PM news said he spoke with Manu's agent Herb Rudoy about an hour ago and "Manu has every intention of playing in the Olympics."


I am glad to hear it. :) Very glad for Gino. :)

[Spurs Brazil]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080704/capt.fc12badd8a30462c93e4252447f042fe.argentina_ol ympics_xnp101.jpg

[Spurs Brazil]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080704/capt.f589b772bb2c4edd95cca80b105de5ad.argentina_ol ympics_xnp109.jpg

[mystargtr34]

Juan Roman Riquelme and Mascherano?

[Spurs Brazil]

Juan Roman Riquelme and Mascherano?

Yes

[Cherry]

"Live Manu Play Ginobili" commercial :lol

HXfDwEhc_gk

[urunobili]

http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/07/04/basquet/01708544.html

all videos from press conference with the team before going to training camp in Rosario

[SPURSGOAT]

"Play Ginobili" commercial :lol

HXfDwEhc_gk

:lol :lmao :king That was awsome!

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Anybody that knows me on this board knows I'm a huge Manu Ginobili mark. Next to David Robinson, he's my second favorite Spur of all-time. The same people that know me also know my opinion on this Manu-Olympics debate. Fact of the matter is this; Manu's injury arguably cost the Spurs their best chance (possible only real chance) of ever winning a back-to-back. I'm sorry Argentinians, but that fucking stings. What stings more is seeing him pumped and ready to embark on a grueling journey in Beijing while the Boston Celtics parade around the Larry O'Brien trophy with the smell of champagne still fresh on the parkay in Beantown.

I side with Pop on this one and unfortunately I think that Manu has played his last game as a Spur and as a Manu Ginobili fan, I don't blame the Spurs one bit if they move him. Gregg Popovich has changed a lot over the years, his incredible success understandably, has mellowed him. That being said, when it comes to Spurs basketball and winning NBA championships, you don't cross the boss. Manu has officially soured that relationship.

Neither side is really at fault, I respect Manu's decision but I'm a Spurs fan, so is Pop.

[urunobili]

Anybody that knows me on this board knows I'm a huge Manu Ginobili mark. Next to David Robinson, he's my second favorite Spur of all-time. The same people that know me also know my opinion on this Manu-Olympics debate. Fact of the matter is this; Manu's injury arguably cost the Spurs their best chance (possible only real chance) of ever winning a back-to-back. I'm sorry Argentinians, but that fucking stings. What stings more is seeing him pumped and ready to embark on a grueling journey in Beijing while the Boston Celtics parade around the Larry O'Brien trophy with the smell of champagne still fresh on the parkay in Beantown.

I side with Pop on this one and unfortunately I think that Manu has played his last game as a Spur and as a Manu Ginobili fan, I don't blame the Spurs one bit if they move him. Gregg Popovich has changed a lot over the years, his incredible success understandably, has mellowed him. That being said, when it comes to Spurs basketball and winning NBA championships, you don't cross the boss. Manu has officially soured that relationship.

Neither side is really at fault, I respect Manu's decision but I'm a Spurs fan, so is Pop.
FAILURE :sleep

[spurschick]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080704/capt.fc12badd8a30462c93e4252447f042fe.argentina_ol ympics_xnp101.jpg

It is an enormous honor to carry your country's flag in the Olympics. This is an extremely proud moment for him, his country and his fans. I wish that people could see past this Spurs vs. National Team thing and see the bigger picture.

[Cherry]

Anybody that knows me on this board knows I'm a huge Manu Ginobili mark. Next to David Robinson, he's my second favorite Spur of all-time. The same people that know me also know my opinion on this Manu-Olympics debate. Fact of the matter is this; Manu's injury arguably cost the Spurs their best chance (possible only real chance) of ever winning a back-to-back. I'm sorry Argentinians, but that fucking stings. What stings more is seeing him pumped and ready to embark on a grueling journey in Beijing while the Boston Celtics parade around the Larry O'Brien trophy with the smell of champagne still fresh on the parkay in Beantown.

I side with Pop on this one and unfortunately I think that Manu has played his last game as a Spur and as a Manu Ginobili fan, I don't blame the Spurs one bit if they move him. Gregg Popovich has changed a lot over the years, his incredible success understandably, has mellowed him. That being said, when it comes to Spurs basketball and winning NBA championships, you don't cross the boss. Manu has officially soured that relationship.

Neither side is really at fault, I respect Manu's decision but I'm a Spurs fan, so is Pop.

STOP THE DRAMA

You don't know Manu at all.
He didn't cross "the boss". If he feels pain in the next 10 days, he will say it. That's the deal with Popovich and Spurs

Manu's not stupid for God's sake! :lol

[v2freak]

Anybody that knows me on this board knows I'm a huge Manu Ginobili mark. Next to David Robinson, he's my second favorite Spur of all-time. The same people that know me also know my opinion on this Manu-Olympics debate. Fact of the matter is this; Manu's injury arguably cost the Spurs their best chance (possible only real chance) of ever winning a back-to-back. I'm sorry Argentinians, but that fucking stings. What stings more is seeing him pumped and ready to embark on a grueling journey in Beijing while the Boston Celtics parade around the Larry O'Brien trophy with the smell of champagne still fresh on the parkay in Beantown.

I side with Pop on this one and unfortunately I think that Manu has played his last game as a Spur and as a Manu Ginobili fan, I don't blame the Spurs one bit if they move him. Gregg Popovich has changed a lot over the years, his incredible success understandably, has mellowed him. That being said, when it comes to Spurs basketball and winning NBA championships, you don't cross the boss. Manu has officially soured that relationship.

Neither side is really at fault, I respect Manu's decision but I'm a Spurs fan, so is Pop.

:tu

[porscha]

"Live Manu Play Ginobili" commercial :lol

HXfDwEhc_gk

:lmao:lmao:lol:lol:lmao

[dbreiden83080]

It is an enormous honor to carry your country's flag in the Olympics. This is an extremely proud moment for him, his country and his fans. I wish that people could see past this Spurs vs. National Team thing and see the bigger picture.

Manu already has a gold medal
He played like shit in the playoffs thanks to a terrible ankle injury
According to reports he is still hurt and needs injections in the ankle to treat it.
He is making tons of money for the Spurs

I don't see what big picture anyone who is against this is missing here. Yeah it is an honor to carry that flag but for me when you are a pro, and make the kind of money he makes and end a season badly hurt, you owe it to your team to rest up. If he was healthy i could support this but since Manu is anything but healthy i can't support it at all.

[all_heart]

Anybody that knows me on this board knows I'm a huge Manu Ginobili mark. Next to David Robinson, he's my second favorite Spur of all-time. The same people that know me also know my opinion on this Manu-Olympics debate. Fact of the matter is this; Manu's injury arguably cost the Spurs their best chance (possible only real chance) of ever winning a back-to-back. I'm sorry Argentinians, but that fucking stings. What stings more is seeing him pumped and ready to embark on a grueling journey in Beijing while the Boston Celtics parade around the Larry O'Brien trophy with the smell of champagne still fresh on the parkay in Beantown.

I side with Pop on this one and unfortunately I think that Manu has played his last game as a Spur and as a Manu Ginobili fan, I don't blame the Spurs one bit if they move him. Gregg Popovich has changed a lot over the years, his incredible success understandably, has mellowed him. That being said, when it comes to Spurs basketball and winning NBA championships, you don't cross the boss. Manu has officially soured that relationship.

Neither side is really at fault, I respect Manu's decision but I'm a Spurs fan, so is Pop.

I'm sure Pop like a whole lot of people wish he'd stay home this summer, but he's not going anywhere. Pop is too professional to throw him in the doghouse. After all it's his last chance to represent his home country and defend it's gold medal in the Olympics in the game he loves the most. Do you really want him to stay home and regret not playing the rest of his life? All because Pop wants him to? Manu would probably resent that for a very long time.

Sure our chances of repeating would have been good if Manu was healthy.. but him playing this summer cant' change what already happened. If Manu is hurt, he won't play.. if he's ok fine.. Having said that.. he better not injure his ankle further and require surgery, that for sure wouldn't sit well with Pop and a lot of us here. Good luck Manu, please stay healthy. You too Fab.

[spurschick]

don't see what big picture anyone who is against this is missing here. Yeah it is an honor to carry that flag but for me when you are a pro, and make the kind of money he makes and end a season badly hurt, you owe it to your team to rest up. If he was healthy i could support this but since Manu is anything but healthy i can't support it at all.

That's really what it's all about for some people... money. The big picture is that, when Manu is 80 years old and looks back on his life, he'll be proud that he didn't let money dictate what he did with his life.

[timvp]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080704/capt.fc12badd8a30462c93e4252447f042fe.argentina_ol ympics_xnp101.jpg
Manu looks almost as happy as he did when he won the Sixth Man of the Year.

[Marcus Bryant]

Training camp begins Oct. 1.

[ducks]

manu is starting to get in the doghouse
spurs have to watch out for themselves

[ducks]

if spurs extend him
they need to put in the contract he can not play for his country or any basketball other then the spurs

[wijayas]

It is an enormous honor to carry your country's flag in the Olympics. This is an extremely proud moment for him, his country and his fans. I wish that people could see past this Spurs vs. National Team thing and see the bigger picture.

:toast :toast :toast

[v2freak]

That's really what it's all about for some people... money. The big picture is that, when Manu is 80 years old and looks back on his life, he'll be proud that he didn't let money dictate what he did with his life.

That would be 10000x more convincing if he weren't making a 7 digit salary.

[sassystriker]

Manu's not stupid. He had thought hard and good with whatever decisions. I'm confident he knows what he's doing.

[wijayas]

Manu already has a gold medal
He played like shit in the playoffs thanks to a terrible ankle injury
According to reports he is still hurt and needs injections in the ankle to treat it.
He is making tons of money for the Spurs

I don't see what big picture anyone who is against this is missing here. Yeah it is an honor to carry that flag but for me when you are a pro, and make the kind of money he makes and end a season badly hurt, you owe it to your team to rest up. If he was healthy i could support this but since Manu is anything but healthy i can't support it at all.

You can't seem to see that people have a life outside their job. God saves your soul.

[SPURSGOAT]

Training camp begins Oct. 1.

and he had better be fully healthy, damn it!

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

The good thing about this thread is that it helps to classify posters between those who have common sense, rationality and honesty and the ducks short bus brigade on the other side.

[greens]

So now the contract extension is on hold till after the Olympics? Interesting. When is the last day that you can sign the extension?

[Tully365]

Growing up in the USA, there are all sorts of basketball heroes and legends: Mikan, Russell, Chamberlain, West, Dr J, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Duncan, etc., etc.
Basketball-mania is still a relatively new feeling for Argentines and Manu is by far the biggest figurehead of that basketball pride and joy. Imagine the pressure that is on him to play in the Olympics--maybe for the last time. What would people in the U.S. have said if Jordan pulled out from the Dream Team? They would have been mad as hell, would've called him a coward, a traitor, a selfish millionaire, etc.... we all know this is true. It would have tarnished his reputation forever. Manu is an intelligent person, he knows what's at stake, and he surely even understands why many Spurs fans don't want him to play-- but I think the moment in history is just too large and too meaningful for him and his family and his friends and his country... and for him to say no would mean disappointing an entire nation, an entire generation which views him as their Dr J & their Magic & their MJ all rolled into one. I'm a huge fan of the Spurs and understand the problems people have with him playing, but on this controversy I have to side with Manu. Ordering him not to play would probably amount to ordering him to carry an enormous Regret around for the rest of his life, and that's something no fan of his in any capacity could feel completely unconflicted about.

[v2freak]

You can't seem to see that people have a life outside their job. God saves your soul.

Interesting way to simplify the situation. But the situation is anything but simple, as there are many circumstances that keep Ginobili from being classified as a regular person with a regular job. For one, he wants to do the exact same thing he does as his job, outside his job. Two, his job is much more physically strenuous than the typical job. And by typical, I do not mean worker at McDonalds factory or crocodile hunter. Thus, his job alone takes a toll on his body, or anyone's for that matter if he or she were to follow through an NBA season. Three, his job does not allow vacation time other than the offseason. Many workers inevitably get sick and need to take off some time. If Ginobili were take a vacation (and we know some players do when they shouldn't), it would have a much greater impact on the "company" than a typical worker.


The good thing about this thread is that it helps to classify posters between those who have common sense, rationality and honesty and the ducks short bus brigade on the other side.


The good thing about this thread is that it helps to classify posters between those who care about the Spurs, and those who are Ginobili homers

Manu'sMagicalLeftHand?

:(

[urunobili]

Growing up in the USA, there are all sorts of basketball heroes and legends: Mikan, Russell, Chamberlain, West, Dr J, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Duncan, etc., etc.
Basketball-mania is still a relatively new feeling for Argentines and Manu is by far the biggest figurehead of that basketball pride and joy. Imagine the pressure that is on him to play in the Olympics--maybe for the last time. What would people in the U.S. have said if Jordan pulled out from the Dream Team? They would have been mad as hell, would've called him a coward, a traitor, a selfish millionaire, etc.... we all know this is true. It would have tarnished his reputation forever. Manu is an intelligent person, he knows what's at stake, and he surely even understands why many Spurs fans don't want him to play-- but I think the moment in history is just too large and too meaningful for him and his family and his friends and his country... and for him to say no would mean disappointing an entire nation, an entire generation which views him as their Dr J & their Magic & their MJ all rolled into one. I'm a huge fan of the Spurs and understand the problems people have with him playing, but on this controversy I have to side with Manu. Ordering him not to play would probably amount to ordering him to carry an enormous Regret around for the rest of his life, and that's something no fan of his in any capacity could feel completely unconflicted about.
he would need to retire in Uruguay or somewhere else if intentionally missed the Olympics.. i agree with this... :devil

[wijayas]

Interesting way to simplify the situation. But the situation is anything but simple, as there are many circumstances that keep Ginobili from being classified as a regular person with a regular job. .[U][I]:(

V2freak, it is that simple. Whether we want to accept such simplicity is another matter.

Read the excellent post from Tully365, just ahead of your post, which I quote here:
"Ordering him not to play would probably amount to ordering him to carry an enormous regret around for the rest of his life, and that's something no fan of his in any capacity could feel completely unconflicted about."

[DaDakota]

Glad to hear that Manu is playing it is an honor to represent your country.

Manu is doing the right thing....heck, we have Yao and Scola playing......and Yao is not coming off some wimpy sprained ankle but a broken foot......

Still happy he is playing, this is a once every 4 years deal.......enjoy the bball, and stop worrying.

Don't worry, be happy.

DD

[ducks]

yeah I see why would be happy since ming is playing and you are a rockets fan

[exstatic]

Glad to hear that Manu is playing it is an honor to represent your country.

Manu is doing the right thing....heck, we have Yao and Scola playing......and Yao is not coming off some wimpy sprained ankle but a broken foot......

Still happy he is playing, this is a once every 4 years deal.......enjoy the bball, and stop worrying.

Don't worry, be happy.

DD

Not quite the same thing. Rocket's season is over by May every year, and Yao only plays every 4 years. Spurs have a 100+ game season every other year, and Manu wants to play not only Olympics, but WCs too.

[DMX7]

This is a business. Fans don't come out to see players on the injured list or who have chronic injuries and look the way they did in the conference finals this year (which is old and battered).

If he is playing even at 80% in the olympics and gets injured again, then Pop is right in holding off any talk about contract extentions.

[ElNono]

This is a business. Fans don't come out to see players on the injured list or who have chronic injuries and look the way they did in the conference finals this year (which is old and battered).

If he is playing even at 80% in the olympics and gets injured again, then Pop is right in holding off any talk about contract extentions.

We don't get to choose when a player gets injured. If you, as a fan, don't want to go see them, then don't go. What chronic injuries Manu has? And if the Spurs don't extend him, so be it. He'll get paid until 2010 and then move on to sign a better contract somewhere else. THAT is business.

[ducks]

spurs may trade him before 2010 that is business especially if they do not think he will resign with them

[Chucho]

As much as fans love Manu (myself included) he isn't going to get any better than his 05 campaign and I hope the Spurs don't give him an extension. His style, while entertaining, is reckless and his body is breaking down faster than most stars in the league. Plus he is the most INCONSISTENT of the Big 3 by a mile and a few inches as for every game he scores 20+ he will have three stinkers where he shoots 30%, commits two pivotal turnovers in the last three minutes and commits a bad foul that takes us out of the Finals. He is injury prone due to his tireless schedule and reckless style of play and that isn't good for the Spurs, or himself as he is a business man in the business of selling his body to the highest bidder and the Spurs are too smart to outbid others for half-decent goods, especially since they've already taken most of the tread off the tires so to say. He's a good investment that dips a little everytime and this is a business and the Spurs would be best to get the most mileage out of him while they can, then upgrade to a newer model at the same price. Thus is the business of the NBA.

[carina_gino20]

As much as fans love Manu (myself included) he isn't going to get any better than his 05 campaign and I hope the Spurs don't give him an extension. His style, while entertaining, is reckless and his body is breaking down faster than most stars in the league. Plus he is the most INCONSISTENT of the Big 3 by a mile and a few inches as for every game he scores 20+ he will have three stinkers where he shoots 30%, commits two pivotal turnovers in the last three minutes and commits a bad foul that takes us out of the Finals. He is injury prone due to his tireless schedule and reckless style of play and that isn't good for the Spurs, or himself as he is a business man in the business of selling his body to the highest bidder and the Spurs are too smart to outbid others for half-decent goods, especially since they've already taken most of the tread off the tires so to say. He's a good investment that dips a little everytime and this is a business and the Spurs would be best to get the most mileage out of him while they can, then upgrade to a newer model at the same price. Thus is the business of the NBA.

Yes. Because he really is such a liability. He's nothing but an entertainer. In fact, he was so inconsistent last season that Barry and Finley had to pick up his slack to secure the Spurs a playoff spot.





Some people here have such fucking short memories.
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54259&highlight=Ditka

[v2freak]

I honestly believe that had Ginobili been himself, the Spurs would have made it past the Lakers. Don't know about the Celtics though.

[Mavs<Spurs]

I have to agree with DBreiden and Walton here.

If his injury to his ankle remains the same or worsens due to his play at the Olympics, he has hurt the Spurs team.


It's that simple!

:nope

[Mavs<Spurs]

I honestly believe that had Ginobili been himself, the Spurs would have made it past the Lakers. Don't know about the Celtics though.

Totally agree with this.


What were Manu's numbers for the series?

I was planning on looking them up myself, but anyone know?

I just know that they were God awful!

[Mavs<Spurs]

Found the numbers and did the simple calculations myself:

All five games in WCF:

Manu averaged 12.6 pts/ game, 3.2 rebounds/ game, 3 assists/ game, had a cumulative +/- of -9, shot 35.8% from the floor, including 36 % from 3.


Take away the one good game Manu had (game 3) and Manu's stats are unbelievably bad:

Manu, then, averaged: 7.2 pts/game, 3.5 rebounds/game, 3.5 assists/game, had a cumulative +/- of -26, shot 26.3% from the floor including 22 % from 3.


:bang

[Cherry]

As much as fans love Manu (myself included) he isn't going to get any better than his 05 campaign and I hope the Spurs don't give him an extension.

Funny, Manu improved more his game this year. Trade him now for the best of the Team.


His style, while entertaining, is reckless and his body is breaking down faster than most stars in the league. Plus he is the most INCONSISTENT of the Big 3 by a mile and a few inches as for every game he scores 20+ he will have three stinkers where he shoots 30%, commits two pivotal turnovers in the last three minutes and commits a bad foul that takes us out of the Finals.

And the year after, we won another championship. Get over it.


He is injury prone due to his tireless schedule and reckless style of play and that isn't good for the Spurs

Ok. Trade him for a player who will never get injuries. And don't forget to find an answer for Manu.


He's a good investment that dips a little everytime and this is a business and the Spurs would be best to get the most mileage out of him while they can, then upgrade to a newer model at the same price. Thus is the business of the NBA.

Sure...that's easy. There are lots of people like him....


...Enough...

I'm sorry for some fans who will never understand, but Manu wants to enjoy HIS LAST OLYMPIC GAMES in 14 days with friends and teammates that make him more happy than his job in San Antonio just because this games will never come back and i respect that.

[wijayas]

As much as fans love Manu (myself included) he isn't going to get any better than his 05 campaign and I hope the Spurs don't give him an extension. His style, while entertaining, is reckless and his body is breaking down faster than most stars in the league. Plus he is the most INCONSISTENT of the Big 3 by a mile and a few inches as for every game he scores 20+ he will have three stinkers where he shoots 30%, commits two pivotal turnovers in the last three minutes and commits a bad foul that takes us out of the Finals. He is injury prone due to his tireless schedule and reckless style of play and that isn't good for the Spurs, or himself as he is a business man in the business of selling his body to the highest bidder and the Spurs are too smart to outbid others for half-decent goods, especially since they've already taken most of the tread off the tires so to say. He's a good investment that dips a little everytime and this is a business and the Spurs would be best to get the most mileage out of him while they can, then upgrade to a newer model at the same price. Thus is the business of the NBA.

If you know any All-Star in the NBA who is willing to get off the bench (or whenever Pop feels like it), please inform the FO. I am sure the FO can "upgrade" to this newer model. You are dreaming.

Manu is as rare as Duncan.

[Manufan909]

I think he is referring to J.R., or possibly Delfino.
:p::lol:downspin:

[v2freak]

Funny, Manu improved more his game this year. Trade him now for the best of the Team.



And the year after, we won another championship. Get over it.



Ok. Trade him for a player who will never get injuries. And don't forget to find an answer for Manu.



Sure...that's easy. There are lots of people like him....


...Enough...

I'm sorry for some fans who will never understand, but Manu wants to enjoy HIS LAST OLYMPIC GAMES in 14 days with friends and teammates that make him more happy than his job in San Antonio just because this games will never come back and i respect that.

He's taking more shots, I don't know if he's an overall better player though.


If you know any All-Star in the NBA who is willing to get off the bench (or whenever Pop feels like it), please inform the FO. I am sure the FO can "upgrade" to this newer model. You are dreaming.

Manu is as rare as Duncan.

There will never be another Duncan. You think Ginobili is befitting of the same title?

[ducks]

Found the numbers and did the simple calculations myself:

All five games in WCF:

Manu averaged 12.6 pts/ game, 3.2 rebounds/ game, 3 assists/ game, had a cumulative +/- of -9, shot 35.8% from the floor, including 36 % from 3.


Take away the one good game Manu had (game 3) and Manu's stats are unbelievably bad:

Manu, then, averaged: 7.2 pts/game, 3.5 rebounds/game, 3.5 assists/game, had a cumulative +/- of -26, shot 26.3% from the floor including 22 % from 3.


:bang


really maybe he really really sucked
wtf this is the western confress you do not suck that bad period:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang

[ducks]

He's taking more shots, I don't know if he's an overall better player though.



There will never be another Duncan. You think Ginobili is befitting of the same title?

BULL SHIT
people said they would never be another david robinson in sa then they got duncan

[ducks]

If you know any All-Star in the NBA who is willing to get off the bench (or whenever Pop feels like it), please inform the FO. I am sure the FO can "upgrade" to this newer model. You are dreaming.

Manu is as rare as Duncan.

yeah find players that can play more then 29 minutes in the nba is hard that still have stuff int eh tank in june

[spursfan09]

Wipe the tears of Kobe with your country's flag Manu!

wow its crazy to think I will be cheering for Kobe instead of Manu this summer

[spursfan09]

I think it's fine Manu wants to play. He is loyal to his country. Good for him. He is not showing the Spurs the same loyalty, but it is business. His country is his home and love. Spurs could trade him away if they want, they do not have to show him any loyalty either. If they are truly upset with him, and think that playing in the summer is a mistake, then they have the right to do something about it. I am glad they are holding back on the contract extenstion.

[smeagol]

yeah find players that can play more then 29 minutes in the nba is hard that still have stuff int eh tank in june

. . . that does what Manu does for the amount of money Manu makes . . . yes it is hard to find, you moron.

Name one, you twit.

[Anti.Hero]

I honestly believe that had Ginobili been himself, the Spurs would have made it past the Lakers. Don't know about the Celtics though.

Easily. Us playing with an injured Manu is like the Lakers playing the 4th without Kobe.

Manu CAN get on Kobe's level during clutch time. Fact.

[v2freak]

BULL SHIT
people said they would never be another david robinson in sa then they got duncan

Robinson and Duncan are pretty different

[DaDakota]

Manu should play, he is huge in Argentina, and he understands that him playing keeps the $$$ rolling in and his status in Argentina as a top commercial guy intact.

Plus he wants to represent his country, good for him....

Funny how no one was complaining about him playing in the WCF on that sprained ankle.....

Manu is a warrior, he is going to play....good for him.

DD

[z0sa]

Manu should play, he is huge in Argentina, and he understands that him playing keeps the $$$ rolling in and his status in Argentina as a top commercial guy intact.

Plus he wants to represent his country, good for him....

Funny how no one was complaining about him playing in the WCF on that sprained ankle.....

Manu is a warrior, he is going to play....good for him.

DD

Everyone saw he clearly needed rest, but unless he blows up for 30 in Game 3, we probably don't even win one. Proof of how much Manu means to this team?

[ducks]

Everyone saw he clearly needed rest, but unless he blows up for 30 in Game 3, we probably don't even win one. Proof of how much Manu means to this team?
that is why getting smith or mag is so important

[smeagol]

that is why getting smith or mag is so important

If the SPurs trade Manu, they can get much better players than Smith or Mag.

You should lobby for that.

[ducks]

I would take smith over many players
he is exactly what the spurs need
get smith and draft picks
smith is not a gunner he shots 9 shots a game and averages 17 points a game
and shots a very good %
also is good in playoffs
he is alot like manu except is he younger and not as development

[smeagol]

I would take smith over many players
he is exactly what the spurs need
get smith and draft picks
smith is not a gunner he shots 9 shots a game and averages 17 points a game
and shots a very good %
also is good in playoffs
he is alot like manu except is he younger and not as development

Yes, Smith is a lot like Manu. He did great in 2007 against the Spurs when Karl though him under the bus for racking those ill-advised shots :lol

[ducks]

manu shots more ill advised shots then smith
and karl is not a good coach
he has no clue what an ill advised shot is

[ducks]

Yes, Smith is a lot like Manu. He did great in 2007 against the Spurs when Karl though him under the bus for racking those ill-advised shots :lol

yeah that foul on manu in game 7 was so smart with so little time on the clock
and those so called ill advised shots were not that bad
the dude shots a great %

[smeagol]

yeah that foul on manu in game 7 was so smart with so little time on the clock
and those so called ill advised shots were not that bad
the dude shots a great %

I know. Manu sucks. Time to trade manu, heh ducks?

That would make you happy . . .

[ducks]

spurs can not afford to pay as much as they do to manu and not have him ready in the playoffs
the summer time he is suppose to rest
he was tired in the wcf in case you did not know that
if spurs can get close to = talent for him you have to think about it
he is not getting any younger and is going to have to reduce his minutes even more
manu did not average that many more points then jr smith

[Dingle Barry]

Fact is that you're not going to be able to get anyone for Manu that does as much for this team. You underestimate how much Ginobili contributes to creating offense and more importantly his intangibles.

The team would be worse off. There is no doubt in my mind.

Manu is still a top 5-7 shooting guard in this league. Respect dat.

[DaDakota]

If you guys traded Manu, you would not be a championship team....he is the one guy that teams fear on the perimeter, a lot more than Parker....Manu hits the big shots, forces the action and is one of the top SGs in the league, I would consider trading Tmac for him but if you guys are smart, you wouldn't.

:D

DD

[ChumpDumper]

Fact is that you're not going to be able to get anyone for Manu that does as much for this team. You underestimate how much Ginobili contributes to creating offense and more importantly his intangibles.

The team would be worse off. There is no doubt in my mind.

Manu is still a top 5-7 shooting guard in this league. Respect dat.Where does he rank with a bum ankle?

[v2freak]

Fact is that you're not going to be able to get anyone for Manu that does as much for this team. You underestimate how much Ginobili contributes to creating offense and more importantly his intangibles.

The team would be worse off. There is no doubt in my mind.

Manu is still a top 5-7 shooting guard in this league. Respect dat.

I agree when he is on, he is a 5-7 shooting guard in the league, in the Spurs' system. Imagine how his development would have been stunted had he been playing next to Me-Me-Me Bryant instead of Robinson and Duncan!

But there's also no denying that his bad games impact the team negatively. It would be different if he were a non-factor, but crucial turnovers, impulsive decision-making and ill advised shots cost the Spurs at times. I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

[ElNono]

yeah that foul on manu in game 7 was so smart with so little time on the clock
and those so called ill advised shots were not that bad
the dude shots a great %

Wow. You are really comparing a 3 time NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, All-Star, and barely NBA MVP Finals (2 votes away) for a guy that can't even start in Denver? I mean, you clearly hate Manu, but THAT much?
The reason we need Magette and Smith is because Manu has to play extended minutes, simply because Finley plainly sucked, and Barry was injured. I'm going to make it real clear to you, for all your bitching, if we don't have Manu last year, we don't make the playoffs. Yeah, with Duncan and Parker, and we still miss them. So the first thing you can start doing is giving credit where credit is due. Just amazing what short memory you have.

[ElNono]

spurs can not afford to pay as much as they do to manu and not have him ready in the playoffs
the summer time he is suppose to rest
he was tired in the wcf in case you did not know that
if spurs can get close to = talent for him you have to think about it
he is not getting any younger and is going to have to reduce his minutes even more
manu did not average that many more points then jr smith

He was injured AND tired, because he's been bailing us out throughout the entire season. You want a fresh Manu in the playoffs? Get a freaking bench!

[v2freak]

It was a tight race this year in the Western Conference, but it may be reaching to say that no Manu, no playoffs. Without Ginobili, who knows how the rest of the team may have played. Maybe some players would have stepped up. The Butterfly Effect makes it difficult to assess what would have happened. All we can do is look at his performance in the regular season, which was quite good, and his performance in the playoffs, which ranged from awesome to not so good.

[underdawg]

It was a tight race this year in the Western Conference, but it may be reaching to say that no Manu, no playoffs. Without Ginobili, who knows how the rest of the team may have played. Maybe some players would have stepped up. The Butterfly Effect makes it difficult to assess what would have happened. All we can do is look at his performance in the regular season, which was quite good, and his performance in the playoffs, which ranged from awesome to not so good.

Wow that's stretching it a bit. Without a doubt no Manu - definitely no playoffs. Some of the other posters here are right in saying our inconsistent bench was the real cause of his fatigue - not just his style of play. Tony was hurt and Manu carried the team during an important stretch while we were trying to stay within range of the #1 seed. Pop's always tried to limit his minutes, but because no one consistently stepped up his hand was forced. That said, Manu has to be healthy in the playoffs for us to win the championship. If we don't get consistent scoring (via FA) that's going to be pretty difficult. I understand all of the arguments for country pride and that's admirable, but isn't it possible that Manu loves playing basketball more than he loves playing basketball for his country? If that's the case, I surely hope he's being as careful and responsible as possible if this injury has the potential to be a career limiting/threatening injury. It's one thing to have pride - it's another thing to have foolish pride.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

You know we've won the thread when ducks and TPark are the ones arguing for the other side.

Mission acomplished :tu

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

You know we've won the thread when ducks and TPark are the ones arguing for the other side.

Mission acomplished :tu

:lol

[diego]

its amazing how some people are capable of blaming manu for this seasons elimination, then from there assuming he will be injured again next playoffs and blame him for that when it hasnt even happened.

no faith whatsoever.

and the funny thing is, the spurs are going to end up extending his contract anyways, because they'll be hardpressed to get equal value for the money. unless ducks and tpark became GM, and pulled a chris wallace ahead of that. im sure duncan will get great looks with smith and maggete replacing manu and barry

[Manufan909]

Where does he rank with a bum ankle?

Top 3 if you go by All-NBA teams. And what kind of fucked up question is that? How about you ask that for any other player who got in a freak accident? I wonder if Fakers fans would've thrown Kobe under the bus if he'd played with one ankle in the WCF instead of Manu.:bang

[BuzzerBeater]

Imagine what the trophy case would look like without Manu's contributions the past 5 years.

[ElNono]

We should be worrying what our bench is going to look like next year, not Manu. If we don't get a solid bench that gives Tim, Tony and Manu some rest, it's not gonna matter wether Manu played the Olympics or not.

[Manudona]

its amazing how some people are capable of blaming manu for this seasons elimination, then from there assuming he will be injured again next playoffs and blame him for that when it hasnt even happened.

no faith whatsoever.

and the funny thing is, the spurs are going to end up extending his contract anyways, because they'll be hardpressed to get equal value for the money. unless ducks and tpark became GM, and pulled a chris wallace ahead of that. im sure duncan will get great looks with smith and maggete replacing manu and barry


And I would add that all this dis-loyal fans also blame manu of being dis-loyal. It is funny when they say: "The Spurs should trade Manu while it has value, after all NBA is a business", then a few paragraphs/posts later, they start crying about Manu not being loyal to the team that should trade him while he has some value! :rollin

[Manufan909]

Hopefully he gets Argentina another Gold, and then goes on to contibute to Trophy #5, that'll shut them the fuck up for AT LEAST the next offseason.