spursistan
03-27-2018, 02:21 PM
32. Manu Ginobili San Antonio Spurs (2002-present)
Influence:
There has never been a player like Manu Ginobili, in style or in substance. He busted every lingering stereotype about international guards. He plays at an arrhythmic pace that is all his, and that defenders had never seen jerking and lunging in front of them. He makes moves between dribbles, as Dennis Lindsay, the Jazz GM and former Spurs higher-up, is fond of saying.
He is the biggest star ever -- an international icon, a certain Hall of Famer -- to accept a permanent bench role in the prime of his career. As much as anyone, including Tim Duncan, Ginobili represents the Spurs' ethos.
"He played as big a part as Tim in building our culture," said Spurs GM R.C. Buford. "When Manu Ginobili comes off the bench, it's hard for anyone to bitch about why they aren't starting, or whatever role they are in. Look at that guy, then talk to me."
"You can't say s---," Duncan said. "It set a precedent." -- Lowe
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank22920346/nbarank-game-changers-most-influential-basketball-players-ever-nos-50-26
I will wait to see the rest of the list (Top 25) to make full judgement. But I still wouldn't put Yao Ming higher just because he was born in a 1-billion people country.
Influence:
There has never been a player like Manu Ginobili, in style or in substance. He busted every lingering stereotype about international guards. He plays at an arrhythmic pace that is all his, and that defenders had never seen jerking and lunging in front of them. He makes moves between dribbles, as Dennis Lindsay, the Jazz GM and former Spurs higher-up, is fond of saying.
He is the biggest star ever -- an international icon, a certain Hall of Famer -- to accept a permanent bench role in the prime of his career. As much as anyone, including Tim Duncan, Ginobili represents the Spurs' ethos.
"He played as big a part as Tim in building our culture," said Spurs GM R.C. Buford. "When Manu Ginobili comes off the bench, it's hard for anyone to bitch about why they aren't starting, or whatever role they are in. Look at that guy, then talk to me."
"You can't say s---," Duncan said. "It set a precedent." -- Lowe
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank22920346/nbarank-game-changers-most-influential-basketball-players-ever-nos-50-26
I will wait to see the rest of the list (Top 25) to make full judgement. But I still wouldn't put Yao Ming higher just because he was born in a 1-billion people country.