What the Hell's wrong with Manu?

[smeagol]

If somebody has to call him out, it better be a member a his Church.

Does anybody know what the Hell is wrong with him?

Is he still injured? Cause not only his shot is not falling but his usual aggressivness is not there either.

So much for all those people who said he needed to rest (including himself) through the summer. Last year he played in Athens and when the season started, he came out firing on all cylinders.

This year he rests all summer (and works on his game) and he is sucking monkey's testicles.

To the great basketaball minds that post here, I would like an answer.

Thans

[beirmeistr]

This is not an excuse but an observation. I think that opponents are defending him tougher than last year. Now as to why he is subpar so far---he still does not have his normal lift. I wouldn't think it would affect his finishing his drives but something is. He has been subpar on his finishes. And, like Bowen and Horry, he has not found his shooting touch.

[spurschick]

I was joking last night that maybe Manu should have played this summer. :lol Tony did and now he's playing great! So did Rasho.

I think that he is just going through a funk. It wouldn't be the first time, we're just not used to seeing it at the beginning of the season. I think that the thigh pad is bothering him more than the bruise itself. I also think that Pop is doing his rotation experiments and it's difficult to get something going when you're struggling. If you noticed though, that dunk he had in the fourth seemed to boost him a bit and then he followed it with a 3-pointer.

Our patron saint has his ups and downs like everyone else. Keep the faith.

[Phenomanul]

It's the hair.... Samson effect.

[ALVAREZ6]

I was wondering the same thing...why is he sucking ass these games?

How could he go from what he did to the Pistons in June to this bullshit?

He's hurting my fantasy team too, and his fg% sucks ass.

[MI21]

Doesn't have the explosiveness and dexterity (sp) on drives that he normally has. He had the offseason off of course, so the only way to explain this is the thigh bruise. He could just be struggling as well, as we know, over the years a lot of the Spurs best players start off slow.

[ManuTastic]

Is he still injured? Cause not only his shot is not falling but his usual aggressivness is not there either.


True dat. WTFU w/my main man Manu?

All I can think is he must be hurt/bothered by something, because he is NOT himself yet. Maybe he's still on his honeymoon in his mind...

[boutons]

No Spur seemed emotionally involved in, committed to the game.
Blank faces, just like pre-season.
Manu, too, and he is the last person I expect detachment from.

Are we stuck with the as Spurs as yet another Championship team who won't get off their laurels to play seriously. One of the reasons repeating is so hard.

[angel_luv]

Our patron saint has his ups and downs like everyone else. Keep the faith.


I believe!=)

[spurschick]

He scored 13 points, behind Timmy's 18 and Tony's 24. Yeah, he's not his normal self right now, but what does that say for the other guys? He played 28 minutes and scored 13. Finley played 27 minutes and scored 2. Brent played 28 minutes and scored 5. I know we expect more from Manu, but give the guy a break. Everyone's talking about this incredibly deep bench we have, but we're still putting all this pressure on Manu to carry the team? Manu is Manu. He'll be fine.

[rascal]

Vince Carter > Manu

Carter is the type of player that can take over a game consistently, Manu cannot.
Only homer spur fans think otherwise.

The spurs should have traded Manu and throw ins to match salary for Carter last year.


Manu will not make the all star team this year. He should not have made it last year either. Parker will make it this year.

[smeagol]

If you noticed though, that dunk he had in the fourth seemed to boost him a bit and then he followed it with a 3-pointer.
Not only that but he followed up with a steal, but then he clanked the first FT.

The only Spur that is taking his game to the next level is Tony (and he is still sketchy when it comes to shooting, but his penetration is amazing).

Even TD is not putting the numbers, although if nobody is playing more than 30 minutes, it will be difficult to maintain the stats.

[smeagol]

Vince Carter > Manu

Carter is the type of player that can take over a game consistently, Manu cannot.
Only homer spur fans think otherwise.

The spurs should have traded Manu and throw ins to match salary for Carter last year.


Manu will not make the all star team this year. He should not have made it last year either. Parker will make it this year.
rascal is here after a loss.

What's new?

[smeagol]

Vince Carter > Manu
That's your opinion.


Carter is the type of player that can take over a game consistently, Manu cannot.
How many games did Manu take over in the playoffs last year, when it mattered? How many did VC take over?

Case closed.


Only homer spur fans think otherwise.
Well you are neither.



The spurs should have traded Manu and throw ins to match salary for Carter last year.
Last year: No Manu, no title.

But hey, its pretty clear you won't be happy until the Spurs have more superstars in their roster than the 92 Dream Team.



Manu will not make the all star team this year.
If he plays like he has played these last three games, then you have point. If he plays like he did last year, then he has a chance.


He should not have made it last year either.

Spoken like a true Spurs Fan (and a proud fan too) :rolleyes

[spurschick]

Vince Carter > Manu

Carter is the type of player that can take over a game consistently, Manu cannot.
Only homer spur fans think otherwise.



Did you not see who started this thread and who all has contributed?! When the Church of Manu starts calling out Saint Ginobili, I think you can throw the word "homer" out. Nobody is denying that Manu isn't playing well.

[rascal]

That's your opinion.

And the opinion of most nba fans other than you and the other homer spur fans.

How many games did Manu take over in the playoffs last year, when it mattered? How many did VC take over?

Case closed.

Case not closed. It is not accurate to compare individule players with team success. Manu plays with Duncan. Carter does not. Exchange Carter with Manu and the spurs still win.

Do you think if manu was on the Nets the Nets would be better?? Again: Do not compare individule players with team success.


Last year: No Manu, no title.

Carter instead of Manu. Spurs still win.

But hey, its pretty clear you won't be happy until the Spurs have more superstars in their roster than the 92 Dream Team.

You even now say carter is a superstar. Manu is not.

[polandprzem]

It's the hair.... Samson effect.
That was my thinking also

[TDMVPDPOY]

probaly had sex b4 the game....wobbly legz

[spurschick]

Vince Carter
• Named NBA Rookie of the Year 1998-1999
• Won Gold Medal at 2000 Olympic Games
• Selected to NBA All-Star Game 2000-2005
• Won 2001 Slam Dunk Contest
• Won 2001 Tournament of Americas with Team USA


Manu Ginobili
• Won the Italian League and the Italian Cup in 2000-2001 with Virtus Kinder Bologna
• Won the Euroleague with Virtus Kinder Bologna in 2000-2001
• Won the 2001 Tournament of Americas with the Argentina NT
• Won the Italian Cup with Virtus Kinder Bologna in 2002
• Won the Silver Medal at the 2002 World Championships with the Argentina NT
• Won the NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 and 2005
• Won the Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympic Games with the Argentina NT
• Voted Bosman Player of the Year of the Italian League in 2000
• Named Finals MVP of the 2000-2001 Euroleague Championship with Virtus Kinder Bologna
• Named Italian League MVP in 2001
• Won the Italian League Slam Dunk Contest in 2001
• Played in the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Italian League All-Star Game
• Voted 2001 Tournament of Americas MVP
• Voted All-Tournament Team at the 2002 World Championships
• Selected to the NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team in 2002-2003
• Selected to the NBA Rookie All-Star Game in 2003 and 2004
• Named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2003 Tournament of Americas
• Named MVP of the 2004 Olympic Games tournament
• Selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 2005
• 2005 Nike Baller of the Year

[ObiwanGinobili]

It's the hair.... Samson effect.


shit! :oops
And I was pro-hair cut....... now I feel like Judas.... :depressed

[Trainwreck2100]

His problem is he can't get enough air into his brain with his head so far up his ass.

[smeagol]

rascal, it's pretty clear your mind will not change.

Even after Manu's production through the entire playoffs, including the finals, where he lost the MVP title to the true MVP by a slim margin. Even after he took over key elimination games where TP and TD had disappeared and it was solely because of Manu that those games where won. Even after all this, you want to trade Manu.

And regarding your comment about VC being part of the Spurs in exchange of Manu would've been an automatic championship, well, that's a big hypothetical, tor a fax. So shove it.

[spurschick]

It was only the third game. (I don't count the pre-season since a lot of players phoned it in.) While I'm not willing to wait til April for him to get it going, I'm not quite ready to bump him to my fantasy team reserves in favor of Delfino. Let's revisit this topic in a week or two.

[Cherry]

Ups and downs. That's all.
I think Manu is upset with himself


but he will be ok. ;)

[1Parker1]

Just wanted ya'll to know...............


.........The Church of Tony is always looking for new recruits :angel

[Ginofan]

It's a funk, it's the hair, it's the injury...it's something. I know I've contemplated changing my screen name several times this season already :lol But in all seriousness, I'm pretty confident Manu will bounce back. He's being gaurded more closely, but once people start to see how Tony and Tim are playing they'll back off of Manu some and concentrate on TnT...giving Manu some room to work. It'll all work out.

[Gummi]

I was so pissed when he blew that layup in the fourth quarter after the Spurs had made a nice run and then he fouled Van Horn. That sealed the Mavs win for me.

But Manu hasn't played well in any of the three games so far. Hope he'll pick it up soon. I'm happy though that Parker has improved his game and esp. his finishing around the basket.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Vince Carter > Manu

Carter is the type of player that can take over a game consistently, Manu cannot.
Only homer spur fans think otherwise.

Vince Carter? The man whose coach benched him in a game against us two years ago because he had no heart and didn't care? The man who sprains his wrist from jacking off to his press clippings every year, and ends up missing half the season?

You're a fag. And a dumb one at that.

[1Parker1]

.......Where's that Manu > Kobe thread? :angel

[Mavs<Spurs]

Just wanted ya'll to know...............


.........The Church of Tony is always looking for new recruits :angel


Well, I have to give your main squeeze Tony major props.

Truth be told, he is playing better ball than anyone else on the team. I predicted this summer repeatedly that Tony's game would go up and that he would be selected for the all star team. While this is only the beginning of the season, it is promising.

I predict Manu's game will go up seriously in a couple of weeks or two.

I think I agree with the consensus here that two factors are at work.

The first is that Manu is still injured. The second is that Manu is getting a major amount of attention now.

I don't think that this is the Jermaine Jackson, one hit wonder factor. I still think that Manu will play well enough to merit selection on the all star team.

[Mavs<Spurs]

.......Where's that Manu > Kobe thread? :angel


Manu has had three bad games so far while dealing with an injury that would limit his explosive moves to the basket.

Tony has had three good games so far.

Extrapolating from three games is not the same as proving that Tony is a better player than Manu.

Remember that part of the reason why Tony is doing so well is all the attention directed at Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

We saw this same problem with Manu when he had this same type of injury in the Finals. He showed up big in game seven.

While I think Tony's jumpshot will become more consistent and I predict him to merit selection to the all star team this year (similar to Manu's jump last year), Tony has not had a stellar record in the Finals. Remember Speedy and remember last year.

These posts can be pulled back up. Jumping to conclusions can make us look pretty silly in the light of day.

[smeagol]

.......Where's that Manu > Kobe thread? :angel
1P1, you had to go ahead and turn this into a Manu vs Tony thread! :lol

[ChumpDumper]

Manu will be fine.

[smeagol]

5 . . 4 . . .3 . . 2 seconds before we get Sequ bashing Manu, Argentines and foreigners in general

[loveforthegame]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA110605.7C.BKNspurs.notebook.d08e4ea.html

Ginobili nearly at full strength: Manu Ginobili hasn't missed a game since bruising his right quadriceps in practice last week. But that doesn't mean he's completely healthy.

Ginobili has been playing with a thick thigh pad on his right leg.

"I think he's 85 to 90 percent," Popovich said. "He just doesn't have that explosiveness."

[Spurzilla]

Manu will be fine. Truth is there weren't that many players playing well last night. The loss should fire them all up for the rest of the road trip, though. I expect we'll see great focus the rest of the road trip.

[Mavs<Spurs]

5 . . 4 . . .3 . . 2 seconds before we get Sequ bashing Manu, Argentines and foreigners in general

Are you saying that some things are very predictable, like the rivalry between Tony's girl fans and Manu's fans?

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Just wanted ya'll to know...............


.........The Church of Tony is always looking for new recruits :angel

Now this is a holy war! A Crusade! We will win my brothers!:lol

I think everyone here was expecting Manu to play like he did in the playoffs, but he isn't in full gear mode yet. Give him some time. And, actually, he isn't breaking through defenses, but he scored over 10 points in each one of the three games.

[ploto]

Combination-- not in rhythm yet, thigh bruise, and hates the pad!!

[Sasha]

No Spur seemed emotionally involved in, committed to the game.
Blank faces, just like pre-season.
Manu, too, and he is the last person I expect detachment from.

Are we stuck with the as Spurs as yet another Championship team who won't get off their laurels to play seriously. One of the reasons repeating is so hard.


Manu was no better and no worse than any other Spur last night - although Parker hit the court with bells on. I wasn't even sure what team I was watching - sure wasn't Spurs basketball!

I wonder how much emotion was really involved in this loss - like this was just a game they had to get through? Everyone was off, but Finley really had to fight and I actually felt terrible for him. Hell, I felt terrible for all of them because, for some reason, they just didn't show up to play.

The Mavs played the game we handed to them... and they won, which they should have.

But we all know what happens after the Spurs play a crappy game. The next team pays for it, right? So Chicago needs to be very, very afraid.

Finally, I'd rather be 'stuck with the Spurs as another yet Championship team' than any other championship team I can think of. And the Spurs don't 'stand on their laurels to play seriously' - they're just human beings like the rest of us and they have 'off' nights, too. But, last night, something else was going on out on that court and I just don't know what it was...

But I do know this: The next time we play Dallas, the Spurs will be there.

[1Parker1]

.....Where's that Manu >> Kobe thread?




Manu has had three bad games so far while dealing with an injury that would limit his explosive moves to the basket.

Tony has had three good games so far.

Extrapolating from three games is not the same as proving that Tony is a better player than Manu.


1P1, you had to go ahead and turn this into a Manu vs Tony thread! :lol


:lmao Thanks Smeagol..........I'm glad someone got it. Where the hell did I even mention Tony in this thread?!?!


Careful Smeagol.....I think your church patrons are jumping ship and seeing things that aren't there in light of Manu's recent play. Pull them together!

:smokin

[Phenomanul]

Combination-- not in rhythm yet, thigh bruise, and hates the pad!!


Yeah, during the Cavs game he ripped it off of his leg somewhat enraged....

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

i didnt think you guys would be flipping out over manu playing like he has. Hasnt he always been a lower scorer (around 15pgpg) during the regular season and then steps up in the playoffs?

[1Parker1]

Now this is a holy war! A Crusade! We will win my brothers!:lol.


:lmao Good one.


Seriously though, I don't think Manu's injury is fully to blame for his poor play. I think Manu is see the kind of attention opposing teams defenses will have on him after his spectacular post-season run and All Star appearance. He just has to take time to get adjusted to that. The injury isn't helping him any either. My only complaint with him is the same one I have whenever Tony is sucking: Just because you can't score points and are having a bad night, doesn't mean you can't contribute in other ways. Sloppy TO's and bad shot selections and bad passes are no excuse.

[SequSpur]

5 . . 4 . . .3 . . 2 seconds before we get Sequ bashing Manu, Argentines and foreigners in general

:stfu

It's still to early for me to complain.

The only problem I have is why in the fuck is Beno still a Spur and Devin Brown is not?

[spurschick]

Careful Smeagol.....I think your church patrons are jumping ship and seeing things that aren't there in light of Manu's recent play. Pull them together!

Our church is well established. Our patrons don't jump ship.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Our church is well established. Our patrons don't jump ship.

Yeah, we ain't French...*cough*

[1Parker1]

Yeah, we ain't French...*cough*


:lmao Damn. Now it's definitely a war. Where are the FRENCH patrons of my Church at?

[MaNuMaNiAc]

:lmao Damn. Now it's definitely a war. Where are the FRENCH patrons of my Church at?
You ain't got no church, you got a wannabe parish! http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[1Parker1]

:depressed


Oh yea..........well what happened to all your Vbookie there Manumania? Did you bet on Manu too much? :angel

[MaNuMaNiAc]

:depressed


Oh yea..........well what happened to all your Vbookie there Manumania? Did you bet on Manu too much? :angel actually no, I lost it betting on the Spurs, but nice try. Haven't you heard, I'm taking a vow of poverty. I'm against imaginary materialistic riches http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[1Parker1]

Too bad, you just got demoted from being my vbookie :king. Smeagol it is......



:angel

[nanya]

"Im baaaack! I dont think anything is wrong with manu!

[Kori Ellis]

Manu has looked pretty bad since the second game of preseason. He manages to put up some stats here and there, but overall he doesn't look good at all.

Depth is a blessing.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

You're a fag.

wha-whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooot?

[spurschick]

actually no, I lost it betting on the Spurs

Dude, what the hell did you bet the farm on?!

[MmP]

Give Manu a break

It's only been 3 games so far, as the season continues he'll be the same.

[slayermin]

I don't think anything is wrong with Manu.

It did feel like he coasted the first three and a half quarters against the Mavs. He finally turned up his intensity when it looked like Dallas was pulling away.

He isn't playing with the same reckless abandon we are used to right now. That could be due to the quad injury. His lack of aggressiveness is probably due to his unselfishness. He wants the newcomers to get some opportunities to get used to the system. And Tony Parker has been sick the first three games. He maybe deferring to TP a little.

To Dallas, last night was a playoff game. To the Spurs, it was the third game of the season.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

his free throws were even clanking.

Plus, was I the only one who noticed the circles under the eyes and pale look on Manu's face? I think he was either sick or didnt get enough sleep or is deeply troubled by personal issues. He did not seem to be into the game until he made a bad play then made that steal.
But his layups and jumpers were way off.

[Nikos]

Vince Carter > Manu

Carter is the type of player that can take over a game consistently, Manu cannot.
Only homer spur fans think otherwise.

The spurs should have traded Manu and throw ins to match salary for Carter last year.


Manu will not make the all star team this year. He should not have made it last year either. Parker will make it this year.

Your right, Vince Carter is better than Manu. I am a huge Manu fan, and I agree he is better when healthy and actually trying.

But Manu did deserve to be an all-star last season, and in the playoffs he averaged over 20ppg on 50% shooting (+ hitting 3pters and getting to the FT line on over half of his shots). He upped his PPG by 5 AND his efficiency, how many playoff performers can say they step up their game that much?

No way Parker was the superior player last season. In the playoffs it wasn't even remotely close -- but that doesn't matter this season. If Parker keeps playing like he does now, he will make the all star game, and Manu likely won't. But last season Manu was the superior player, and did deserve the all star selection.

After you saying Manu can't average 20ppg etc....then he does in the playoffs and you disappear? And only post regarding Manu when he plays poorly? Typical rascal, defending non-Spur players rather than actually enjoy your OWN team winning the championship. Kind of pathetic if you ask me.

[smeagol]

Your right, Vince Carter is better than Manu. I am a huge Manu fan, and I agree he is better when healthy and actually trying.

But Manu did deserve to be an all-star last season, and in the playoffs he averaged over 20ppg on 50% shooting (+ hitting 3pters and getting to the FT line on over half of his shots). He upped his PPG by 5 AND his efficiency, how many playoff performers can say they step up their game that much?

No way Parker was the superior player last season. In the playoffs it wasn't even remotely close -- but that doesn't matter this season. If Parker keeps playing like he does now, he will make the all star game, and Manu likely won't. But last season Manu was the superior player, and did deserve the all star selection.

After you saying Manu can't average 20ppg etc....then he does in the playoffs and you disappear? And only post regarding Manu when he plays poorly? Typical rascal, defending non-Spur players rather than actually enjoy your OWN team winning the championship. Kind of pathetic if you ask me.
Nikos gets it and has for a while :tu

[E20]

Manu is has been getting his dong sucked so much his legs can't support him anymore. He'll be back next game, he just has to work with his bitches and set them straight.

As far as I see it, rascal is getting told so there is no need to reply to his posts. The only thing rascal has posted in this thread is that he needs Carters penis badly.

[smeagol]

Given the depth of SA it will be difficult for Manu to make it to the ASG. But if Kori wants to put together a VBookie with Manu making it or not to the ASG (TP could be thrown in there to make it more fun), I would wager a couple of millions on manu. He hardly ever let's me down.

rascal, one more thing. You have the deepest Spurs team in history and you still manage to bitch.

Fuck you must be a sad individual.

[Doc Jerome]

probaly had sex b4 the game....wobbly legz

Now that may be the best excuse anyone could give for his lackluster play. Now what is the excuse for the rest of the team? I tell you, if this team does not bring it early, the rest of the league will be invigorated with the confidence in feeling no fear and challenging with everything they have.

[boutons]

"difficult for Manu to make it to the ASG"

If Michael's Nuggets game was "beginner's luck", and his last two games (2 -12 FGs) will be more typical for the next few months, then Spurs SG will be Manu then Brent, just like last year, with Manu having the same minutes and chances to make the coaches' AS team.

With Manu and Brent proven playoff performers, there's no need for Pop to nurse Michael along with minutes where he doesn't produce scoring (Michael being primarily a scorer and nothing else).

I really doubt Michael will be able to break significantly into the backcourt PLAYOFF rotation of Tony, Manu, Bruce, Brent. But I'd love him to be good enough in the (late) season to do it.

vs Mavs, the front court minutes were mostly Tim, Rasho, Robert. I wonder if that means anything? :)

[Manu20]

PPG 11 APG 2.3 RBG 3.3 FG% .286 3P% .333
:pctoss

Do not worry fans http://nbahoy.com.ar/store/manujersey.jpg will be back to his all-star self starting tomorrow.

[TMTTRIO]

yeah Manu hasn't looked like himself at all but I have faith that he'll come back around(he pretty much can't shoot any worse). It's weird seeing him miss a bunch of free throws especially since he's one of our best free throw shooters. I do think it's a combination of the thigh injury (look how it affected him in the finals) and getting into rhythm. I'm almost starting to think playing summer ball is actually good for him to get into it. Look how well Tony's playing and how well Manu did last season :).

[Despot]

I'm sure a large part of it is the injury, heck, it bothered him enough for him to take the pad off while he was still in the game...

But more importantly, Manu always seemed to be the one to pick up the slack, when the offense started bogging down, he was the one who took charge and jumpstarted it. I just kinda felt that he didn't feel he needed to be the saviour in the first two games, and last night when the situation became dire, he did step it up. As far as the missed layups right at the basket, who knows? Timing off because he does not have his normal lift?

[TDMVPDPOY]

^^what he said, injury and the new short haircut has decrease the downforce drag, the aerodynamics is unstable, causing him to play more faster and recklessly

[rascal]

But Manu did deserve to be an all-star last season, and in the playoffs he averaged over 20ppg on 50% shooting (+ hitting 3pters and getting to the FT line on over half of his shots).

No way Parker was the superior player last season. In the playoffs it wasn't even remotely close -- but that doesn't matter this season. If Parker keeps playing like he does now, he will make the all star game, and Manu likely won't. But last season Manu was the superior player, and did deserve the all star selection.

After you saying Manu can't average 20ppg etc....then he does in the playoffs and you disappear? And only post regarding Manu when he plays poorly? Typical rascal, defending non-Spur players rather than actually enjoy your OWN team winning the championship. Kind of pathetic if you ask me.

I'm bringing back the argument that I had with you and others last year on Manu vs Carter. Now you even agree Carter is better. Manu won't avg 20 ppg during the regular season. Sure over a course of a few playoff games he can but he won't over the course of a season in the spurs system.

I never said Manu was not a good player just that Carter is better and the spurs should have traded for carter when they had a chance to even if it meant trading away manu. I remember almost everyonre except Sequ Spur saying carter wasn't any good.

Manu did not deserve an all star selection last year. Its about regular season numbers for the all star selection and other players had better regular season numbers than manu at last years all star break. Manu was likely put in last year to add another ex international player because the nba wants to market outside the us.

I also never said parker was the better player last year. But Parker willl go to the all star game this year and manu won't.

My own team? I don't own any team. I realize which players are better even though they may not wear a spurs jersey.

[Marcus Bryant]

rascal is in midseason form.

[Das Texan]

hopefully that as the season rolls along that Manu returns to being Manu. We can live with him playing like total shit right now (although my fantasy team would beg to differ), but by the spring he absolutely needs to be at his usual form in order for us to truly be dominant. Here's to hoping his biggest problem has been rust from not playing all summer and we will see Manu back to being at the top of his game real soon.

[Dre_7]

Manu has looked pretty bad since the second game of preseason. He manages to put up some stats here and there, but overall he doesn't look good at all.

Depth is a blessing.

Exactly. I understand Manu is very passionate. But with the depth we have, I think Manu should rest until his leg is 100%. Its a loooong 82 game season. Missing a few games is okay. But continuing to play on a bad leg in the early season, is not very wise. Rest him for a few games and let him get to 100%.

[TDMVPDPOY]

too much mileage, needs oilchange

[dn0]

jeez, give manu a break.
It's all about how you end the season not how slow you start it.

[spurschick]

Can we close this thread now? :elephant

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

And this thread should slowly sink into the Spurs Talk history.

[Vashner]

It's the haircut...

[Nikos]

I'm bringing back the argument that I had with you and others last year on Manu vs Carter. Now you even agree Carter is better. Manu won't avg 20 ppg during the regular season. Sure over a course of a few playoff games he can but he won't over the course of a season in the spurs system.

I never said Manu was not a good player just that Carter is better and the spurs should have traded for carter when they had a chance to even if it meant trading away manu. I remember almost everyonre except Sequ Spur saying carter wasn't any good.

Manu did not deserve an all star selection last year. Its about regular season numbers for the all star selection and other players had better regular season numbers than manu at last years all star break. Manu was likely put in last year to add another ex international player because the nba wants to market outside the us.

I also never said parker was the better player last year. But Parker willl go to the all star game this year and manu won't.

My own team? I don't own any team. I realize which players are better even though they may not wear a spurs jersey.


I have never said Manu was better than Carter, if I did I only said it in the context where Carter is half-injured or not trying (aka Toronto).

I am not saying to 'own' any team, just don't discount anything positive that Manu does just because he doesn't average 20ppg over the regular season. You said the Spurs couldn't win with a second star or 20ppg scorer, and Manu did that in the playoffs. MUCH BETTER than most of the players who score 23ppg in the regular season then come playoff time they flame out and shoot worse % and average 4-5ppg less. This also happens with role players as well. Players tend to do worse playoff time, leader, all star, or role player. It happens, and Manu rose above it, and helped his team win the title.

Manu wasn't scoring 20ppg in a couple playoff games, he scored it in 20+ games against GREAT playoff competetion. I would wany that over 20ppg on 42% FG shooting in the regular season wouldn't you? What is with your fixation on scoring 20ppg on a measly % in the regular season on one of the slowest paced teams in the league?

If Manu can do it in the playoffs I'll take it and not complain. He plays like an all star in the playoffs and thats all that counts. Why can't you just give the man some credit for a change? He played awesome in the playoffs and more than did what he was supposed to. Same with Horry (they stepped up the most, but Horry wasn't nearly as valuable overall).

But its cool, rascal, ignore it and use all your energy dismissing Manu. Thats fine. You have your opinons, but I disagree, and I don't really like that you do not explain any rationale for your opinions other than 'scoring 20ppg' and then when the player does it in the playoffs you deem as simply 'a few games'. Manu in 29 minutes was producing quality basketball, and the coaches saw it. Can he help it if he such a great producer in limited minutes? Surely coaches could see that his 16ppg in 29mpg on insane points per shot was worth more than someone who took tons of shots on a bad team at a poor percentage and played mediocre defense etc.... The coaches wouldn't vote someone who has poor stats if they weren't deserving.

I am not saying Manu is god. He is a borderline all star, who typically plays better in the playoffs than in the regular season. The stats back it up. And Manu does other things on the court that stats don't represent either. He is a solid all around player. I am not a Ginobili homer so don't accuse me of being one -- I am seeing him for how he was as a player for the team last season. Is it wrong to beleive he deserved the all star award last season? I remember you did say Parker should have made it over him, but its ok, change your opinions and post 'homer' every time someone mentions Ginobili in a positive light.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I'm bringing back the argument that I had with you and others last year on Manu vs Carter. Now you even agree Carter is better. Manu won't avg 20 ppg during the regular season. Sure over a course of a few playoff games he can but he won't over the course of a season in the spurs system.

I never said Manu was not a good player just that Carter is better and the spurs should have traded for carter when they had a chance to even if it meant trading away manu. I remember almost everyonre except Sequ Spur saying carter wasn't any good.

Manu did not deserve an all star selection last year. Its about regular season numbers for the all star selection and other players had better regular season numbers than manu at last years all star break. Manu was likely put in last year to add another ex international player because the nba wants to market outside the us.

I also never said parker was the better player last year. But Parker willl go to the all star game this year and manu won't.

My own team? I don't own any team. I realize which players are better even though they may not wear a spurs jersey.
When Manu makes the All- Star this year, you'll eat your words jackass

[Kori Ellis]

Manu was amazing on the glass tonight. Good job, Manu.

[smdanss]

Manu was amazing on the glass tonight. Good job, Manu.

13 board, 14 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block. Great. :elephant

[1Parker1]

He's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! Manu's just warming up.

[Horry For 3!]

5-16 FG 1-3 FT 3-10 3PT 14 PTS 13 REBS 3 ASTS 3 STLS 1 BLK 4 TO


He could have shot better from the 3 pt and ft line.

[Nikos]

He's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! Manu's just warming up.

He is still playing strange on offense. He missed 2-3 easy shots near the basket again tonight. His timing is still off underneath, and it always seems to surface after missed perimeter shots. I doubt it was the injury, Manu just seems out of sync on offense. Almost all of his last 7 three point attempts were semi-contested, but he should have knocked 1 or 2 of those down.

But at least tonight he was battling on defense, and on the boards (a few of his rip away steals from Deng were probably not technically rebounds). He looked like he cared tonight. Had two nice passes where Bowen should have converted but didn't, and one were Parker was just slightly off (that play they do).

But nonetheless, I like to see Manu make the simple shots. He did so well with that last year. It's almost like he is returning to his 03-04 form where he struggles to score, but battles harder on defense (or at least it seems that way).

I just hope Manu can get back to being efficient on offense, and not having to settle for three point shots and missed chippies.

I wouldn't say Manu is 'back' by any stretch of the imagination though. He still needs to be productive on offense, right now he is horrible on that end.

[Kori Ellis]

He doesn't have much lift do to his thigh. I'm not worried about Manu's offense.

[MI21]

I like how he is still getting a solid amount of points whilst in his slump, and 13 rebounds is nothing to sneeze at.

I'm sure he will be himself again shortly.

[Nikos]

He doesn't have much lift do to his thigh. I'm not worried about Manu's offense.

To be honest I have no idea if that is really affecting him. I am thinking that the injury is a bit overstated and that Manu is just struggling. Is it really that much of an issue, that his close in basket misses are partially due to that? At least in the last few games?

[Kori Ellis]

I've seen the bruise and the huge wrap on his leg. It's an issue; how much of an issue, I don't know.

[smeagol]

Agreed with Nikos on Manu's offense. Too many missed shots. But I'm not worried. His O will come back.

His hustling on D on the other hand, was encouraging. It certainly looked as if he had more than three steals and 13 board I believe is a record for him.

Again, his shot will eventually, but his aggressivness is back.

[ChumpDumper]

Is it really that much of an issue, that his close in basket misses are partially due to that? At least in the last few games?From what I saw, yes. He doesn't seem to be releasing from his usual heights due to the lift issue. He found his range from the arc tonight due in no small part to being wide open, and i think that may have given him alot of confidence that he could be effective. I remember he barely got up for that last dunk against the Mavs. Give him another week with the huge pads and all will be well.

[sprrs]

He probably needs some time to find his rthym since he wasn't playing all summer. Give him a few more games and he'll reach last year's level.

That being said, he played a great game tonight. I think those early threes helped his confidence, hopefully he'll keep it up.

[Kori Ellis]

This is for Nikos ...


CHICAGO — Manu Ginobili had to talk his way into playing Monday night against the Chicago Bulls.

Concerned that Ginobili's right leg wasn't getting any better, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was leaning toward giving his starting shooting guard a couple of games off to rest.

But Ginobili felt confident enough after testing his leg during warm-ups to ask to play.

"I told him I wanted to give it another try," Ginobili said.

Ginobili has lacked his usual explosiveness since bruising his right quadriceps in practice three days before the start of the season. His right ankle also began to trouble him Saturday when he missed nine of his 11 shots in the Spurs' loss in Dallas.

Ginobili also went 2 for 9 in the season opener. Several of his misses in the first three games were shots at the rim he usually finishes.

Ginobili said Monday his ankle felt better, but his leg obviously had yet to completely heal.

"We're very concerned," Popovich said before the game. "We're hoping we're making the right decision by letting him go one more night. He seems to think he's improving every day a little bit, but we don't see it.

"We'll just respect his decision to play, but if we don't like what we'll see, we'll sit him down."

[T Park]

Ankle now too??

Dudes a walking Mash Unit.

[40minus8]

It's that he is not 1 hundred percent, be is playing with a small injury, give him time, or maybe he is pretending he is hurt, when the time is right he is going to explode, ya I think thats what it is......