McDonald: Parker gets assist from Ginobili

[greens]

Pro basketball: Parker gets assist from Ginobili
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA040408_SpursNotes.en.2c564eae.html

Web Posted: 04/03/2008 09:43 PM CDT

Jeff McDonald
Express-News Staff Writer

The decision to move Manu Ginobili back to a reserve role nine games ago in order to boost bench scoring appears to have worked wonders.

For the Spurs’ starting point guard.

Since coming back from a heel injury in late February, Tony Parker had struggled to rediscover his place in the Spurs’ offense. Too often, he found himself standing around and watching Ginobili and Tim Duncan handle the scoring load.

“He’d be there, but he wouldn’t be doing anything. He’d be deferring to other guys,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’s looking for Manu, he’s looking for Timmy, and it takes away his aggressiveness a little bit.”

The Spurs’ latest lineup shift has afforded Parker more time without Ginobili on the floor, giving him more freedom to use the offensive skills that made him an NBA Finals MVP.

“It works out a little more cleanly that way,” Popovich said.

Parker, who is averaging 22 points and shooting 61.7 percent from the field in his past three games, is quick Parker is quick to credit Ginobili with an assist.

“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,” Parker said. “I’m lucky that he would accept that role.”

In agreeing to life as a reserve, Ginobili has probably sacrificed a place in this season’s NBA MVP discussion. He has come off the bench in 47 of 70 games this season, still producing a team-leading 20.1 points-per-game scoring average.

Ginobili would be quick to gain Parker’s MVP vote.

“He’s having a great season, playing unbelievable basketball,” Parker said. “It reminds me of 2005 when he was making every shot. I think he’s been our best player this year by far.” (Awww...Manu's got TP's vote for MVP...)

Final Four fever: As a basketball aficionado, Popovich is pretty stoked that the Final Four will arrive in town this week. His only regret is that the Spurs will be in Portland during Saturday’s semifinal round.

The team will be back in town for Monday’s championship game at the Alamodome, and Popovich has already made plans to attend.

“Is it against the rules if I accept a ticket from someone?,” Popovich asked. “Our rule book is a little smaller than some of the other ones.”

Injury non-update: There still appears to be no specific timetable for either Robert Horry or Brent Barry to return from the injured list.

“They’re both having a tough time right now,” Popovich said Thursday. “I really don’t know when they are going to be back.”

Horry has missed the past six games with a left knee contusion. Barry, who is recovering from a torn muscle in his left calf, hasn’t played since Jan. 24.

Can’t take our dignity: It was a surreal scene at the Spurs practice facility Thursday, when a local radio personality arrived for the team’s media availability dressed as an extra from “Braveheart.”

The radio guy wore a kilt, apparently as part of some sort of charity stunt. Spurs players were amused – but not enough to want to follow suit.

“You’ll never catch me in a kilt,” Michael Finley said. “If you do, admit me to the nearest crazy house. Or drug rehab.” :lol




People were discussing earlier how it's crazy to think that Manu is the MVP this season for the Spurs...Well, even Tony Parker says so himself...and he always says that Timmy is the best player, no matter the circumstances...Obviously, Tim is always the MAIN guy, the franchise player of the Spurs....No one can debate that. But I really feel that in this particular season, ONLY this season, that Manu has been carrying the team many times, especially during injuries to Timmy and Tony. He has been playing MVP basketball...I think Robert Horry has also recently said the same thing...

[timvp]

“He’s having a great season, playing unbelievable basketball,” Parker said. “It reminds me of 2005 when he was making every shot. I think he’s been our best player this year by far.”*cue a CoM member twisting this into an insult*

[timvp]

People were discussing earlier how it's crazy to think that Manu is the MVP this season for the Spurs...Well, even Tony Parker says so himselfIn the NBA, Best != Most Valuable. If it did, MJ would have had about 10 MVP awards.

I agree with Parker that Manu has been the best player on the Spurs this season. Considering everyone's potential, Manu has come closest to reaching 100% of his potential than anyone on the team this year during the regular season. I don't even know who'd be second.

[greens]

*cue a CoM member twisting this into an insult*

:lol

It would be very hard to twist TP saying Manu is the best player to make it look bad!

In actuality, TP always gives Manu compliments.

And I agree that with Manu on the bench, it enables Tony to score more...as well as to allow Manu to also carry his offense when TP/Timmy are on the bench. It allows the three main players to be able to share the offensive responsibilities...

Pop knows that if he plays the Big Three at the same time, one of them will have less ability to score...

[anakha]

But I thought Parker hates Ginobili and wont pass to him.

Posters on MySA.com said so.

They can't be wrong, can they?

[2centsworth]

I agree with Parker that Manu has been the best player on the Spurs this season. Considering everyone's potential, Manu has come closest to reaching 100% of his potential than anyone on the team this year during the regular season. I don't even know who'd be second.
jacque vaughn

[Sec24Row7]

Why doesn't tony come off the bench and let manu start so he could be considered for MVP?

Tony never passes anyway...

How was that?

[porscha]

[b]People were discussing earlier how it's crazy to think that Manu is the MVP this season for the Spurs...Well, even Tony Parker says so himself...and he always says that Timmy is the best player, no matter the circumstances...Obviously, Tim is always the MAIN guy, the franchise player of the Spurs....No one can debate that. But I really feel that in this particular season, ONLY this season, that Manu has been carrying the team many times, especially during injuries to Timmy and Tony. He has been playing MVP basketball...I think Robert Horry has also recently said the same thing...
100% agree, but hey who knows it will be ONLY THIS SEASON ? mayne Manu will play even better next year :smokin :smokin

[porscha]

Ginobili has sacrificed for the team, for Finley, for MVP, now Tony?
Manu indeed is a very very special guy! I really wish that manu can win the final MVP !
:lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2:

[DAF86]

"unbelievable" must be Tony's favorite english word.

[DAF86]

Ginobili has sacrificed for the team, for Finley, for MVP, now Tony?
Manu indeed is a very very special guy! I really wish that manu can win the final MVP !
:lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2:

Very true! that's why he's a winner.

[greens]

"unbelievable" must be Tony's favorite english word.


Actually, the word "unbelievable" is very popular with all the Spurs players.

Manu and Tim and Pop also like to use that word all the time.

[pawe]

Ginobili has sacrificed for the team, for Finley, for MVP, now Tony?
Manu indeed is a very very special guy! I really wish that manu can win the final MVP !
:lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2:

That's a lot of trophies! See, now I can't be satisfied with just looking at 4 anymore.

[romain.star]

Actually, the word "unbelievable" is very popular with all the Spurs players.

Manu and Tim and Pop also like to use that word all the time.


Tony always uses "You know" in his sentences

[stéphane]

Tony always uses "You know" in his sentences
yup definitely what i thought...
kinda embarassing imo

[MI21]

*cue a CoM member twisting this into an insult*

:lol

That same guy would probably have taken that quote from Tony the same way he took the quote you made regarding his play in the playoffs compared to this season.

[smeagol]

Does "best player" = MVP?

[MoSpur]

Its so true about Manu. The guy has been the best player on the Spurs roster this year.

[ancestron]

But I thought Parker hates Ginobili and wont pass to him.

Posters on MySA.com said so.

They can't be wrong, can they?


They are wrong.

Manu + Tony = BFF

[nkdlunch]

as a true Church of Manu beleiver I will translate Tony's remarks for the rest of the brothers and sisters:

“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,”
translation
"I love when Manu is on the bench, the fact that he's starting on the bench allows me to hog the ball early in the game"


“I’m lucky that he would accept that role.”
translation
"he better accept his role or Pop will have his ass."

“He’s having a great season, playing unbelievable basketball,”
translation
"If not for my injury, I would be the one playing unbeleivable"

“It reminds me of 2005 when he was making every shot. I think he’s been our best player this year by far.”
translation
"It reminds me of 2005 when he was taking every shot. He's been the Spurs ballhog this year by far."
:smokin

[remingtonbo2001]

Is it against the rules if I accept a ticket from someone? Our rule book is a little smaller than some of the other ones....

Pat Riley might have an extra ticket.

[ShoogarBear]

as a true Church of Manu beleiver I will translate Tony's remarks for the rest of the brothers and sisters:

“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,”
translation
"I love when Manu is on the bench, the fact that he's starting on the bench allows me to hog the ball early in the game"


“I’m lucky that he would accept that role.”
translation
"he better accept his role or Pop will have his ass."

“He’s having a great season, playing unbelievable basketball,”
translation
"If not for my injury, I would be the one playing unbeleivable"

“It reminds me of 2005 when he was making every shot. I think he’s been our best player this year by far.”
translation
"It reminds me of 2005 when he was taking every shot. He's been the Spurs ballhog this year by far."
:smokinFTW

[FromWayDowntown]

as a true Church of Manu beleiver I will translate Tony's remarks for the rest of the brothers and sisters:

“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,”
translation
"I love when Manu is on the bench, the fact that he's starting on the bench allows me to hog the ball early in the game"


“I’m lucky that he would accept that role.”
translation
"he better accept his role or Pop will have his ass."

“He’s having a great season, playing unbelievable basketball,”
translation
"If not for my injury, I would be the one playing unbeleivable"

“It reminds me of 2005 when he was making every shot. I think he’s been our best player this year by far.”
translation
"It reminds me of 2005 when he was taking every shot. He's been the Spurs ballhog this year by far."
:smokin

:lol

[Shaolin-Style]

I remember some regular ST member got all pissy when I said they do better separately at certain points of the game.

Now TP is saying it, I wonder if that guy will get pissy at him too.

[WalterBenitez]

as a true Church of Manu beleiver I will translate Tony's remarks for the rest of the brothers and sisters:

“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,”
translation
"I love when Manu is on the bench, the fact that he's starting on the bench allows me to hog the ball early in the game"


“I’m lucky that he would accept that role.”
translation
"he better accept his role or Pop will have his ass."

“He’s having a great season, playing unbelievable basketball,”
translation
"If not for my injury, I would be the one playing unbeleivable"

“It reminds me of 2005 when he was making every shot. I think he’s been our best player this year by far.”
translation
"It reminds me of 2005 when he was taking every shot. He's been the Spurs ballhog this year by far."
:smokin

wow, how you read my mind?

[hater]

I don't have a problem with parker but I don't like the sound of this:
“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,”

why does Manu need to be sitting for Parker to get started early? I don't see other NBA big 3s having this kind of problem.

[spursfan09]

I don't have a problem with parker but I don't like the sound of this:
“I love to play with Manu, but the fact that he’s coming off the bench allows me to get started early,”

why does Manu need to be sitting for Parker to get started early? I don't see other NBA big 3s having this kind of problem.

Did you read the article? Tony looks to pass more to Manu and Tim, but its better when Tony is just the agressor and looking to get himself involved.

[boutons_]

"why does Manu need to be sitting for Parker to get started early?"

Agreed.

Last time I looked, there was only one basketball on the court at a time.

[hater]

Did you read the article? Tony looks to pass more to Manu and Tim, but its better when Tony is just the agressor and looking to get himself involved.

define "it's better"

better for who?

[spursfan09]

define "it's better"

better for who?

For the Spurs. Tony is the ignitor, but Manu is a finisher.

[hater]

For the Spurs.

so it's better for the Spurs for Tony to be just the aggressor instead of involving Tim and Manu?

I disagree

[greens]

define "it's better"

better for who?



For both Manu and TP...and most importantly, for the Spurs. This way, TP can start early...while Manu can come in off the bench, be the first offensive option while TP/Timmy are on the bench.

If you play the Big Three at the same time for a long period of time, then one of them will get less touches. This year, since Manu has been rolling, TP has been passing the ball a lot to him when both of them start, instead of attacking and being aggressive. Pop said exactly that. And they need Tony to start early, Tim to play throughout, and Manu to especially finish.

[spursfan09]

so it's better for the Spurs for Tony to be just the aggressor instead of involving Tim and Manu?

I disagree

:rolleyes


Don't twist my words. The article states that when all 3 are playing, Tony kind of watches as Manu and Tim work thier magic. With Manu sitting on the bench at the start, Tony can start off hot by getting himself involved early instead of just watching manu and Tim. Then when Tony takes a seat, there is no drop off, because who is coming in? Manu.

[hater]

:rolleyes


Don't twist my words. The article states that when all 3 are playing, Tony kind of watches as Manu and Tim work thier magic. With Manu sitting on the bench at the start, Tony can start off hot by getting himself involved early instead of just watching manu and Tim. Then when Tony takes a seat, there is no drop off, because who is coming in? Manu.

I disagree again. I think the best for the Spurs would be for ALL 3 to be playing their best and be involved and in the court AT THE SAME TIME

[spursfan09]

I disagree again. I think the best for the Spurs would be for ALL 3 to be playing their best and be involved and in the court AT THE SAME TIME

Fine go ahead and disagree with me and the arcticle. At least its Pop running the team, not you.

[spursfan09]

No you know what in some ways you are right. There are instances where its great having the big 3 out there together, but just not at the start. I think Pop is right about letting Manu come off the bench.

[fyatuk]

I disagree again. I think the best for the Spurs would be for ALL 3 to be playing their best and be involved and in the court AT THE SAME TIME

There's the rub. It's rare that the big 3 are all involved AT THE SAME TIME.

Since both Tony and Manu are best with the ball in their hands, they just don't fit together well all too often. If they are both on the court, one of them can't be as aggressive and play the game they are best at.

Just what I see.

[hater]

It's rare that the big 3 are all involved AT THE SAME TIME.


I am talking about the playoffs and this will not be rare at all.

[Slippy]

The fact that Manus' versatility and professionalism allows Pop to bring him off the bench or start when-ever he chooses with-out effecting his game. Just adds to Manu's value.

Nice to read Tony pointing out what some of us tend to over-look.