Contract Negotiations Could Be Stopped if Manu Goes To Olympics

[urunobili]

http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/06/20/basquet/01697693.html

El celular del general manager RC Buford sonó en el 2007 y del otro lado se escuchó la voz de David Stern, el capo de la NBA. "No obliguen a sus jugadores a renunciar a las selecciones", le pidió-exigió el comisionado. El tirón de orejas llegó luego de que el entrenador Gregg Popovich insistiera con que Emanuel Ginóbili y Fabricio Oberto debían cuidarse más y no concurrir al Preolímpico de Las Vegas. Poco cambió desde entonces. Tal vez las prohibiciones dejaron de ser públicas, salvo la de Cleveland (ver La censura...), pero las presiones siguen ejerciendo un poder devastador. Esa misma es la que sufrió, sufre y sufrirá Manu en este mes que sigue. "Serán semanas duras y difíciles", admitió ayer Carlos Prunes. Y su agente en el país no se refiere a la evolución de la lesión en el tobillo izquierdo... Será la demanda texana la protagonista principal de esta historia que no tiene final.

Pop, siguiendo su formación militar, maneja todo en los Spurs. Es un técnico muy exigente y está en cada detalle, aunque sea el más íntimo de un jugador: ha logrado que la mujer de uno de sus dirigidos volviera inmediatamente a San Antonio porque "ya había estado mucho tiempo afuera y su lugar está al lado de su marido". Con un poder mayor a un conductor normal, cuida con uñas y dientes su puesto y los intereses del equipo. Por eso sugiere-ordena que los extranjeros no jueguen tal o cual torneo, prefiere que descansen (si tienen alguna molestia, es la excusa ideal) y así estén fresquitos para empezar la temporada: lo hizo con los argentinos y últimamente con el armador Tony Parker, quien accedió a no jugar durante dos años para la selección de Francia.

Ahora lo hace con Manu y para ello podrá usar un argumento nuevo y de mucho peso: la extensión de contrato que la dirigencia de San Antonio están negociando con los agentes de Gino. Al escolta le quedan dos años y, en el nuevo acuerdo, habría dos más... Jugoso. "No hay obligación, pero las dos partes querían y se empezó a charlar", le confirmó Prunes a Olé. Pensando en el 2010, parece una situación más beneficiosa para el argentino que para la franquicia (ver Gratificación...), por eso será un arma que los texanos podrán utilizar para ejercer presión sobre el bahiense. "Si jugás en Pekín, tal vez nos olvidemos de la renegociación", le podrían advertir. La relación de Manu con Popovich y Buford es estrecha y excelente, pero negocios son negocios...

La presión se observa, además, en las informaciones y declaraciones que llegan desde Texas, muy diferentes a las que se oyen en nuestro país. "Acá dicen que la lesión es bastante preocupante, que no mejoró mucho en tres semanas y podría necesitar operación si no se cura", le contó Jeff McDonalds, periodista del diario San Antonio Express-News, a Olé. En la Argentina, en cambio, sólo hay optimismo de parte del grupo de especialistas que el miércoles le realizó nuevos estudios. "La lesión no es grave ni de alto riesgo. Con medicación y tratamiento kinésico, la zona afectada se desinflamará y podrá participar en los Juegos Olímpicos", asegura Diego Grippo, médico de la Selección.

Es evidente que, si fuera otro jugador, esta lesión no lo sacaría de Pekín. Pero distinta es la situación de Manu. Detrás de ese tobillo izquierdo existen muy fuertes intereses. Popovich no quiere que arriesgue nada porque sabe que, sin él, su equipo no puede volver a salir campeón. Le quedó bien clarito luego de la derrota en la definición del Oeste frente a los Lakers: Gino en bajo nivel es sinónimo de eliminación. Por eso lo abordaron los nervios cuando recibió el no rotundo del bahiense a inmovilizar el tobillo durante seis semanas. "No es una opción, así me pierdo los Juegos. No puedo prepararme en 20 días", les dijo Ginóbili al DT y al médico luego de enterarse de que el ligamento tibio peróneo posterior no había regresado a su habitual dimensión. Ahí surgió la opción: esperar tres semanas y realizar (el 7 u 8 de julio confirmó Prunes) otra resonancia en San Antonio. Manu se plantó una vez. ¿Cuánto más podrá hacerlo?

[urunobili]

RC Buford’s cell phone rang in 2007 and on the other side it was David Stern NBA’s CEO. “Do not force your players to quit to their national teams”, the commissioner asked. The advise came after Gregg Popovich insisted that both Manu Ginobili and Fabricio Oberto had to take care of themselves more and be absent of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Las Vegas. Little has changed since. Maybe the franchises prohibiting their players to do so stopped being public (except Cleveland of course) but pressure by teams is till having a devastating effect. That pressure is the same Manu suffered and is currently under and will have Manu on the following month. “Those will be tough difficult weeks to come” Carlos Prunes Manu’s agent admitted. His agent in Argentina is not talking about the evolution of his injured left ankle… it would be the Texan demand the main actor on this never ending story.

Pop, following his military formation, handles everything on the Spurs. He is a very demanding coach and is on every single detail even the most private of their players: ha has made that the wife of one of the Spurs players came back immediately to San Antonio because “she had been was too much time abroad already and her place is next to her husband”. With greater powers than a regular leader, he fiercely takes care of his job and his team’s interests. That is why he “suggests”/orders that the foreign players play specific tournaments, he prefers them to have some rest (if they have any thing bothering them physically is the perfect excuse) so they are super fresh for the beginning of the regular season: he has done it with the argentines and lately with PG Tony Parker, who agreed not to play for two years for the French National team.

He is now doing this with Manu and for that he started using a new argument and a very heavy one: Gino’s contract extension that San Antonio’s front office is currently negotiating with his agents. The SG still has two years left on his contracts, and on the new agreement there would be two more… Juicy. “There is no obligation, but both parties wanted it and conversations begun”, his agent Prunes confirmed to Ole. Thinking in 2010, it seems a more beneficial situation for the player than for the franchise , that’s why it will be a weapon that the Texans could use to pressure Manu. “If you play in Beijing, maybe we’ll forget about the negotiations” he could be told. Manu’s relationship with Popovich and Buford is close and excellent, but business is business…

Pressure could be watched, even more, the news and reports coming from Texas are very different to what we are hearing on our country. “Here they say his injury is worrisome and that it didn’t get better in three weeks and could need surgery if it doesn’t heal” Jeff McDonalds San Antonio Express-News reporter told Ole. By the other hand in Argentina, everybody is very optimistic about the injury after a group of specialists did new studies. “the injury is not severe and is not a high risk one. With medication and kinesics treatment, the affected zone will go back to normal and he could be part of the Olympics” Diego Grippo Argentina’s national team doctor.

It is evident that if it was another player this injury would definitively not take him out of Beijing. But Manu’s situation is different. Behind that ankle there are very strong interests. Popovich doesn’t want him to risk anything because he knows that, without him, his team can’t be a champ again. It was very clear after the loss to the Flakers in the WCF: Gino on a lower level means elimination. That’s why he (Pop) was very nervous when Manu gave him a huge NO to immobilize the ankle for 6 weeks. “it is not an option, that way I’ll miss the Olympics. I can’t prepare in just 20 days”, he told him and the Spurs doctor after receiving the news that his ankle never came back to it’s normal state. Then is when the option came to wait three weeks and make (the 7th or 8th July Prunes confirmed) another MRU in San Antonio. Manu already warned them once… how many times will he be able to do it?

[exstatic]

Good. Players need to make choices, and if Manu's aren't in the team's best interest, why should he be rewarded up front? At least see if he comes back from Beijing dragging his foot or not.

[diego]

urunobili, let me know if you want me to translate. i've got some time, but it looks like you are already on it

[Holt's Cat]

http://espn.go.com/photo/2007/0605/nba_g_popovich_275.jpg

"Did I stutter?"

[1Parker1]

He is a very demanding coach and is on every single detail even the most private of their players: ha has made that the wife of one of the Spurs players came back immediately to San Antonio because “she had been was too much time abroad already and her place is next to her husband”.

:lol I wonder who that was.

Oh and :lol @ Stern calling the Spurs and telling them not to force their players to quit on the NT team. As if it's his $$$ that's paying these player's salaries. I wonder if Cleveland got that call...

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

:lol I wonder who that was.


:lol

that stuff is so gossipy. It's pretty funny though. Pop the principled man intervening for the sake of a player's matrimony.


he started using a new argument and a very heavy one: Gino’s contract extension that San Antonio’s front office is currently negotiating with his agents. The SG still has two years left on his contracts, and on the new agreement there would be two more… Juicy. “There is no obligation, but both parties wanted it and conversations begun”, his agent Prunes confirmed to Ole. Thinking in 2010, it seems a more beneficial situation for the player than for the franchise , that’s why it will be a weapon that the Texans could use to pressure Manu.

Anyway, stuff sounds pretty interesting, guess we'll find out if there's any drama between Pop and Manu by the first week of July.
Guess scripture got it right. You can't serve two masters. ...

That Olympic Gold is tearing our Spurs family apart! :cry

[Bruno]

Thanks for the translation.


He is now doing this with Manu and for that he started using a new argument and a very heavy one: Gino’s contract extension that San Antonio’s front office is currently negotiating with his agents. The SG still has two years left on his contracts, and on the new agreement there would be two more… Juicy.

Very interesting.
Spurs are confident enough in Manu's durability to start extensions negotiations two years before the end of his contract and while Manu is injured.
A two years extension is the good length. 2012 could be the end of an era with Duncan, Pop and Manu retiring.


that’s why it will be a weapon that the Texans could use to pressure Manu.

"could"
It looks like a writer's speculation who is trying to create some drama...

[urunobili]

Translation finished :)

on a personal quote... i think this is a little exaggerated... if Manu's ankle is ok by the time he makes further studies in San Antonio i don;t think Pop will be mad...

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Translation finished :)

on a personal quote... i think this is a little exaggerated... if Manu's ankle is ok by the time he makes further studies in San Antonio i don;t think Pop will be mad...

thanks for hte translation. :tu

And yeah, offseason summer news fodder at best.

[L.I.T]

Eh, sounds like a writer trying to create in a villain in case Manu doesn't play.

[timvp]

Extending Manu to 2012 could be pretty damn risky. However, if both sides can come to an agreement on a reasonable figure (maybe $16-18M), it probably makes sense for Ginobili to get that extra guarantee money and the Spurs so that they don't have to risk having to give Manu a huge contract at that point.

[O-Factor]

http://espn.go.com/photo/2007/0605/nba_g_popovich_275.jpg

"Did I stutter?"

:lmao

But seriously, Gino needs to take care of his body. I know he probably feels pressure to represent his country, but at what cost? Sounds like he wont even be healthy to play in the summer anyway. Why put your body through that, and prolong getting healthy.

[MoSpur]

It seems like the media is trying to stir something up. I'm gonna say Manu doesn't play in the Olympics.

[anakha]

*grabs a bag of popcorn and waits for the inevitable ducks/CoM inflammatory post*

[urunobili]

It seems like the media is trying to stir something up. I'm gonna say Manu doesn't play in the Olympics.

do you imagine Argentina winning it all without him? that would be sick...:lol

[1Parker1]

I'm not too sure Argentina can win even if Ginobili plays against this talented a USA team.

Kobe, Lebron, a healthy DWade, Carmelo, and Dwight Howard is a very tough athletic lineup. Not to even mention the bench. Not to sure if Argentina has the goods to match up well against this version of Team USA.

[Oh, Gee!!]

trade for Wade

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I'm not too sure Argentina can win even if Ginobili plays against this talented a USA team.

Kobe, Lebron, a healthy DWade, Carmelo, and Dwight Howard is a very tough athletic lineup. Not to even mention the bench. Not to sure if Argentina has the goods to match up well against this version of Team USA.
It depends on the Argie team having some newcomers that are just as good as their predecessors .
I wouldn't be surprised if neither team wins the gold. In the recent tournaments individual athleticism didn't really help the U.S. team beat the international guys (the good-great squads at leats) any better. It seemed pretty neutralized with the competitive teamwork of the other guys. So I'm not sure one or two guys. Plus, after Kobe's finals performance :lmao...he's not really the "god" he was in 2007, maybe he won't intimidate the great teams anymore. Chris Paul is probably the one who will put them over the top, now that he's more confident than in the 2006 games.
Should be a fun Olympics.


trade for Wade

That'd be cool...but we'd probably worry about Wade being 100 percent as well. Plus he can't even shoot the three, nor a contested jumpshot.

[Kermit]

nor a contested jumpshot.

:lmao

This is so not true.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

:lmao

This is so not true.

Okay, maybe it's been a while , but I remember a lot of the Heat' s offensive gameplan in the Finals had a lot to do with picks from his teammates and spacing and a good first step to get proper spacing. Most of the time, Wade's bread and butter came from his football penetration.

Wade maybe had one or two Jordanesque mid range gamewinners, but I don't think he has any Kobe, fadeaway jumpers/ stepback jumpers to his game yet.

Oh yeah, and he also had a big guy in the middle that helped him get open on jumpers a lot.

[Solid D]

I'm sure all of Argentina will encourage Manu to play for the NT. Spurs fans would want him to play for what matters to them, the NBA. If he plays in the Olympics and Manu is not markedly better than he was 2 weeks ago, his countrymen and fans will probably not be happy with the results. Compared with last June, he's not the same player.

[Kermit]

Okay, maybe it's been a while , but I remember a lot of the Heat' s offensive gameplan in the Finals had a lot to do with picks from his teammates and spacing and a good first step to get proper spacing. Most of the time, Wade's bread and butter came from his football penetration.

Wade maybe had one or two Jordanesque mid range gamewinners, but I don't think he has any Kobe, fadeaway jumpers/ stepback jumpers to his game yet.

Oh yeah, and he also had a big guy in the middle that helped him get open on jumpers a lot.

If Wade ever got a good first step, he didn't shoot a jumpshot. Youtube is filled with his theatrics around the basket. I don't know why gamewinners have anything to do with the topic at hand. Neither do fadeaway jumpers. The comment you made about contested jumpshots is the only quote I was making fun of because the guy makes them when he's not dunking the shit out of the ball (or when he's not injured).

[tlongII]

The Olympics are a huge deal to international players. Pressuring them not to play is selfish, imo.

[MoSpur]

If he plays he knows he may injure his ankle further

[spurscenter]

http://espn.go.com/photo/2007/0605/nba_g_popovich_275.jpg

"Did I stutter?"

LOL

[Kermit]

I wish that they would go back to the amateur rule and actually enforce it.

[jack sommerset]

I will laugh so hard if Mangoo hurts himself more playing. You call it passion, I call it stupidity. If you truly believe the Spews would have won the championship with Mangoo healthy, this is freaken selfish of him and stupid playing in a month long tourny that could screw up the Spews season coming up.

He will hobble out in August to represent his country to a early exit of the Olympics then hobble on to the NBA to put the Spews in early hole.

[smeagol]

Manu will only play if he is 100% recuped from injury.

And yes, even with Manu, Argentina has 1% chance of beating the US.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

If Wade ever got a good first step, he didn't shoot a jumpshot. Youtube is filled with his theatrics around the basket. I don't know why gamewinners have anything to do with the topic at hand. Neither do fadeaway jumpers. The comment you made about contested jumpshots is the only quote I was making fun of because the guy makes them when he's not dunking the shit out of the ball (or when he's not injured).

Well maybe my comment was too literal. I've yet to see Wade change his game where he relied on a deadly jumpshot with range.

I was just pulling the "Wade can't shoot" card...
But you're right, Wade actually is more of a threat in the perimeter than Lebron currently is...but he doesn't really have any footage of him dropping daggers in people's faces on youtube.

[pawe]

USA wont be denied of the gold medal even if manu plays anyway.
If he thinks he's good to go then let him play, if ever he aggravates the injury (im praying it wont happen) at least they have time to get him ready for the playoffs. The spurs can develop other players while manu is resting.

[TDMVPDPOY]

givin manu that contract extention will hinder our rebuilding plans in 2010...so are we still following with the plan or not?

[amy020]

SELFISH DECISION
It's Manu's last chance to play the Olympics so he wanted to play not only for the gold medal.He has his right to play for his own country.And he know his injury may influence his performance . If it is that serious,he may choose to skip.But he should have the right to make the decision himself. It so bad to put the contract extention together with the Olympics.
GO MANU.whatever decision you make, I will always support you.

[wildbill2u]

If the Spurs aren't bound by some prior agreement to negotiate now, and Manu wants to play against the team's judgement that it is not in their interests, then both sides have points of view that negate free and open negotiations.

Time to step back and let things take their course. A month or two wait won't hurt Manu if he isn't injured and a wait will protect his team if he is. His choice.

[greens]

Extending Manu to 2012 could be pretty damn risky. However, if both sides can come to an agreement on a reasonable figure (maybe $16-18M), it probably makes sense for Ginobili to get that extra guarantee money and the Spurs so that they don't have to risk having to give Manu a huge contract at that point.


I don't think it's risky. If anything, this playoff run proves that the Spurs need Manu in order to win. He had that ankle problem, and they lost to the Lakers in 5 games.

Plus, this extension will keep the Big Three playing together at the same time.

I want Manu to sign the extension.

When can players start signing contract extensions? In July? What day?

And also, when does the Olympic training start? I keep hearing early July but not the actual date.

[porscha]

The Argentina team is going to 3 places:
Madrid, Spain
Nanjing, China and Beijing, China

Following schedule are quote from a manu's fan site.


This is the scheduled calendar for Argentina before the Olympics:

International Schedule:

19/7: Departure from Buenos Aires to Madrid, Spain

22/7 International Friendly Match in Madrid: Spain vs. Argentina

Ciudad de Orense Tournament: July 24-26th (Argentina, Lithuania and Spain)
24/7: Spain vs. Lithuania
25/7: Argentina vs. Lithuania
26/7: Spain vs. Argentina

27/7 Departure towards Nanjing, China

FIBA Diamond Ball (Nanjing, China): July 29th-August 1st.

29/7: Argentina vs. Iran y China vs. Angola
30/7: Iran vs. Serbia y Australia vs. China
31/7: Serbia vs. Argentina y Angola vs. Australia
1/8: A3 vs. B3, A2 vs. B2 y A1 vs. B1

Olympic Games:
August 6-7th: Arrival to the Olympic village.
August 8th: Openning Ceremony and parade.
August 10th and beyond: Games.

[greens]

Thanks for the info!

So July 19th is when the training starts.

When is the last day to sign a contract extension? In July?

[Marcus Bryant]

So Pop and TD are signed through the 2011-12 season. Extending Manu two years would also put him under contract through then.

Parker's contract ends after the 2010-11 season. One would have to think he will think long and hard about agreeing to any extension himself. I believe Parker's contract could be extended starting this November 2nd. Parker could receive an extension of up to five years beyond his current deal for a maximum of $90 million.

An extension for Parker, of course, would mean locking in guaranteed money through age 34. It would also mean agreeing to play for a Spurs team that will likely look a lot different after the 2011-12 season. The current CBA is set to expire by the end of the 2011-12 season, at the latest. Who knows what changes will be in store?

For the Spurs, I'm not sure you would want to have Duncan and Ginobili leave and not have an established star to build the team around. Extending Parker now would at least give you some certainty moving forward. In addition, an extension now could keep Parker's cost down through the end of his career.

If Parker hit free agency in 2011, at age 29 and with 10 years of NBA service, he could be eligible for up to a 6 year, $170 million contract that would end at age 35. It's highly unlikely he would receive that maximum, but he could end up with a much better payoff waiting until free agency in 2011 instead of signing a $90 million extension now through age 34. Of course, the CBA could expire at the end of the 2010-11 season. Also, he'd have a much better view of what remaining a Spur until 2015 or 2016 would look like in 2011 instead of in 2008.

To be continued...

[T Park]

Quite interesting.

Smart move by the Spurs.

[Bruno]

Manu's extension could be up to 3 years. I find it interesting that Spurs want to sign him to a 2 years extension.

If you offer Manu a 3 years extension, his salary per year will be lower. It means that Spurs will have more money available to get free agents with the 2010 plan.

I think Pop wants to let Spurs ready to rebuild in 2012 and having a 35 years old Ginobili under contract doesn't fit with that description. I think Pop will have in mind a "2012 master plan". Even if you want to be a contender for the end of the Duncan era, Pop won't do moves that hurt the post Duncan era.

[Bruno]

Following schedule are quote from a manu's fan site.


Argentina has a really light schedule. 6 friendly games and a preparation that last 3 weeks.
Even if Manu plays the Olympics, he shouldn't be too tired for the 2008/2009 season.

[ducks]

The Olympics are a huge deal to international players. Pressuring them not to play is selfish, imo.

and?

[Spurs Brazil]

I think sign Manu to a 2 year extension is a very good move

[leo_d]

in 2002 Manu plays the World Championship. Argentina finish second and the Spurs wins the NBA in 2002-2003.

in 2004 Manu plays the Olimpics. Argentina finish first and the Spurs wins the NBA in 2004-2005.

in 2006 Manu again plays the World Championship. Argentina finish fourth and the Spurs wins the NBA in 2006-2007.

I think if the FO conditions the future contract to Manu not playing in the Olimpics something will be broken in the relationship between Manu and the Spurs.

Let the boy play, he is not the competitor the Spurs need if he wouldn`t want to play for his country.

Just insurance his legs.

[greens]

Well, this season has been the best one for Manu. He has career highs in points/assists/steals/etc. Not to mention, his best stretch of games when he got 44 pts, 30 pts, 40 pts. And he has even got some MVP votes this year!

As Tony said, Manu has been the Spurs MVP of the regular season this year. And their clutch player.

I think that's why the Spurs want to sign him right now.

[Ghazi]

I'm Iranian, go Iran!!

[spurschick]

22/7 International Friendly Match in Madrid: Spain vs. Argentina


Since when is a basketball game between Spain and Argentina "friendly"? :lol

[Marcus Bryant]

Manu's extension could be up to 3 years. I find it interesting that Spurs want to sign him to a 2 years extension.

If you offer Manu a 3 years extension, his salary per year will be lower. It means that Spurs will have more money available to get free agents with the 2010 plan.

I think Pop wants to let Spurs ready to rebuild in 2012 and having a 35 years old Ginobili under contract doesn't fit with that description. I think Pop will have in mind a "2012 master plan". Even if you want to be a contender for the end of the Duncan era, Pop won't do moves that hurt the post Duncan era.

So what does that mean for Parker? It would seem to be in the Spurs' interest to extend his contract when they have the opportunity rather than allow him to become a free agent in 2011 when it's clear that Pop, Duncan, and Ginobili are in their last season. Not to mention that an extension would likely be less expensive for the Spurs than the type of contract Parker could garner in 2011.

[ducks]

SELFISH DECISION
It's Manu's last chance to play the Olympics so he wanted to play not only for the gold medal.He has his right to play for his own country.And he know his injury may influence his performance . If it is that serious,he may choose to skip.But he should have the right to make the decision himself. It so bad to put the contract extention together with the Olympics.
GO MANU.whatever decision you make, I will always support you.

is it his right to ride a bike and get injured?
is it his right to skydive?
his right to go cliff hanging?

[ducks]

Manu will only play if he is 100% recuped from injury.

And yes, even with Manu, Argentina has 1% chance of beating the US.

yeah manu never plays less then 100% :lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

[Brutalis]

This is why I love Pop and this Spurs and also why we have been successful.

The NBA is the pro's. It's the big boys league and majority of those Olympic teams couldn't hold a flame to even the Cavaliers.

People need to realize, most smart Americans don't give a flip about your stupid little Olympic basketball. It's soft, calls are nothing but favoritism, and the tournament itself holds no glory to anything that matters. We will not respect you just cause you stroked 30 points in the Olympics. It means nothing. Nobody cares about the minor league bullshit.

[tinysands]

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/EdicionImpresa/deportiva/nota.asp?nota_id=1023444

"The reality is that if Manu is well ankle in three weeks, will go to the Games, and that if not recovered, will not go. And because there will not be able to play. This is true. There are no further rounds." Carlos Prunes, owner of those words, is much more than the representative and attorney Manu Ginóbili: it is one of his closest friends, which sometimes do not need to talk to understand.

On the possible extension of his contract with the Spurs bahiense, Prunes clarified: "There was a further exchange of views between its U.S. agent, Herb rudoyer, and managers of the team in the playoffs, but there are no negotiations, because NBA rules prohibit them until July 7. The possibility would be two or three more years, ie since 2010, when the current contract expires, and until 2012 or 2013 ".

With serenity, but also with great firmness, Prunes added: "Never nobody told us that the extension of the agreement would not be if Manu decides to go to Beijing. It may be that someone has given to understand this or that U.S. journalism has made this analysis, but there is no such condition. The 7 or July 8, Manu will be submitted to a new review in the Spurs and if the ankle injury in the faded, he will go to the Games. And there is no doubt that wants go and who will do the utmost to be recovered and travel with the selection. All he had warned the angry when he arrived in Buenos Aires and said what he had said in San Antonio. Fortunately, after the studies they did here, with Dr. Diego Grippo at the helm, and a group of specialists, changed its humor and its expectation. Manu decided to stay this time in Bahia Blanca to make the recommended treatments and put in a position ".

Prunes told other details: "One of the doctors who saw him in Buenos Aires studied in the U.S. and has a friend in the medical profession for the Spurs, with whom she contacted to inform you of what is being done" . And concluded: "Sergio Hernandez told Manu who was waiting for him until the last day before the Games. Manu told him that if he was not recovered 25 days earlier would not go to avoid prejudicing the team. Today (yesterday) I spoke for one hour phone with him and is very well ".


found this news from Argentina media, one of Manu's friends clarified some rumors.

[Brutalis]

Good. If Manu wants to be a dumbass and play in this little wee wee Olympics injured, then I'm off his fan list.

[Lake_show]

Kobe will end his Olympic hopes this year also.

[v2freak]

The Olympics are a huge deal to international players. Pressuring them not to play is selfish, imo.

Well now that's interesting. Maybe we can ask Kori to add an option for people that are on this board. Instead of putting the Spurs as "favorite team" (which is an obvious lie for many), they should put their country of choice. Even if this is a Spurs board, it is quite clear that many fans have a different agenda and prefer to follow just one or two players because of their nationality. It is not selfish to think from a business perspective. I commend the Spurs for what they are doing; at the same time, I want to berate them for being so late in taking action. Don't you think making more money than the average person could hope requires some loyalty too?

IMO.

[leo_d]

if the Olimpics means so little, why is USA using the best players in the NBA to get the gold back?

[v2freak]

Unfortunately, the objectives of those in charge of "restoring basketball glory to the United States" and those who run franchises are usually different.

[KidCongo]

This is why I love Pop and this Spurs and also why we have been successful.

The NBA is the pro's. It's the big boys league and majority of those Olympic teams couldn't hold a flame to even the Cavaliers.

People need to realize, most smart Americans don't give a flip about your stupid little Olympic basketball. It's soft, calls are nothing but favoritism, and the tournament itself holds no glory to anything that matters. We will not respect you just cause you stroked 30 points in the Olympics. It means nothing. Nobody cares about the minor league bullshit.

Watch it! Cavs are a contender in the east.

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs' staff have spent a lot of time holding Manu back because he's demonstrated a complete inability to put his health first when it comes to competing. The Spurs also pay Manu a shitload of money, and know that the Argentine olympic team doesn't particularly give a shit if Manu destroys his health in order to win them a gold medal. The Spurs should have some say in whether or not he plays in the Olympics, and it would be negligence on their part if they didn't do everything they could to protect their investment. They have to be able to exert as much control as they can from afar, and if that means offering a contract extension two years early in order to have some leverage against him while he's mulling this decision, then I'm all for it.

Manu in a suit sitting behind the bench is useless to the Spurs, even with a gold medal around his neck.

[smeagol]

yeah manu never plays less then 100% :lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

Manu has said this, you slow-witted douche bag.

Check the last post on page two of this thread.

[manubili]

Manu played the WC in 2002 = 2003 ring

Manu played Olympics in 2004 = 2005 ring

Manu played WC in 2006 = 2007 ring

Manu rested in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and you know what happened the following year.

So "tired", my ass. We should be worried if Manu rests ths summer.

[diego]

manu is such a dumb ass. he played injured for 17 games for the team that pays him, didnt get the spurs any rings or glory by doing so, and is now looking at irreparable damage to his ankle. his career is ruined. the poor spurs are the first team to be victim to injury, and those vile argentines who have the nerve to send their best players to the olympics. its not like the US ever sent magic, jordan, kobe or lebron to such tournaments. its all manu and argentina's fault! poor poor spurs! oh noes! if only manu had never played for argentina, the spurs would have never have found him, and he would never have risked his career for any teams, professional or otherwise, and that way us poor poor fans wouldnt have to worry sick from our computer desks!


fucking grow a pair already. are you people going to spend the entire off season bitching about a problem that doesnt even exist? and is totally out of your control anyways?

shit, bush might confuse the nuclear war button with his alarm clock and destroy the world, I guess that means i should stop loving my wife, raising my kid, expanding my business, because there's a chance things might not work our how i'm planning. eek!

[ShoogarBear]

I call BS on Pop demanding that the "mystery wife" come back to San Antonio. Di on't believe it for one, and if it did happen, are the SA reporters so lame that they would cover that up?

[spurschick]

I call BS on Pop demanding that the "mystery wife" come back to San Antonio. Di on't believe it for one, and if it did happen, are the SA reporters so lame that they would cover that up?

That does seem a bit out of character. The only time I've seen him get involved on that level is during the finals when he felt that the players were distracted and had the wives moved to a different hotel. Certainly not a popular decision, but I'm sure it's not something he wanted to do but felt necessary.

[Phenomanul]

People forget the aftermath of the harsh 2004 series loss to the Lakers...

Manu played and earned his country's first Olympic Gold in Basketball - beating Team USA on his path.

Despite Ginobili's lack of offseason rest, the Spurs win the 2005 NBA Championship (with Ginobili producing his best postseason to date)

In contrast: Manu rested this past summer (played by far his best regular season), but unfortunately was injured for the playoffs.

If he is healthy let him defend his country's Olympic Gold. If not then no. I however don't buy the argument that Ginobili must rest to be effective the following season.

See 2004-2005, and 2007-2008 for reference.

[ShoogarBear]

That does seem a bit out of character. The only time I've seen him get involved on that level is during the finals when he felt that the players were distracted and had the wives moved to a different hotel. Certainly not a popular decision, but I'm sure it's not something he wanted to do but felt necessary.

And that's something that falls within the traditionally-accepted boundaries of what a coach does. Ordering what a spouse does on her own time, whether business or personal, is not. And that just doesn't sound like Pop.

[Spurtacus]

Spurs have to look out for their interests. Manu playing on an injured ankle in the Olympics can seriously affect the Spurs 08/09 season. I hope his ankle recovers so he can play for Argentina. If the injury still lingers, he needs to sit it out.

[urunobili]

Manu played the WC in 2002 = 2003 ring

Manu played Olympics in 2004 = 2005 ring

Manu played WC in 2006 = 2007 ring

Manu rested in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and you know what happened the following year.

So "tired", my ass. We should be worried if Manu rests ths summer.

Best post of the thread so far... :tu

[Spurtacus]

Manu played the WC in 2002 = 2003 ring

Manu played Olympics in 2004 = 2005 ring

Manu played WC in 2006 = 2007 ring

Manu rested in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and you know what happened the following year.

So "tired", my ass. We should be worried if Manu rests ths summer.

Did he have an ankle injury in 02, 04 and 06?

[smeagol]

People forget the aftermath of the harsh 2004 series loss to the Lakers...

Manu played and earned his country's first Olympic Gold in Basketball - beating Team USA on his path.

Despite Ginobili's lack of offseason rest, the Spurs win the 2005 NBA Championship (with Ginobili producing his best postseason to date)

In contrast: Manu rested this past summer (played by far his best regular season), but unfortunately was injured for the playoffs.

If he is healthy let him defend his country's Olympic Gold. If not then no. I however don't buy the argument that Ginobili must rest to be effective the following season.

See 2004-2005, and 2007-2008 for reference.

Good post :toast

[T Park]

People forget the aftermath of the harsh 2004 series loss to the Lakers...

Manu played and earned his country's first Olympic Gold in Basketball - beating Team USA on his path.

Despite Ginobili's lack of offseason rest, the Spurs win the 2005 NBA Championship (with Ginobili producing his best postseason to date)

In contrast: Manu rested this past summer (played by far his best regular season), but unfortunately was injured for the playoffs.

If he is healthy let him defend his country's Olympic Gold. If not then no. I however don't buy the argument that Ginobili must rest to be effective the following season.

See 2004-2005, and 2007-2008 for reference.

What about 06 07 when he rested that summer and lead them to a ring?

[ShoogarBear]

People forget the aftermath of the harsh 2004 series loss to the Lakers...

Manu played and earned his country's first Olympic Gold in Basketball - beating Team USA on his path.

Despite Ginobili's lack of offseason rest, the Spurs win the 2005 NBA Championship (with Ginobili producing his best postseason to date)

In contrast: Manu rested this past summer (played by far his best regular season), but unfortunately was injured for the playoffs.

If he is healthy let him defend his country's Olympic Gold. If not then no. I however don't buy the argument that Ginobili must rest to be effective the following season.

See 2004-2005, and 2007-2008 for reference.

First, I'm not sure that's cause and effect, but just coincidence.

Second, Manu's not getting younger, and I think you have to assume that his proneness for injury and need for rest are going to increase, not decrease.

[manubili]

What about 06 07 when he rested that summer and lead them to a ring?

In 2006 he played the World Championship, and got the NT to the semi-finals against Spain. I don't call that resting.

I'm not saying that in order to win, Spurs need a tired Manu. But there's no conecction between "not playing for the National Team" and a better performance in the following season, specially in the playoffs.

[bigfan]

I would bet most, if not all, professional players, esp those who have already competed in the Olympics, would love to take a pass on them if they could without pissing off everyone in their home country (including those playing for the US team). This is just another reason that the Olympics should be for amateurs only. Once you go pro, there are too many responsibilities to play for free and risk everything.

[v2freak]

In 2006 he played the World Championship, and got the NT to the semi-finals against Spain. I don't call that resting.

I'm not saying that in order to win, Spurs need a tired Manu. But there's no conecction between "not playing for the National Team" and a better performance in the following season, specially in the playoffs.

Difference between tired and undeniably injured.

[mavs>spurs2]

I think it's ok for players to want to play for their home countries, but I draw the line when they put the Olympics/WC ahead of their NBA careers. Show a little respect for the team that made you who you are today and signs your checks. It's unfortunate to get inured but damn, shit happens. Rest up and get ready for next season.

[angelbelow]

im torn in this situation, because i definitely think a man deserves to play for his country, at the same time i understand why the spurs FO would like to protect their investment in ginobili..

[Phenomanul]

First, I'm not sure that's cause and effect, but just coincidence.

Second, Manu's not getting younger, and I think you have to assume that his proneness for injury and need for rest are going to increase, not decrease.

True, I'm just trying to dispel the notion that the rest is absolutely necessary for Manu to be effective the following year. There is no historical precedent for this to apply to him... coincidence or not.

In fact, despite getting older, this season could be considered Ginobili's best.

Unfortunately for the Spurs he was just unlucky in getting injured during the home stretch - another fact which had nothing to do with whether Ginobili played during the summer or not.

Again my stance is if he is not injured then let him play... if he is, then request that he take a seat.