Ginobili Hopeful Over Olympics

[duncan228]

Just a tidbit, published today.

http://nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com/default.aspx?s=nba-news-display&nid=A23283511214324113A

Ginobili hopeful over Olympics

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is optimistic about his chances of representing Argentina at this summer's Olympic Games.

The 30-year-old suffered an ankle injury a week ago and his participation in Beijing was put in doubt.

Ginobili is still awaiting the results of an MRI scan but he is confident he will be fit.

"I think I will be able to play," he told radio station LU2. "It will be decided on July 5."

Ginobili is wearing an orthopedic boot to aid his recovery, and insists San Antonio Spurs have not forbidden him to play at the Olympics.

"I cannot say whether it is better because I can't feel any pain with this boot on," he said.

"I am working hard on rehabilitation and specialists have told me I can play (at the Olympics).

"They (San Antonio) have no say in whether I play but they are worried about me playing injured, which could affect the NBA season.

"They are worried I will have to have a two-month recovery period and miss the beginning of the season."

[Harry Callahan]

He suffered the injury six weeks ago and he is still not right. His season has been over for a month or so.

He and his full time employee need to be very careful about this.

[angel_luv]

I have been praying for Gino; I hope he plays and has a fantastic time. :)

[T Park]

Stay home ginobili.

If you go, then you don't give a shit about Spur fan.

[ATX Spur]

Stay home ginobili.

If you go, then you don't give a shit about Spur fan.

:violin

[T Park]

Fact argentina. Basketball doesn't revolve around Argentina nor these stupid extra curricular activity bullshit.

[dbreiden83080]

What the hell is the matter with him?? He already has a gold medal, he was so hurt he played like shit in the playoffs and his ankle is still not even close to right and he wants to play in the Olympics. Where is this guys committment to the Spurs?? He is going to come into camp with a cain the way he is going. This is where Manu is too competitive for his own good. He 100% should not be playing this summer.

[Brutalis]

Stay home ginobili.

If you go, then you don't give a shit about Spur fan.

[xtremesteven33]

This guy is crazy competitve.

i just hope that this decision wont come back to haunt the spurs. if manu plays the olympics. he will not play the first month or so of the season.

hopefully we will have someone like JR Smith to carry the offensive load for us.

[phxspurfan]

Stay home ginobili.

If you go, then you don't give a shit about Spur fan.

Why should he? Without him we would not have the championships we have today. Let him play for his country.

[1Parker1]

This is probably Ginobili's last chance to play for the National Team. I'm not sure how much he's going to have left in the tank the next time the Olympics come around in 4 years. Not only that, it's his only chance to be able to actually defend the Gold Medal he was so intrumental in getting for his country. I can see why he would want to play so desperately for it. I know the Spurs pay him, so his obligation should be to them first and foremost. But quite frankly, the Spurs have known what they were going to get themselves into by drafting so many International Players. And if they were so concerned about this, they should have thought about putting in a clause in their contracts.

As a Spurs fan, I definitely don't want to see Manu play in the Olympics with the possibility of tiring out in the long run and hurting the Spurs chances of getting a championship next year. That being said, even if he stays home and doesn't play, it's no guarantee Manu isn't going to get injured next season either. It's a part of the game. Pop is going to have to monitor his minutes very closely either way it goes.

[ATX Spur]

Fact argentina. Basketball doesn't revolve around Argentina nor these stupid extra curricular activity bullshit.

Fact argentina?

The NBA is the only place where basketball is good?

[1Parker1]

Why is that for the USA players it's a matter of pride for their country, but that same can't be held for the International players in the league? How many LakerFans are yelling at Kobe not to play with a damaged pinky finger that needs surgery? How many HeatFans are yelling at DWade, Mr. Shoulder/Knee surgery himself, for playing hurt for the past 2 seasons yet getting ready to play in the Olympics? What about Lebron James, who's the face of the NBA and his team? He could get a seriously knee/ankle injury playing in the Olympics that could hurt him when the next season starts. Why weren't people complaining that Duncan shouldn't play in the Olympics and needs to rest up back in 04?

[angel_luv]

Why is that for the USA players it's a matter of pride for their country, but that same can't be held for the International players in the league? How many LakerFans are yelling at Kobe not to play with a damaged pinky finger that needs surgery? How many HeatFans are yelling at DWade, Mr. Shoulder/Knee surgery himself, for playing hurt for the past 2 seasons yet getting ready to play in the Olympics? What about Lebron James, who's the face of the NBA and his team? He could get a seriously knee/ankle injury playing in the Olympics that could hurt him when the next season starts. Why weren't people complaining that Duncan shouldn't play in the Olympics and needs to rest up back in 04?



Excellent point, Parks! :)

[hater]

Olympics >>>>>>>>>>>>> NBA

Face it San Antonio. If manu had to pick between playing 2 times in olympics or 10+ years in San Antonio. he would pick Olympics.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Stay home ginobili.

If you go, then you don't give a shit about Spur fan.

He's got us a few championships. I think he should be cleared to play.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Olympics >>>>>>>>>>>>> NBA

Face it San Antonio. If manu had to pick between playing 2 times in olympics or 10+ years in San Antonio. he would pick Olympics.

This hater speaks the truth.

[duncan228]

And if they were so concerned about this, they should have thought about putting in a clause in their contracts.

Can they? I thought a team couldn't tell a player not to play in the Olympics.

[leemajors]

He's got us a few championships. I think he should be cleared to play.

obviously rather he wouldn't play to avoid possibility of injury, as well as full recovery, but Ginobili doesn't owe us anything - he leaves it all on the court no matter what.

[Kermit]

Olympics >>>>>>>>>>>>> NBA

Face it San Antonio. If manu had to pick between playing 2 times in olympics or 10+ years in San Antonio. he would pick Olympics.

Really? Over $52 million? :lmao

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

obviously rather he wouldn't play to avoid possibility of injury, as well as full recovery, but Ginobili doesn't owe us anything - he leaves it all on the court no matter what.

Agreed.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

The thread title should read, "Spurs Fans Hopeful Olympics over for Ginobili"

[ATX Spur]

The thread title should read, "Some loud Spurs Fans Hopeful Olympics over for Ginobili"

[ATX Spur]

i think he meant "Fuck Argentina"

That's a hell of a typo.

[1Parker1]

Can they? I thought a team couldn't tell a player not to play in the Olympics.

Cleveland just told Big Z he couldn't play in the Olympics. I believe they had put in a clause in his contract about this too.

[hater]

Really? Over $52 million? :lmao

yes. he could still do decent living in Euroleague. Manu doesn't care about $$

[v2freak]

This is probably Ginobili's last chance to play for the National Team. I'm not sure how much he's going to have left in the tank the next time the Olympics come around in 4 years. Not only that, it's his only chance to be able to actually defend the Gold Medal he was so intrumental in getting for his country. I can see why he would want to play so desperately for it. I know the Spurs pay him, so his obligation should be to them first and foremost. But quite frankly, the Spurs have known what they were going to get themselves into by drafting so many International Players. And if they were so concerned about this, they should have thought about putting in a clause in their contracts.

As a Spurs fan, I definitely don't want to see Manu play in the Olympics with the possibility of tiring out in the long run and hurting the Spurs chances of getting a championship next year. That being said, even if he stays home and doesn't play, it's no guarantee Manu isn't going to get injured next season either. It's a part of the game. Pop is going to have to monitor his minutes very closely either way it goes.

Agree 100% with this statement. That's why I think it's ridiculous to dismiss any posters willing to entertain the idea of trading Ginobili. Man's a great player but this is a business, and both sides obviously do not have the same priorities.


yes. he could still do decent living in Euroleague. Manu doesn't care about $$

If that were the case, Spurs should have just offered him 6 year, 10 million dollar contract (still small by NBA standards, but more than most of us could hope to make). Then they could have money to sign bigger names.

[duncan228]

Cleveland just told Big Z he couldn't play in the Olympics. I believe they had put in a clause in his contract about this too.

Thanks. I didn't know a team could put the clause in.

[Kermit]

yes. he could still do decent living in Euroleague. Manu doesn't care about $$

Sure he doesn't.

edit: :rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

[v2freak]

Why is that for the USA players it's a matter of pride for their country, but that same can't be held for the International players in the league? How many LakerFans are yelling at Kobe not to play with a damaged pinky finger that needs surgery? How many HeatFans are yelling at DWade, Mr. Shoulder/Knee surgery himself, for playing hurt for the past 2 seasons yet getting ready to play in the Olympics? What about Lebron James, who's the face of the NBA and his team? He could get a seriously knee/ankle injury playing in the Olympics that could hurt him when the next season starts. Why weren't people complaining that Duncan shouldn't play in the Olympics and needs to rest up back in 04?

Interesting. I've always heard it the other way around: Americans have no sense of patriotism / do not care about international glory. Maybe you don't hear many fans of other teams worrying about their franchise players' futures because most of them are a.) Lakers fans too busy raving about their golden future or b.) not here, on a Spurs board, during the offseason.

[Typhoon]

Stay home ginobili.

If you go, then you don't give a shit about Spur fan.

Shut the fuck up.

I hope Manu plays in the Olympics, its what he wants...he's done more than enough for the fucking Spurs.

[Cherry]

Sure he doesn't.

edit: :rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

No. he doesn't care about $. He wants to play.

[diego]

i can't believe you tools questioning manu's commitment to the spurs when he played injured the entire playoffs for the spurs. if thats not commitment, what is?

also, manu/the arg NT pay insurance against injury- its not like the spurs would lose all the money on his contract. if he couldnt get that insurance he wouldnt be able to play, a la ilguaskas. who do you blame for barry, duncan, horry, and all the other "committed" spurs that got injured this year, or any other for that matter?

lets make a bet: if manu has a better season next year, and/or the spurs win the title, i get to put a title under your name, like say, "i'm a whiny crybaby who has no faith in his team." and if the spurs dont win a title / manu has a better season, then you can put "i'm an argie homer who doesnt care about the spurs" who's taking?

[urunobili]

i can't believe you tools questioning manu's commitment to the spurs when he played injured the entire playoffs for the spurs. if thats not commitment, what is?

also, manu/the arg NT pay insurance against injury- its not like the spurs would lose all the money on his contract. if he couldnt get that insurance he wouldnt be able to play, a la ilguaskas. who do you blame for barry, duncan, horry, and all the other "committed" spurs that got injured this year, or any other for that matter?

lets make a bet: if manu has a better season next year, and/or the spurs win the title, i get to put a title under your name, like say, "i'm a whiny crybaby who has no faith in his team." and if the spurs dont win a title / manu has a better season, then you can put "i'm an argie homer who doesnt care about the spurs" who's taking?.


oleee oleee olee oleeeeeee diegoooooooo diegooooo! :toast

[v2freak]

#1) I don't think you know what a tool is. Or, I don't, because I hear way too many people use it incorrectly these days

#2) This is probably Pop's fault, but I would have preferred Ginobili not play at all. In game 1 for example, Ginobili's play made the team significantly worse. Not contributing is one thing, bringing down your teammates is another.

#3) Barry, Duncan, Horry and all the other "committed" Spurs that got injured are not looking to further their injuries, as far as I know. Call me as soon as Barry develops a newfound love for BMX, Duncan begins shark wrestling and Horry takes a job as a movie stuntman.

#4) There is no need for titles. It's obvious who is an "Argie" homer and who cares more about the front of the jersey during the course of a season.

I am not trying to rip you or offend you, but like Ginobili and the Front Office fail to see eye to eye, some American Spurs fans and international fans can only agree to disagree. The Spurs have been drafting/signing international players almost religiously, and with injuries to players playing for their home teams, players signing extensions with their current clubs, talents that simply do not pan out in the Spurs system, loads of question marks for young players and age creeping up on Ginobili, you must understand that fans here are no longer satisfied with the way things are going.

[diego]

1) i consider a tool someone who doesnt think.

2) agreed

3) manu is playing basketball, not swimming with sharks or doing stunt work- the same thing he was doing his entire life before the spurs signed him.

4) agreed as well, just as its obvious that some fans always have to have something to criticize the team and/or players for.

look, i appreciate the straight answer without namecalling, but "the way things are going" is nowhere near as bad as fans here make it out to be. "the way things are going" is still the model for other franchises, and a nightmare for the league. unless someone finds me concrete evidence that players that dont play organized basketball in the summer dont suffer injuries, all this complaining is totally pointless. injuries are a part of basketball and lucky for us the spurs havent had many.

there is a saying in spanish- "no se puede andar por la vida con el culo apretado, esperando que te va llegar una patada." you cant go through your life with your ass clenched, waiting for life to kick you. in that case the cure is worse than the disease.

its one thing for the spurs to prepare and have options in case of injury, and another for spurs fans to complain about injuries before they even happen.

[v2freak]

1) i consider a tool someone who doesnt think.

2) agreed

3) manu is playing basketball, not swimming with sharks or doing stunt work- the same thing he was doing his entire life before the spurs signed him.

4) agreed as well, just as its obvious that some fans always have to have something to criticize the team and/or players for.

look, i appreciate the straight answer without namecalling, but "the way things are going" is nowhere near as bad as fans here make it out to be. "the way things are going" is still the model for other franchises, and a nightmare for the league. unless someone finds me concrete evidence that players that dont play organized basketball in the summer dont suffer injuries, all this complaining is totally pointless. injuries are a part of basketball and lucky for us the spurs havent had many.

there is a saying in spanish- "no se puede andar por la vida con el culo apretado, esperando que te va llegar una patada." you cant go through your life with your ass clenched, waiting for life to kick you. in that case the cure is worse than the disease.

its one thing for the spurs to prepare and have options in case of injury, and another for spurs fans to complain about injuries before they even happen.

True. The bolded part got my attention though. The Spurs have been very lucky in this regard, especially in comparison to 0.4, thirteen points in 35 seconds and all other assorted "wtf" stuff that happens to the Spurs. But I consider it to be only luck, and I don't want to wait for probability to take its course and deal the Spurs a blow.

[spursfan09]

Normally I woudn't care about him playing for Argentina, but hello! He was hurt this season and it cost us against the Lakers. He is still hurt and wants to play for Argentina? So all of a sudden Manu is better and can play for them and help them win? If he does than great, but he better not miss next season because he played for the olympics. I know you want to represent your country Manu, but think of your long term health and the Spurs. It kind of sucks as a Spur fan to already know that you think of the gold medal and something more valuable than an NBA trophy, but don't slap us in the face and only seem to be healthy enough to play for one team.

[diego]

but don't slap us in the face and only seem to be healthy enough to play for one team.

this is the sentiment that i just cant understand. manu risked his career for the spurs just over a month ago, jeapordizing his olympic dream, and people are suggesting that he only brings it for argentina and that he sits out games for the spurs.

if manu had that kind of mentality he'd be beno udrih, taking two weeks off for every bruise and sprain. he'd have accomplished nothing and all us argie homers wouldnt even be here! :lol

[Kermit]

No. he doesn't care about $. He wants to play.

:lol

Then after he reinjures himself, the Spurs should sign him to an extension for the minimum. Saint Manu should except, since he doesn't care about money and would play for free.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

If the guy is hurt he should not play. Period. I would have rather seen Brent Barry out there more minutes jacking up three point shots and making Fisher look like Kobe than watch Ginobili be the invisible man in our most important games of the season.

[AC#21_TD ERA]

What the hell is the matter with him?? He already has a gold medal, he was so hurt he played like shit in the playoffs and his ankle is still not even close to right and he wants to play in the Olympics. Where is this guys committment to the Spurs?? He is going to come into camp with a cain the way he is going. This is where Manu is too competitive for his own good. He 100% should not be playing this summer.

Exactly you could of not wrote it any better. If he plays then trade him im sick of his shit. SIT IT OUT MANU YOUR BODY NEEDS A WHOLE SUMMER OFF!!!!!

[Cherry]

:lol

Then after he reinjures himself, the Spurs should sign him to an extension for the minimum. Saint Manu should except, since he doesn't care about money and would play for free.

minimun :lol

[Anti.Hero]

Fuck it. If he wants to ride out with his countrymen for one last battle against all odds....

Let him. :toast

[T Park]

Shut the fuck up.

I hope Manu plays in the Olympics, its what he wants...he's done more than enough for the fucking Spurs.

He hasn't fulfilled his contract, and hes wanting an extension.

You want the money, you stay the fuck home.

Shut the fuck up yourself.

[all_heart]

Sure as Spurs fans we would love to see Manu heal and get rest this summer. But the choice is his, if he wants to defend his Gold medal, then let him. Besides maybe this is exactly what the Spurs need to happen so they are forced to go out and bring in some good talent.. As good as Manu is, the Spurs can't rely on him to get them going all year long, he plays much too hard to do that for 82+ games. Thanks to the Spurs and Pistons, there are now more teams playing better D. So that means a mediocre offense which honestly I believe the Spurs are this past year, will find it difficult to score against and get a high seed in the playoffs. It's about time the Spurs start playing these D league guys or sign some young talent. As much as I think Pop is a great coach, I believe his strict rigid style may keep talented players away. Sure we want the guys willing to put their egos in check for a chance to win a title, but a lot of these guys don't want to be tied down on offense either... just my 2 cents.

[smeagol]

What the hell is the matter with him?? He already has a gold medal,


He already has 3 NBA rings



he was so hurt he played like shit in the playoffs


He played like shit in the WCF. Get your facts straight.



and his ankle is still not even close to right and he wants to play in the Olympics.


He has said over and over that he will only play if his ankle healed. Jeesh!



Where is this guys committment to the Spurs??


Yeah! Where is his commitment? This guys is so uncommitted to the Spurs it makes me wanna puke :rolleyes



He is going to come into camp with a cain the way he is going.


Is that what your crystal ball is telling you?



This is where Manu is too competitive for his own good.


????



He 100% should not be playing this summer.


He was planning to play, but after he logged in last night to ST and read your convincing post, he decided to take the next plane to SA, and take it easy for the rest of the summer.

[ElNono]

For the fuckers talking about commitment, straight from the horse's mouth:

Question: Do you want to stay in San Antonio?
Manu: I don't want to go anywhere else. Nowadays, I can't conceive retiring anywhere else. If it happens because of a trade, I'll see what I do, but unless things change a whole lot, I would like the black and white number 20 to be the last jersey I wear.

[td4mvp21]

I don't give a fuck if it's loyalty to his country. I'm a Spurs fan and I want him healthy and rested playing FOR THE SPURS. They pay him, too-a shitload of money that most people don't even aquire over their 80 year long life. If the team wants him not to play he needs to honor that IMO. He was injured in the playoffs and he needs to remember that it was a big reason why we lost that series in 5 games. The Spurs can't win with only two scorers.

[brespursfan20]

I hope he retires a SPUR too!! But, not until Tim and Pop! I know he wants to play for his country, but I think he will do the right thing.....

[Manufan909]

What the hell is the matter with him?? He already has a gold medal, he was so hurt he played like shit in the playoffs and his ankle is still not even close to right and he wants to play in the Olympics. Where is this guys committment to the Spurs?? He is going to come into camp with a cain the way he is going. This is where Manu is too competitive for his own good. He 100% should not be playing this summer.


Ok, this post is a summary of everything wrong about American Spurs fans, we can be fucking idiots sometimes, sorry ATX:bang. I think Manu has loyalty to both, and I believe if he's around 85% good, than he should go represent his country. And let's not pretend that there aren't 40+ head coaches in the NBA that wouldn't jump at getting Manu.

He has three NBA rings he actually contributed to getting, an Olympic Gold, he's a one-time All-star, just got the Sixth Man award, he should've been an All-Stare this year considering they thought him the 3rd BEST SG IN ENTIRE THE NBA at the end of the season(fucking dumbasses), as well as the top 10th player in MVP voting(even though he lives in Duncan's shadow). Just play him 20-24min in the first 30 games, and have someone other than Finley/Barry taking his minutes.
:flag::flag::flag:

[Manufan909]

So you want him to do the "right" thing, or what would be best for you? I'm going to guess it's the second. Because for you, the correct choice means he's going to shit all over his country, especially if he's healthy enough to play, you'd still rather he sit it out. I think he should wait for that MRI, and trust his gut. I really don't think Pop would be dumb enough to trade him, but he'll probably shorten the hell out of his playing time especially if he makes it far into the Olympics, which is almost certain if he goes. Hopefully Scola and Oberto can take over.:downspin:

[ElNono]

I don't give a fuck if it's loyalty to his country. I'm a Spurs fan and I want him healthy and rested playing FOR THE SPURS. They pay him, too-a shitload of money that most people don't even aquire over their 80 year long life. If the team wants him not to play he needs to honor that IMO. He was injured in the playoffs and he needs to remember that it was a big reason why we lost that series in 5 games. The Spurs can't win with only two scorers.

Because being healthy and rested, like last season, means he won't get injured.... oh wait

[diego]

no takers for the bet

why am i not surprised.

NO BALLS

you know who you are...

[spursfan09]

this is the sentiment that i just cant understand. manu risked his career for the spurs just over a month ago, jeapordizing his olympic dream, and people are suggesting that he only brings it for argentina and that he sits out games for the spurs.

if manu had that kind of mentality he'd be beno udrih, taking two weeks off for every bruise and sprain. he'd have accomplished nothing and all us argie homers wouldnt even be here! :lol

I know he was injured when he played for us, thats one of the main reasons we lost. If he is still injured he should not play for the olympics, but instead rest for the NBA season. He is getting paid to play for the Spurs. Something has got to give. If he proves me wrong than so be it. But if he's hurt he shouldn't play the olympics. simple as that.

[v2freak]

Because being healthy and rested, like last season, means he won't get injured.... oh wait

I'm not sure who is arguing that if he rests this summer, he'll become Iron Man next season. What people are saying is that the likelihood of him getting injured this summer is high because of a.) the nature of basketball and b.) the nature of the way he plays. Some people don't think it's worth the risk. This year, there is one more variable. In previous years, Ginobili had never gone into the summer as visibly injured. He claims that he won't play if he's not up to it, but when has he ever been the face of great judgement? His desire to compete sometimes clouds his ability to make decisions. Like Diego said, he did risk his career for the Spurs by playing the WCF, when I really wish he hadn't. It is not worth it to either Ginobili or the Spurs.

[Bruno]

Manu playing this summer will hurt Spurs next year but there is no way Spurs should forbid Manu to play for Argentina this summer.

[ElNono]

I'm not sure who is arguing that if he rests this summer, he'll become Iron Man next season. What people are saying is that the likelihood of him getting injured this summer is high because of a.) the nature of basketball and b.) the nature of the way he plays. Some people don't think it's worth the risk. This year, there is one more variable. In previous years, Ginobili had never gone into the summer as visibly injured. He claims that he won't play if he's not up to it, but when has he ever been the face of great judgement? His desire to compete sometimes clouds his ability to make decisions. Like Diego said, he did risk his career for the Spurs by playing the WCF, when I really wish he hadn't. It is not worth it to either Ginobili or the Spurs.

Injuries are more random than what most people think. There are players that have not missed a game in years. There are players that can't stay healthy. There are players that were injured over and over again, then come back and play full seasons without problems. Manu might not play the Olympics, and then he gets injured the first game of the season. There's no rhyme or reason to it. Manu actually has played great for the Spurs after playing in International competitions. All 3 championships he won with the Spurs were after playing some sort of International tournament the summer before. And playing injured in the WCF (actually, every playoff game after the Suns) has more to do with a joint decision between Pop and him. I have to believe Pop knew what was going on, considering that Manu had MRI's done while the playoffs were going on. The final word is on Pop, not Manu.

At the end of the day, he's having his studies done in San Antonio in 2 weeks. I'm sure that if he has not healed, he simply won't play. If he has healed, I don't see why he shouldn't play.

[Nbadan]

Whatever Manu decides to do the simple fact remains that the Spurs only have 2 or 3 great years left in Tim Duncan, so if Manu comes back at less than 100% after this offseason that really sets the team back, especially considering how important home-court advantage is to reaching their objective - another NBA championship...for that reason alone, if Manu decides to play this summer, my thoughts are that the Spurs would be prefectly justified in putting him on the active trading block for a impact player(s). Does that mean he automatically gets traded? No, but if there is a team out there that is willing to give up a player, or team of players, that would put the Spurs over the top then the Spurs would owe no further loyalty to Ginobili, after all, despite his greatness, and I have always been a huge Gino fan, he is in the long scheme of things just a role player on this team.

[v2freak]

Injuries are more random than what most people think. There are players that have not missed a game in years. There are players that can't stay healthy. There are players that were injured over and over again, then come back and play full seasons without problems. Manu might not play the Olympics, and then he gets injured the first game of the season. There's no rhyme or reason to it. Manu actually has played great for the Spurs after playing in International competitions. All 3 championships he won with the Spurs were after playing some sort of International tournament the summer before. And playing injured in the WCF (actually, every playoff game after the Suns) has more to do with a joint decision between Pop and him. I have to believe Pop knew what was going on, considering that Manu had MRI's done while the playoffs were going on. The final word is on Pop, not Manu.

At the end of the day, he's having his studies done in San Antonio in 2 weeks. I'm sure that if he has not healed, he simply won't play. If he has healed, I don't see why he shouldn't play.

That probably holds truth in some cases - certain players do seem injury-prone, but I refuse to believe that it is 100% of even 50% random. A player's style has everything to do with how much he slows down over the years and whether he gets injured. A player like Bruce Bowen who is not terribly athletic but conditions himself and protects his body can play 500 games in a row, but a guy who dives for balls, takes a ton of hits a game and "embellishes on certain plays regarding physical contact" is gonna get in trouble at one point or another. It's already happened, and if he gets injured again, I'd rather him do so while playing for the Spurs. Call it selfish, but I think most people will agree that he is impetuous at times. 80% healthy may not deter him from playing in the Olympics.

Also, the argument that the Spurs win when Ginobili plays in the summer isn't very convincing to me. There are too many variables in the equation, and to attribute the success of the Spurs in odd years to something like this is ludicrous. 0.4 was a big problem in 2004, as was the foul on Dirk in 2006. Both of those huge plays had nothing to do with Ginobili playing over the summer. He has been integral in all of the title years, but he is not the only piece.

Nbadan, I am also not against trading Ginobili. I wouldn't call anyone untouchable at this point except Duncan.

[Manufan909]

Whatever Manu decides to do the simple fact remains that the Spurs only have 2 or 3 great years left in Tim Duncan, so if Manu comes back at less than 100% after this offseason that really sets the team back, especially considering how important home-court advantage is to reaching their objective - another NBA championship...for that reason alone, if Manu decides to play this summer, my thoughts are that the Spurs would be prefectly justified in putting him on the active trading block for a impact player(s). Does that mean he automatically gets traded? No, but if there is a team out there that is willing to give up a player, or team of players, that would put the Spurs over the top then the Spurs would owe no further loyalty to Ginobili, after all, despite his greatness, and I have always been a huge Gino fan, he is in the long scheme of things just a role player on this team.

God, that better be a joke. Unless his role is to be the heart and fire of the Spurs, and the second(at lowest third) best player on the team. I didn't know role players could get 10th place in MVP voting either.
:lmao

[v2freak]

I would agree that he's not a role player - the term "big 3" exists for a reason - but I get what Nbadan is saying. There will only be one Duncan, but Ginobili could possibly be replaced.