Ginobili: "I'm not planning on retiring"

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili’s contract expires at the end of the season. He will be 36 years old next month. Numbers-wise, he is coming off one of the least productive seasons of his NBA career. He is shooting 38.3 percent in the playoffs.
Put all of the above together, and it is natural to ask: Win or lose, could the upcoming NBA Finals mark the last ride for one of the most beloved players in the Spurs history?
Ginobili answered in no uncertain terms Friday.
“I’m not planning on retiring,” Ginobili told the Express-News.

full article here

FWIW, upon the report, rotoworld.com says this about Ginobili's future.

The Spurs probably want Manu back for one more year, but he's going to take a massive pay cut off the $14.1 million he earned in 2012-13. A veteran's minimum deal would be fair.

:lol Yes, he'll slash his salary, but for the vets min? Please. That would put his cap figure under 1.4 million. Heck, if it happens, I'll be happy as anybody, but I'm expecting something like 2 years 9 million with the 2nd year being a player option. Basically what Boris got last year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he got more than that since it will be such a short term contract it won't be some albatross weighing us down

Manu's not signing for the veteran minimum. :lol

2 years, $9 million (like you said) would be nice, but I think he'll get somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 years, $13 million.

No way the most popular player in the team signs for the veteran minimum.

:lol rotoworld

yeah, i added that point for humor. while rotoworld is pretty solid as far as bringing up to date news, their own takes they give (ironically, written in blue font) can often be pretty shitty.
although to be fair its hilarious when they go ham on kendrick perkins

A vet-min deal would only count $884k if it's a one-year deal. He'd get $1.4 Million, but the league would pay the balance.

I don't think that's very likely, but the Spurs' cap situation would be completely different then. I'd want a $13M/2 deal with the second year fully non-guaranteed, but with a no-trade clause attached.

$13m/2yr would be too much in terms of what he actually produces on the court. As a sentimental contract as a thank you for his years of service I would understand it, but he hasn't played like a $7m player IMO

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Richie

$13m/2yr would be too much in terms of what he actually produces on the court. As a sentimental contract as a thank you for his years of service I would understand it, but he hasn't played like a $7m player IMO

---

I agree. My pitch was something like $9m/2yr but as I said, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets more. His durability has to come into consideration as well. He's missed 22 games this year and 32 last season, while only playing 23 minutes per game these past 2 years. I fully understand his value to the team, but these things are also important when gauging monetary value in a salary cap league.

There're are two be factors in determining his salary. The first is the amount of money the team needs to carry out their plans. Sort of like with Duncan, I imagine Ginobili will agree to take whatever is left after the Spurs re-sign and acquire the players they wish to. Before anyone mentions cap holds, I understand. But everyone can agree to deals before actually signing them.

The second factor is how long Ginobili is likely to play. If he definitely feels he can player two years, then a smaller deal that's fully guaranteed would make sense. If he may only play next season, then a slightly bigger, not-fully guaranteed deal could be a nice trade chip if Ginobili retires. Giving him a no-trade clause would allow him to finish his career in San Antonio, avoiding a Pierce situation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chinook

There're are two be factors in determining his salary. The first is the amount of money the team needs to carry out their plans. Sort of like with Duncan, I imagine Ginobili will agree to take whatever is left after the Spurs re-sign and acquire the players they wish to. Before anyone mentions cap holds, I understand. But everyone can agree to deals before actually signing them.

The second factor is how long Ginobili is likely to play. If he definitely feels he can player two years, then a smaller deal that's fully guaranteed would make sense. If he may only play next season, then a slightly bigger, not-fully guaranteed deal could be a nice trade chip if Ginobili retires. Giving him a no-trade clause would allow him to finish his career in San Antonio, avoiding a Pierce situation.

---

I think there are too many variables to have Ginobili sit and wait. It depends largely on what kind of offers Tiago is going to receive. Can we afford to sit around and wait with that cap hold while free agency begins (and we are likely to have cap room). Are free agents going to "agree to terms" and then sit and wait while we resolve the Manu situation, while in the meantime other teams are still giving them calls and offering them contracts? I don't think this situation is likely to play out. Last year we were right up against the cap, so Duncan signing wasn't under any time pressure. We knew full well we wouldn't be players in free agency. That might not be the same this year, especially if we get outbid for Tiago

Manu will retire a Spur and the franchise will make sure that happens.

With regard to upping his level of play:

a) Drive to the basket more
b) Cut down the "boneheaded" turnovers

I think if he can do those two things, his value is a no-brainer and easily justifies $5 million per.

Nobody should want him to retire. 2 years 10-14 million would still be a great contract for him.

I would not mind a TMac type role for Manu next year

I don't know if you guys saw J.R. in the playoffs this year (or any other year), but I'm very happy that the Spurs have Manu as their 6th man.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spurraider21

I think there are too many variables to have Ginobili sit and wait. It depends largely on what kind of offers Tiago is going to receive. Can we afford to sit around and wait with that cap hold while free agency begins (and we are likely to have cap room). Are free agents going to "agree to terms" and then sit and wait while we resolve the Manu situation, while in the meantime other teams are still giving them calls and offering them contracts? I don't think this situation is likely to play out. Last year we were right up against the cap, so Duncan signing wasn't under any time pressure. We knew full well we wouldn't be players in free agency. That might not be the same this year, especially if we get outbid for Tiago

---

The Spurs have about 10 days when they can talk to free agents without worrying about someone taking Splitter. So there is plenty of time to set everything up without being in the rush you fear will happen. If the Spurs' plan to Ginobili is "We'll try to land some players, then keep Splitter, then give you the rest," then I think it could be tricky to have a contract set up. But more likely, the Spurs will say, "We plan to target X and Y. This is what we're going to offer them. That leaves this much for you. Does that sound good?", probably before the draft even begins. The Spurs aren't the type of team to get into a bidding war, so they'll pretty much have the finances of each scenario mapped out. If the Spurs fail to nab any of their targets, I imagine Ginobili will get a bigger deal, but that should affect anything at that point.

I'm one who doesn't want the Spurs to go under the cap. I think they should use Bonner as a trade piece, re-sign Splitter and Ginobili for whatever they want, then use the MLE to bring over Bertans and sign a vet. So in my mind, none of these cap concerns really matter. But smart teams know how to use the cap rules to their advantage, unlike the Pacers and Bulls who messed up their roster or cap situations by doing transactions in the wrong order.

Stats like ppg and fg% are pretty much meaningless. If people actually bothered to look deeper the best indicators still suggest Manu is a top player in the league. Even this relative down year, and if you give him the benefit of including last season, well then he is still elite.

RAPM is is heralded as the best stat by smart NBA followers. It's so good that the guy doing it has now been picked up by an NBA team, hence he has unfortunately removed his 12-13 ratings but before injuries this season (and year after year before that) Manu was a well established top 10 player in the league looking at RAPM.

His PER is still also among the best shooting guards in the league. Even this struggling season. His Simple rating of 10.3 lead the team last season and 6.2 this season is still behind only Tim and Tony.

When Manu is on, he is the best player on the team bc of what he can do all around for the team, period. He isn't finished yet.

he is not as popular with his suckage play as before

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hater

I would not mind a TMac type role for Manu next year

---

You want him to serve as a glorified human victory cigar and only be seen when hes bear hugging Timmy?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SA210

When Manu is on, he is the best player on the team bc of what he can do all around for the team, period. He isn't finished yet.

---

you are not telling the truth
tp and duncan if on if manu is on are way better then manu now

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ducks

you are not telling the truth
tp and duncan if on if manu is on are way better then manu now

---

*sigh*

Doubt he gets the vet minimum, he's Manu Ginobili

Always loved Manu and always will despite his erratic play. I'd love to be able to see him play for 2 more years. If the corpse of DFish can do it, Manu certainly can.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Budkin

Always loved Manu and always will despite his erratic play. I'd love to be able to see him play for 2 more years. If the corpse of DFish can do it, Manu certainly can.

---

dude shows up on gmae in a playoff series
other plays can do that and are cheaper

:lol Vet minimum

RJ is getting 11mil next season to hand out towels and gatorades. Manu is easily worth 2yr/13-14milion.

Considering his age, injuries and level of play, $6M per year sounds fair for Ginobili.

Now, if Manu is ready to take a big paycut to help Spurs going after the best free agents, the room exception would be the way to go. It would pay him $2.7M per year over 2 years.

Ginobili taking the room exception would even allow Spurs to go after Dwight Howard.

Question about restricted free agency, for example one team offers tiago a max contract is it mandatory for him to sign it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ducks

dude shows up on gmae in a playoff series
other plays can do that and are cheaper

---

Manu gets a pass for life for what he's done for the Spurs.

This shouldn't be breaking news....I heard in an interview with Manu months ago that he wanted to keep playing after this year. He said then that if for some reason the Spurs didn't want him back, then he would consider other options, even perhaps playing overseas.

I don't know if we can cheap-change Manu either. A lot of you still underrate him. Were in the finals for god's sake! I could see a contender like Miami, New York, the Clippers, or some other team going after him this summer. And if they offer him millions more than we'll pay him, and they really want him, then anything could happen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mrjap2x

Question about restricted free agency, for example one team offers tiago a max contract is it mandatory for him to sign it?

---

No. He has to agree to sign an offer sheet just he would a normal contract.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hater

I would not mind a TMac type role for Manu next year

---

Well, the username fits the take. :lol

I'd absolutely want Manu back on a contract like 2 years, $13 million. If he's expecting 2 years, $20 million or something along those lines I'd probably have to pass, but I doubt he'll ask for that kind of money.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bruno

Considering his age, injuries and level of play, $6M per year sounds fair for Ginobili.

Now, if Manu is ready to take a big paycut to help Spurs going after the best free agents, the room exception would be the way to go. It would pay him $2.7M per year over 2 years.

Ginobili taking the room exception would even allow Spurs to go after Dwight Howard.

---

If only! would b great for the spurs to pursue some big fa's

i hope hes planning on taking a huge paycut...
i love the guy but his game is worth $1-5 mill tops.

No, you cannot force a player to sign a contract. If Tiago wants he can sign for the vet minimum (or a max if it's put in front of him), or go to another league, or retire, or whatever he wants.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LittleCriminal

i hope hes planning on taking a huge paycut...
i love the guy but his game is worth $1-5 mill tops.

---

So Manu is less valuable than Diaw?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spurraider21

“I’m not planning on retiring,” Ginobili told the Express-News.

---

:tu

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spurraider21

FWIW, upon the report, rotoworld.com says this about Ginobili's future.

The Spurs probably want Manu back for one more year, but he's going to take a massive pay cut off the $14.1 million he earned in 2012-13. A veteran's minimum deal would be fair.

---

:lol

2 years, $13 million would be a no-brainer, tbh. That's fair.

I hope and can easily see Manu moving into coaching on the Spurs when he retires. Of all players past and present I think he's best suited. When there's a time out and coaches are huddled away from the players it's usually Manu on the bench giving instructions with the others huddled around him. He'd be a great fit to someday inherit Pop's mantle. Maybe he'd give the Spurs a discount with that role in mind.

Manu haters still out in full effect :lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bruno

Considering his age, injuries and level of play, $6M per year sounds fair for Ginobili.

Now, if Manu is ready to take a big paycut to help Spurs going after the best free agents, the room exception would be the way to go. It would pay him $2.7M per year over 2 years.

Ginobili taking the room exception would even allow Spurs to go after Dwight Howard.

---

Uhm.... Wow. That would be interesting...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by baseline bum

I'd absolutely want Manu back on a contract like 2 years, $13 million. If he's expecting 2 years, $20 million or something along those lines I'd probably have to pass, but I doubt he'll ask for that kind of money.

---

He took an almost pay it back in 04 iirc when Denver chased him.

baseline bum
Do you think manu would care if Diaw was making more $$$ than him?

:lol People thinking Manu will & should sign for anything less than 6mil a year. He's much more valuable than that even without taking into account how popular he is in SA.

Even a broken down Manu who plays 3/4 of the season is a Top 10 SG and should be paid accordingly tbh. 2 year/13 million is a great deal for Manu.

He has already made close to 80 million,He is going to sign a decent contract for both parties.

this thread needs to be locked then revisited after the Finals.

Quote:

---

A veteran's minimum deal would be fair.

---

bullshit.

He's definitely not taking a vet minimum, but he shouldn't be getting anywhere near 14 million anymore.

I am a HUGE Manu fan, but at this point saying he's "vastly overpaid" isn't an insult, it's just a fact. 9 mil a year is the maximum he should be getting. Absolute max. I think he should technically be getting somewhere in the 7.5-8m range tbh since you know he's going to miss time.

I want him back, but I want the team to have an extra 5-7m to help bolster the team too. We need a better backup PG is Joseph doesn't progress a LOT, and we also need extra money to re-sign or replace Splitter, not to mention potentially replace both Gary Neal and Matt Bonner. If Manu gets too greedy, our team will be worse by default since they won't be able to afford a good enough supporting cast.

I hope Manu bites the bullet and takes somewhere around a 40-50% paycut. Likewise for Timmy (not 40-50%, just like 20% or something) later when his deal expires. Tony on the other hand is vastly underpaid (since he took one for the team already) and deserves a bonus in his next deal imo.

I'm sure Manu will take the paycut, but I hope it's large enough to allow the Spurs to get stuff done. 30% minimum.

Pay him whatever he wants. 2nd most important player behind Tim Duncan.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kool Bob Love

Pay him whatever he wants. 2nd most important player behind Tim Duncan.

---

up to 7M a year would be perfectly fine with me.

IIRC, Manu said in one of the articles I translated a while back that what's going to happen with him is very similar to Duncan last summer... let the team investigate the market, and then once things settle, they'll look for a deal that works for him and the team.

I would expect things to go exactly as TD's deal went: Spurs made the moves they wanted, then run the numbers and came up with an amount that keep them under the lux tax and was 'fair'.

He wants to finish his career with the Spurs and ideally get a two year extension.

People are overrating the shit out of Manu, he isn't even the 3rd best player on this team. His passing has been erratic, 5.4 Apg with 2.4 TO's per game, and he makes some pretty stupid plays out there that benefit the other team. And offensively he looks done. He's also been plagued by numerous injuries.

I don't want him taking shots away from Leonard either, If Pop actually drew up plays for Kawhi he'd easily average around 18 PPG. I want Manu taking limited shots like he did in the Memphis series.

Manu is still valuable but not as much as others suggest, he's the only other Spur that can run the offense outside of Parker and he does a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet.


Let's just wait until we see his performance in the Finals, then we will be able to properly gauge his value.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kidd K

He's definitely not taking a vet minimum, but he shouldn't be getting anywhere near 14 million anymore.

---

He's not getting $14m/year... that's what he's making now. He'll likely get a bit less of what TD's making now ($10m/year)... Anything from $5m to $8m a season is probably in the ballpark...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KL2

People are overrating the shit out of Manu, he isn't even the 3rd best player on this team. His passing has been erratic, 5.4 Apg with 2.4 TO's per game, and he makes some pretty stupid plays out there that benefit the other team. And offensively he looks done. He's also been plagued by numerous injuries.

I don't want him taking shots away from Leonard either, If Pop actually drew up plays for Kawhi he'd easily average around 18 PPG. I want Manu taking limited shots like he did in the Memphis series.

Manu is still valuable but not as much as others suggest, he's the only other Spur that can run the offense outside of Parker and he does a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet.


Let's just wait until we see his performance in the Finals, then we will be able to properly gauge his value.

---

I love Kawhi and I think he's going to be great, but right now, on a per minute production basis, Manu still is the 3rd best player on this team.

The Spurs' offense also rely heavily on ball movement, especially the bench, who has no shot creators, and Manu is the guy, good or bad, that makes everything work there.

Manu isn't even shooting much these days. I wouldn't be too concerned about him taking shots away from anybody, tbh...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T Park

Uhm.... Wow. That would be interesting...

---

Yeah a Parker/Green/Leonard/Duncan/Howard starting lineup with some good players on the bench like Joseph, Ginobili, Diaw. Looks good on the paper.

It would shock me that Howard picked a team like Spurs but you never know. He certainly is worth the phone call providing Ginobili is fine with the room exception.

Howard is a both a pipe dream and a huge gamble... wouldn't surprise me at all if the team doesn't consider him Spurs material, tbh

Before you go on with your takes remember that RJ will get 11 million next year. :lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KL2

People are overrating the shit out of Manu, he isn't even the 3rd best player on this team. His passing has been erratic, 5.4 Apg with 2.4 TO's per game, and he makes some pretty stupid plays out there that benefit the other team. And offensively he looks done. He's also been plagued by numerous injuries.

I don't want him taking shots away from Leonard either, If Pop actually drew up plays for Kawhi he'd easily average around 18 PPG. I want Manu taking limited shots like he did in the Memphis series.

Manu is still valuable but not as much as others suggest, he's the only other Spur that can run the offense outside of Parker and he does a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet.


Let's just wait until we see his performance in the Finals, then we will be able to properly gauge his value.

---

:lol

COK homer, per par. :lol

You should be..

Timmy made about 100 mill the last 5 years when he became a free agent. That averages to about 20 mill a year. He signed for 3yr 30 mill. Manu has been paid about 60 mill for last 5 years. Average per yr 12 mill. Look for the Spurs and Manu to agree on a contract about 3 yr 5-6 mill a yr with last yr non-guaranteed or partial guaranteed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bruno

Yeah a Parker/Green/Leonard/Duncan/Howard starting lineup with some good players on the bench like Joseph, Ginobili, Diaw. Looks good on the paper.

It would shock me that Howard picked a team like Spurs but you never know. He certainly is worth the phone call providing Ginobili is fine with the room exception.

---

Don't think Spurs would consider DH - his attitude waves a big red flag. Besides, Spurs are known to stand pat especially after a good year (which reaching the Finals is). After the 07 championship, I thought it was a mistake to stand pat but they've since recovered from it (in spite of the RJ fiasco).

If they can re-sign Tiago, Manu and maybe Neal (since his stock should be low), it'll be a good off-season.

Manu will most likely get two years, the second being a player option and he will sign for what fits the team and over 4 millions for each season.
I don´t think Ginobili will say NO to a two year contract worth only 8 millions if the FO puts a good team that can contend for two years.
But if the Spurs are 7 millions below the salary cap. And they can´t sign anyone for those extra 3 millions (4 are going to Ginobili) then they will give him 7 and I think he earned that compliment from the team.
He might been overpaid this season, but he was underpaid for at least 5 seasons, and he did sign a very shitty contract to join the Spurs in the first place.

At this stage, re-sign Tiago and Manu, keep developing Baynes, CoJo, DeColo, let go of Bonner, Blair and Neal and give Kawhi a bigger role offensively... I think that's an offseason that would be great right there... I wouldn't even mind bringing back T-Mac as insurance... he might actually have a bit left in the tank and he's still fairly young for a two-year deal for the vet minimum...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SA210

When Manu is on, he is the best player on the team bc of what he can do all around for the team, period. He isn't finished yet.

---

Then I guess he is never on anymore.

There is no way, imo, that the Spurs are going to break up the 'Big 3' after this season unless Ginobili makes it impossible to give him enough money (i.e. if he were to demand too much). I just don't see Manu doing that.

My guess is that he will sign for about 6-8 M per year, and everyone will be happy, because we still need him leading the second team.

Anything else is just unthinkable, imo.

Ginobli is still amazing. Without him, the bench would be worthless.

And you guys do know that Ginobli is essentially the back-up point guard and 2nd main facilitator on this team right? He's absolutely critical to this team's success.

He'll be offered at least 5 million a year. The Spurs won't insult Ginobli. I remember before the Lakers series this year a reporter asked Pop what it would mean if Ginobli was out for the playoffs because of injury. Pop simply responded. "Then it's over for us"

Surprised by the number of Ginobli haters on this thread. He's meant everything to this franchise. He'll go down as the most exciting, most cherished and beloved Spur of all time.

"Thank you" contracts suck.

I think the MLE for two years would be fair... even a little bit high for loyalty. I think the Spurs would be lucky if Manu plays 3/4 of both seasons.

I'm more concerned about Splitter. I still can't peg his value. We'll see how he performs in the finals.

I would like to see Manu retire. Just watching him drive makes my arthritis flare up. His joints look stiffer than mine. What with those super long strides of his, it just looks painful for him. I see a hip replacement in his future.

Having said that, if he doesn't retire, I'm sure he'll do what's best for the team as far as salary goes. Whatever he and the Spurs agree upon, I'm good with it. Manu is not only my favorite Spurs player...but has been my favorite NBA player for a very long time. He can stay as long he wants. He's worn a caste...I think he'll do fine with a cane :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KL2

People are overrating the shit out of Manu, he isn't even the 3rd best player on this team. His passing has been erratic, 5.4 Apg with 2.4 TO's per game, and he makes some pretty stupid plays out there that benefit the other team. And offensively he looks done. He's also been plagued by numerous injuries.

I don't want him taking shots away from Leonard either, If Pop actually drew up plays for Kawhi he'd easily average around 18 PPG. I want Manu taking limited shots like he did in the Memphis series.

Manu is still valuable but not as much as others suggest, he's the only other Spur that can run the offense outside of Parker and he does a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet.


Let's just wait until we see his performance in the Finals, then we will be able to properly gauge his value.

---

He's still the second (maybe only) playmaker we have after Tony. He's not overrated, Do you really want to see the second unit be managed by Neal/Joseph or whoever else is left?

Manu will get a 2 year 15 Mil deal and then ride off into the sunset once that deal ends.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

He's still the second (maybe only) playmaker we have after Tony. He's not overrated, Do you really want to see the second unit be managed by Neal/Joseph or whoever else is left?

---

Of course not, I just don't want SA to overpay for him if there is a better option out there they can afford.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KL2

Of course not, I just don't want SA to overpay for him if there is a better option out there they can afford.

---

What other option could there be out there? If you didn't know, this 35 years old with a broken body that everybody is saying is playing like shit is still posting an effeciency rating of 20+ pts in these playoffs. That's pretty damn good for any all-star player let alone an old fart like him, tbh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

He's not getting $14m/year... that's what he's making now. He'll likely get a bit less of what TD's making now ($10m/year)... Anything from $5m to $8m a season is probably in the ballpark...

---

I know he's making that now, that's why I said that number.

5m would be a godsend, though I think the minimum he'll take would be around 7.5m.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kidd K

I know he's making that now, that's why I said that number.

5m would be a godsend, though I think the minimum he'll take would be around 7.5m.

---

I don't think money will be an issue at all, unless the Spurs go with something stupid like vet minimum... He wants to stay, the Spurs want him back... it'll work out.

People also underestimate other business-related things that come with keeping a fan favorite like Manu around... ticket sales, merchandise sales... thankfully Manu isn't a guy that bitches at reduced minutes or stuff like that, so I think it will all work out in the end.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kool Bob Love

Pay him whatever he wants. 2nd most important player behind Tim Duncan.

---

Um no, there's a guy called Tony Parker.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

I don't think money will be an issue at all, unless the Spurs go with something stupid like vet minimum... He wants to stay, the Spurs want him back... it'll work out.

People also underestimate other business-related things that come with keeping a fan favorite like Manu around... ticket sales, merchandise sales... thankfully Manu isn't a guy that bitches at reduced minutes or stuff like that, so I think it will all work out in the end.

---

I don't underestimate it. In my first post, I said I'd like to have Manu back anyway.

I was only speaking on the salary cap and how Manu's high salary remaining where it is restricts what the Spurs can do in the offseason. Merch sales would be good with Manu around, but team quality doesn't go up if he continues to get paid that much. Profit and quality in business usually don't go hand in hand.

I agree that offering him vet minimum is a stupid idea though. That's just a slap in the face. He deserves more, I just hope it isn't any more than 7-9m.

Manu will sign he is not all about the $$$ he understands that he is not the same player and will take less to still play and help us win some games.

Found this on another board:

Quote:

---

4. San Antonio Spurs | Future Power Rating: 774
PLAYERS MANAGEMENT MONEY MARKET DRAFT
378 (9th) 170 (1st) 125 (8th) 55 (13th) 44 (19th)

We recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Spurs being considered too old to remain contenders. Instead, San Antonio is heading in the opposite direction in the Future Power Rankings; this is the highest the Spurs have ever ranked in the FPR, dating back to November 2009. San Antonio certainly has benefited from this year's Finals run, but the Spurs' future would be promising no matter what.

Quietly, San Antonio has managed its salary structure to potentially have more than $20 million in cap space this summer. In practice, much of that will go to re-signing free agents Manu Ginobili and Tiago Splitter, but Splitter's cap hold ($7.5 million) is reasonable enough that the Spurs could still clear about $10 million if Ginobili quickly agrees to a smaller new contract.

The flexibility is impressive given San Antonio has four starters under contract from this year's Western Conference champions. While the Spurs will see their depth take a hit with reserves DeJuan Blair, Gary Neal and possibly Boris Diaw (player option) hitting free agency, GM R.C. Buford and head coach Gregg Popovich have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to find cheap newcomers they can plug into San Antonio's system.

The biggest looming question is how long Duncan can continue to anchor the Spurs. He has two years left (including a player option) on the contract he signed last summer and is coming off a season as good on a per-minute basis as any since the 2007 championship. As long as Duncan competes at a high level, so too will San Antonio.

-- Kevin Pelton
(Previous rank: 9)

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KL2

People are overrating the shit out of Manu, he isn't even the 3rd best player on this team. His passing has been erratic, 5.4 Apg with 2.4 TO's per game, and he makes some pretty stupid plays out there that benefit the other team. And offensively he looks done. He's also been plagued by numerous injuries.

I don't want him taking shots away from Leonard either, If Pop actually drew up plays for Kawhi he'd easily average around 18 PPG. I want Manu taking limited shots like he did in the Memphis series.

Manu is still valuable but not as much as others suggest, he's the only other Spur that can run the offense outside of Parker and he does a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet.


Let's just wait until we see his performance in the Finals, then we will be able to properly gauge his value.

---

:lol That's over 2 to 1, or in simple terms, PG territory. Very few teams even HAVE a SG who has such a good ratio, let alone one who can actually create in volume, and if they could get a SG like that, they'd PAY.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Howard is a both a pipe dream and a huge gamble... wouldn't surprise me at all if the team doesn't consider him Spurs material, tbh

---

This. Unless he had some sort of "come to Jesus" talk with Pop, I can't ever see them pursuing him. He has all kinds of huge locker room and health red flags.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aztecfan03

Then I guess he is never on anymore.

---

He hit the biggest shot of the season thus far. (And this has been a season full of big shots thus far.)

The Spurs will be over paying for the production they will be getting back. It is going to get ugly.

Howard doesn't like playing the pick and roll on offense and is horrible at defending it too. I think I would rather keep Tiago at a much lower price.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by exstatic

:lol That's over 2 to 1, or in simple terms, PG territory. Very few teams even HAVE a SG who has such a good ratio, let alone one who can actually create in volume, and if they could get a SG like that, they'd PAY.

---

Some COKers just make shit up to defend their "point". It's sad. People can't just be happy that we are going to the Finals; they have to make shit up to hate on their "favorite" team's players. :bang

Isn't the average NBA salary ~$5 million? Surely, Manu should get paid more than that, tbh. Of course, if he wants to take less so we can sign better talent, I will take that, too. :tu

Some stat facts for Manu. He leads the team in two catrgories in the playoffs.

NETrtg (team point differential per 100 posessions) he is at +20 per NBA.com advanced stats.

He also leads the team in overall +/-.

Manu should do everyone a solid and just retire after this year. Spurs should realize that he simple isn't a "big three" player anymore. It's not easy going from a star player to a bench player on the same team. I remember Bowen having trouble with it in his last year. Next season is the time for the Spurs to transition to someone new. I would rather remember Manu battling in the playoffs then coming off the bench going 3 for 7 for 6 PPG. Spurs should focus on someone who can be the next sixth man like Tyreke Evans or JJ Redick

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by picnroll

I hope and can easily see Manu moving into coaching on the Spurs when he retires. Of all players past and present I think he's best suited. When there's a time out and coaches are huddled away from the players it's usually Manu on the bench giving instructions with the others huddled around him. He'd be a great fit to someday inherit Pop's mantle. Maybe he'd give the Spurs a discount with that role in mind.

---

Nope when he retires he's going back to Argentina and being a dad he has twins now and has no interest of coaching when he is done

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dverde

Manu should do everyone a solid and just retire after this year. Spurs should realize that he simple isn't a "big three" player anymore. It's not easy going from a star player to a bench player on the same team. I remember Bowen having trouble with it in his last year. Next season is the time for the Spurs to transition to someone new. I would rather remember Manu battling in the playoffs then coming off the bench going 3 for 7 for 6 PPG. Spurs should focus on someone who can be the next sixth man like Tyreke Evans or JJ Redick

---

We can probably afford to grab one of those guys and retain Manu. Also, Manu spent a majority of his career as a 6th man, so not sure where all that is coming from. He still runs the 2nd unit and is clutch

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kaji157

Some stat facts for Manu. He leads the team in two catrgories in the playoffs.

NETrtg (team point differential per 100 posessions) he is at +20 per NBA.com advanced stats.

He also leads the team in overall +/-.

---

:tu

That is a sweet looking jersey

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dverde

Manu should do everyone a solid and just retire after this year. Spurs should realize that he simple isn't a "big three" player anymore. It's not easy going from a star player to a bench player on the same team. I remember Bowen having trouble with it in his last year. Next season is the time for the Spurs to transition to someone new. I would rather remember Manu battling in the playoffs then coming off the bench going 3 for 7 for 6 PPG. Spurs should focus on someone who can be the next sixth man like Tyreke Evans or JJ Redick

---

To be fair Manu has always been a bench player as long as he's been with this team.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TMTTRIO

To be fair Manu has always been a bench player as long as he's been with this team.

---

Those guys don't have the same court vision that Manu has, and their intangibles have shown any kind of tangential evidence that they either could contribute what Manu does. It ain't just about the points per game. It's his willingness to play defense, his playmaking ability, then his knowledge of Pop's system. Even if Tyreke and JJ jumped into a transporter and combined themselves, they would still fall short of what Manu provides. If Nando grows a pair and learns to be an attacking force as opposed to a passive onlooker, then Manu's time on the court won't be needed as much. To be fair, he's like Tim & Tony & David, he can stay as long as he wants provided he accepts that the team needs to have fiscal responsibility.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

I love Kawhi and I think he's going to be great, but right now, on a per minute production basis, Manu still is the 3rd best player on this team.

---

On per minute production basis, Duncan is still at his 2003 MVP level. Unfortunately he isn't really, because he can't play at that level and play major minutes.

If Manu could play even as many as 30 minutes/game for a full 82 game season + playoffs, I'd be happy with paying him $10m. Unfortunately he'll be playing less than 24min and will miss at least 20 games through injury. Throw in his level of play, I think he's due around $5m.

I'd happily pay him more for non-basketball reasons like what he's done for the franchise, but as a player I think $5m is fair.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rmt

Don't think Spurs would consider DH - his attitude waves a big red flag. Besides, Spurs are known to stand pat especially after a good year (which reaching the Finals is). After the 07 championship, I thought it was a mistake to stand pat but they've since recovered from it (in spite of the RJ fiasco).

If they can re-sign Tiago, Manu and maybe Neal (since his stock should be low), it'll be a good off-season.

---

That would be a horrible off season. With our cap situation we should be looking to add at least one quality player. At the minimum we should be able to bring in a $7m free agent and retain Splitter and Manu (while letting go of Bonner).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Richie

On per minute production basis, Duncan is still at his 2003 MVP level. Unfortunately he isn't really, because he can't play at that level and play major minutes.

If Manu could play even as many as 30 minutes/game for a full 82 game season + playoffs, I'd be happy with paying him $10m. Unfortunately he'll be playing less than 24min and will miss at least 20 games through injury. Throw in his level of play, I think he's due around $5m.

I'd happily pay him more for non-basketball reasons like what he's done for the franchise, but as a player I think $5m is fair.

---

The whole point of my response had to do with the fact that these vets are very productive in limited minutes... they're not scrubs. What Manu 'in the decline' does in 25 mins right now takes a 'blossoming star' in Kawhi 35 mins... also Kawhi ended up missing more games than Manu this season, so the downtime is relative... the question is what do the Spurs want from Manu the next two seasons, and whether they think he can deliver.

After all, for all his alleged 'suckitude', he's the 3rd most productive player on a team heading to the NBA Finals...

Manu isn't going to get the same or more than TD, who is currently making $10m/year... I think what he ends up getting is largely dependent on how much it costs the Spurs to re-sign guys like Tiago, etc...

I do wonder how much emphasis Manu puts on his salary. He knows he and Tim only have a couple years left, it would make more sense to prioritise winning over salary.

I'd like to see a deal with Manu where we can chase a marquee free agent, and he will be willing to take the Room exception if we get one, or $7m otherwise.

Again it all depends on what the cap is, but we could have a potential $13m to offer if Manu takes the Room exception, AND keep Tiago. That could get us David West (even if we have to overpay him a little) who would be an excellent fit IMO. Another benefit of taking West would be that he would take a shorter contract which wouldn't restrict us post-Duncan.