Yes, yes, I know... it was an early pre-season game, and that Ginobili only started at point guard because all 3 Spurs point-men were hurt. HOWEVER... I believe Coach Pop should take a serious look at Ginobili in the point guard role for the upcoming season. Here's how I got there...
What do the truly great point guards - the kind that make every other player on their team exponentially better - have in common?
They all seem to have a 6th sense on the hardwood that enables them to know where every player is on the floor, and more importantly, where every player is going. It's as though they have the ability to slow time and analyze their surroundings. It is this sense that enables great point guards to see things no one else sees, thread passes no one else could have, and ignite the kinds of plays few others can.
You can't teach it. Few players have it... but Ginobili does.
Of course there are other attributes and skills a great point guard must possess:
Ball handling skill: check.
Quickness: check (he's not TP, but he's quick enough).
Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting Ginobili Supplant Tony Parker as the starting point guard this year. But it's simply impossible for me to ignore the fact that Ginobili has more in common with the Stocktons, Nashes, and Kidds of the world than do most of the starting point guards in the NBA.
I say, give Ginobili minutes at the point - a lot of minutes - and you won't be sorry. That doesn't mean you have to sit Parker. Try having Ginobili run the plays while Parker looks to score. I'm not saying Pop should make some kind of an immediate or permanent switch in this regard... I'm just saying, try it.
Ginobili has the skills to be a great point guard. Seems a waste to not at least get a good look at him in the role.