Manu's Popularity Could Suffer If Spurs Struggle

[duncan228]

I didn't find this posted, sorry if I missed it.

I hesitated to post it, I don't want to stir things up again. I decided to because it was a current local view-point. If we're done with the conversation please delete.

ManuMan’s popularity could suffer if Spurs struggle
San Antonio Business Journal
by W. Scott Bailey

Manu Ginobili left San Antonio for the Beijing Olympics as one of this city’s most adored professional athletes.

But he returned with another battle scar and perhaps some tarnish on his spurs.

When San Antonio could not get past Los Angeles in the 2008 NBA Western Conference finals, Spurs fans argued that it was not because their team was too old but because Ginobili was too banged up.

It is true that Ginobili battled through that series with an injured left ankle. And without him, the Spurs had to play with one hand tied behind their back, so the excuse for that series loss was legitimate.

But last month, Ginobili claimed that left ankle had healed enough that he could travel to China to join the Argentina Olympic team.

There were mixed feelings in this city.

Some Spurs fans understood Ginobili’s desire to represent his country.

Others questioned his commitment to the NBA team that has paid him very well to represent San Antonio. Their beef: Wasn’t the risk of Ginobili re-injuring the ankle as legitimate as the excuse for why the Spurs were once again unable to defend a le?

Ginobili let his heart make a decision his head should have vetoed.

If he needed a push, Argentina was perfectly willing to oblige. They selected the Spurs guard to carry their nation’s flag during the opening ceremonies.

Bottom line: Argentina made Ginobili an offer it knew he could never refuse.

Uncomfortable position

Then, on Aug. 22, in a semifinal game against a U.S. team led by Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, Ginobili fell.

He grabbed that same ankle and was helped off the court and into the locker room.

Ginobili was done. So was Argentina.

Eight days later, the Spurs confirmed that Ginobili would have to undergo surgery to correct a “posterior impingement” of that left ankle.

On Sept. 3, Ginobili underwent what the Spurs say was a successful arthroscopic surgery. That surgery was, fittingly, performed in Los Angeles.

Ginobili returned to San Antonio the following day. He will have to wear a splint and use crutches for roughly three weeks.

Then, according to the Spurs, Ginobili will be re-evaluated and will begin his rehabilitation program.

It’s unclear when, if ever, Ginobili will be 100 percent.

And who knows how this setback could impact the way he plays the game from here out?

What if the Spurs have to make due with something less than the Tasmanian Devil version of Ginobili we have come to appreciate and enjoy?

Patriotism aside, one can argue that Ginobili put at risk his NBA career for another trip to the Olympics.

Can’t one argue that his first allegiance should be to the team, the city and the fans who have helped make him a very rich man?

Some of the immediate chatter after Ginobili went down in Beijing, no doubt prompted by anger, involved talk among fans that he should be traded.

It was only chatter and certainly there has been no overriding mandate among Spurs fans more recently that San Antonio should ship Ginobili elsewhere. But even a whisper about such a trade speaks volumes about how this Spurs superhero has upset some folks.

Some in the media have suggested that Ginobili is more interested in Olympic medals than NBA championships.

If this proves to be true, more Spurs fans will begin to question Ginobili’s loyalty to his employer.

Time will tell how this all plays out.

Perhaps Ginobili regains his shine by helping lead the Spurs to another NBA le.

Or maybe this latest setback forces the Spurs to take more time easing Ginobili back into the lineup and to become more conservative with his minutes.

And maybe that costs the Spurs some additional, costly losses that prevent the Black & Silver from securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.

If this is how the Ginobili story plays out, will San Antonio fans find it in their hearts to forgive and forget his decision to forego rest and to play in the Olympics?

Or will they blame ManuMan if the Spurs come up short again in the playoffs?

[spursfan09]

I'm not saying anything until this season and playoffs are over. Hopefully Ginobil will heel and he will perform like he is capable. I am not upset he wanted to go to the Olympics, and I am just upset he came back injured even after he was already injured. I also believe that he showed the Olympics and his country are more important than the Spurs. But thats okay, I mean we only pay him he didn't grow up here or anything.

[urunobili]

is he writing an article or a questionnaire?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Manu re-injuring the ankle at the Olympics, I believe, is a blessing in disguise.

Had he not gone to the Olympics there is no doubt he would tried to play here at the beginning of the season even if his ankle was still not 100%. From what I know of Manu, he would have pushed on and kept playing, even if was bothering him, for as long as he could physically stand it.

Then, at some point in the regular season that ankle would have given again, reguiring surgery, and we'd have been without Manu for the stretch run, perhaps, and with a still-recovering Manu for the post season. Or perhaps Manu would have put off surgery because of his compe iveness until after the season was over, playing at 70% trying to compensate for his injury.

This way Manu can sit out the first part of the season when teams aren't trying all that hard anyway and properly rehab after his surgery. The Spurs can determine who on their team they can count on, other than Manu, to step up and win games, and then we'll have Manu healthy (hopefully!) for the post season run.

[spursfan09]

Manu re-injuring the ankle at the Olympics, I believe, is a blessing in disguise.

Had he not gone to the Olympics there is no doubt he would tried to play here at the beginning of the season even if his ankle was still not 100%. From what I know of Manu, he would have pushed on and kept playing, even if was bothering him, for as long as he could physically stand it.

Then, at some point in the regular season that ankle would have given again, reguiring surgery, and we'd have been without Manu for the stretch run, perhaps, and with a still-recovering Manu for the post season. Or perhaps Manu would have put off surgery because of his compe iveness until after the season was over, playing at 70% trying to compensate for his injury.

This way Manu can sit out the first part of the season when teams aren't trying all that hard anyway and properly rehab after his surgery. The Spurs can determine who on their team they can count on, other than Manu, to step up and win games, and then we'll have Manu healthy (hopefully!) for the post season run.

Good point. He being able to rest might benefit the Spurs. Hopefully that is the case.

[Ocotillo]

It will surely force feed Mason the system because there is not Manu to fall back on in the short term.

[Anti.Hero]

Anything that happens after last year is just a bonus.

We had our run. It was a great run.

[Manufan909]

And hopefully there can be a group of players who do stand up to make up for the loss of Manu's production. I'm hoping Mason, Bonner, Finley, Ian, and Ime can score 15 more than Bonner, Horry, Finley, Damon, Ime, and Barry did last year. Preferably 25 more, put I'm not putting my hopes up too high. Maybe the Spurs can just be a defensive nightmare for other teams like in years past.

[Brutalis]

Manu re-injuring the ankle at the Olympics, I believe, is a blessing in disguise.

Had he not gone to the Olympics there is no doubt he would tried to play here at the beginning of the season even if his ankle was still not 100%. From what I know of Manu, he would have pushed on and kept playing, even if was bothering him, for as long as he could physically stand it.

Then, at some point in the regular season that ankle would have given again, reguiring surgery, and we'd have been without Manu for the stretch run, perhaps, and with a still-recovering Manu for the post season. Or perhaps Manu would have put off surgery because of his compe iveness until after the season was over, playing at 70% trying to compensate for his injury.

This way Manu can sit out the first part of the season when teams aren't trying all that hard anyway and properly rehab after his surgery. The Spurs can determine who on their team they can count on, other than Manu, to step up and win games, and then we'll have Manu healthy (hopefully!) for the post season run.

I agree. And it was more so a blessing nothing tore or broke.

[century]

It has already suffered. Selfish and thankless head.

[Brutalis]

Anything that happens after last year is just a bonus.

We had our run. It was a great run.

[Bender]

Some in the media have suggested that Ginobili is more interested in Olympic medals than NBA championships.

I thought I read somewhere in a previous interview quite a while back, where he admitted as much...

[Allanon]

And hopefully there can be a group of players who do stand up to make up for the loss of Manu's production. I'm hoping Mason, Bonner, Finley, Ian, and Ime can score 15 more than Bonner, Horry, Finley, Damon, Ime, and Barry did last year. Preferably 25 more, put I'm not putting my hopes up too high. Maybe the Spurs can just be a defensive nightmare for other teams like in years past.

Spurs will have to replace production for both Manu and Barry.

If Finley and Ime pick up Manu's scoring slack, who is going to pick up the Finley and Ime's #'s? They would have to both double their output to fill their own numbers in addition to Manu+Barry...which isn't likely.

I think it will fall on the newcomers Mason, Ian and Hill to determine the Spurs' success this year.

[bonnington]

Well, Where is going to live Manu after his career? in San Antonio or in Bahia Blanca?

I guess his popularity here in Argentina is higher than ever.

The tendency of the history is to replace Capitalist corporations over countries, but I guess there's still some people with red blood in their veins and love for their country, like Manu.

[Solid D]

Ginobili let his heart make a decision his head should have vetoed.

He's from Argentina. Part of the burden is on Spurs management and fans to recognize the importance of the Olympics outside the US. It's still important to a lot of people. If his contract allows him to play for his country, quit hatin'.

What if the Spurs have to make due with something less than the Tasmanian Devil version of Ginobili we have come to appreciate and enjoy?

Correction: Should be make do

Perhaps Ginobili regains his shine by helping lead the Spurs to another NBA le.

Uh, when did Manu lose his shine? He was 6th Man of the Year and he led the Spurs in scoring and steals in fewer minutes than Tony or Tim.

[ducks]

ofcourse it will people like winners not losers

[bonnington]

It has already suffered. Selfish and thankless head.

Thanks for what? and selfish in what way?

[timvp]

Manu's Popularity Could Suffer If Spurs Struggle

@ Teflon Manu seeing his popularity suffer. Maybe there are some hardcore Spurs fans a little peeved at him, like the type that hang out in Spurs forums. But the other 99% of Spurs fans love Manu and will always love Manu no matter what.

I've heard David Robinson get booed. I've seen the entire arena get mad at TD or TP for not playing up to their highest level. But I've never seen or heard any negative emotion aimed toward Manu by a Spurs crowd no matter what he does.

The loudest ovation of the regular season will be when Manu is able to return to the court. And truthfully, Manu's connection with the Spurs fanbase is hugely important to the team. It seems like the only reason Spurs fans stay awake during regular season games anymore is to see what Manu is going to do next. Replacing that energy is going to be really tough early in November and December with Manu out.

I think Manu already is the most popular Spur in Spurs history. The one thing Manu doesn't have to worry about going forward is whether or not Spurs fans are behind him.

[Solid D]

ofcourse it will people like winners not losers

LeBron and Kobe didn't win the le last season. I don't see much of a popularity drop going on there ducks.

<swims away on the Pond of Hate>

[century]

Well, Where is going to live Manu after his career? in San Antonio or in Bahia Blanca?

Remember The Falklands war? Given Argentina's military impotence there may not be Argentina by the time Manu retires. Even stupid Canada could wipe out Argentina. Handful of British warships sure got Argentina on its knees begging for mercy.

I think the US should annex Argentina as the 51st state. I'd sure like to go to Patagonia without traveling to a foreign country...

[ducks]

LeBron and Kobe didn't win the le last season. I don't see much of a popularity drop going on there ducks.

<swims away on the Pond of Hate>

stern markets those two
not manu

[thispego]

I didn't find this posted, sorry if I missed it.

I hesitated to post it, I don't want to stir things up again. I decided to because it was a current local view-point. If we're done with the conversation please delete.

quit bein such a puss duncan228

[Solid D]

stern markets those two
not manu

Marketing has only a partial impact on popularity. Manu gets his share, but it is Manu's exciting performance on the court that leads to his popularity. This past March, SI.com (David DuPree) listed the 5 most fun NBA players to watch and they were 1. Manu Ginobili, 2. LeBron James, 3. Kobe Bryant, 4. Steve Nash and 5. Baron Davis.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...eam/index.html

Good luck with your premise, ducks.

[Mister Sinister]

Remember The Falklands war? Given Argentina's military impotence there may not be Argentina by the time Manu retires. Even stupid Canada could wipe out Argentina. Handful of British warships sure got Argentina on its knees begging for mercy.

I think the US should annex Argentina as the 51st state. I'd sure like to go to Patagonia without traveling to a foreign country...

What.

[Slippy]

Saw my Orthopedic surgeon today for a follow-up appointment. Had a candid converstion about Manu's injury and the olympic issue. Now i didn't get into specifics because time was a factor. Explained that he had an impingement of the ankle that had caused a ligament to swell up. He said the impingement would of been caused by extra bone growth. That rehab of rest, walking boot and injection would of made it possible for Manu to take part in the Olympics but the extra bone would always be there and explains why he re-injured it. He confirmed why many thought surgery was inevitable, as the only way to treat the impingement is by getting inside to "clear up" the extra bone growth. He added that because Manu's a pro athlete he should be walking after 4 weeks but rehab included would mean about 2 months before training began. If it was the causual athlete then up to 3 months would be the go. The good news is that Manu should get back to 100 percent but the time he takes to get there he wasn't sure.

Whether we see the old Manu or new Manu can't see his popularity suffering. Maybe a little with fans who have short memories. He's accomplished so much with the spurs and shares a storied history that anything other than a positive reception would be un-called for. We might not agree with Manu's priorities on this matter but we all know he has the best of intentions.