Ginobili:I hope he starts

[mathbzh]

I prefer Manu coming off the bench. Right now we don't have a legitimate backup PG (hopefully Hill can become one), so I am more comfortable if Manu is there.

[Spurs da champs]

Just because Mason became a back up pg and took that pg role late in the season & play offs doesn't mean that it ruined his jump shot he still should have been clutch

[Spurtacus]

Manu off the bench to lead the second team. He would likely be the primary ball handler (unless Hill has made strides this offseason).

[sa_kid20]

I totally disagree.

Manu needs to be preserved for the playoffs, and that means playing 24mins or so off the bench, as a spark in the first 3 quarters, then closing the 4th.

Also, RJ beautifully replaces his slashing in the starting lineup, and, given that, Mason's dead-eye shooting is a better fit with the starters.

Actually wouldn't Manu starting preserve him more than him coming off the bench and being the focal point of the offense with the 2nd unit? If he starts he won't need to do as much because Tim, Tony, and RJ will also be out there.

When Manu came off the bench he would usually come in at around the 6 min mark so why not just start him and take him out at the 6 min mark? I just think its important for the Big 3 to be on the floor with Dice and RJ to build some chemisty and get used to eachother since that will most likely be our money lineup at the end of games.

[SA210]

Manu should start.

[ChumpDumper]

I would rather keep our Argentinian posters insulted and indignant.

[Rick Von Braun]

Its much better for Manu to come off the bench for many reasons; not the least of which is his health.

I never understood this line of reasoning... For the same number of minutes played, it is more stressful on his body to come off the bench. I have explained this ad nauseum for many years.

In any case, the main drawback of coming off the bench with the rotation that Pop uses is the little playing time overlap with Duncan. They (TD and Manu) were for many years one of the most productive combos in the NBA, until the rotation split them apart. Statistically, the synergy of both playing together was unmatched.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Actually wouldn't Manu starting preserve him more than him coming off the bench and being the focal point of the offense with the 2nd unit? If he starts he won't need to do as much because Tim, Tony, and RJ will also be out there.

When Manu came off the bench he would usually come in at around the 6 min mark so why not just start him and take him out at the 6 min mark? I just think its important for the Big 3 to be on the floor with Dice and RJ to build some chemisty and get used to eachother since that will most likely be our money lineup at the end of games.

Manu is a creator, something Mason isn't great at, so who is going to create for the team off the bench? Hill a bit, but it's an ideal role for Manu.

I don't think playing him with the starters would preserve him any more than playing him with the second team - either way he's going to play like Manu. But if you put him with the starters you've got 4 guys wanting the ball (everyone except Dice), and you don't have a pure 3pt shooter out there. I know RJ shot 40% last year, and Manu can shoot about the same, but Mason fits the starters, and Manu the bench, so much better.

Anyway, Pop will sort this stuff out in camp. I just hope he only plays Manu about half a game, with one long stint (or two short ones) in the first half, a long stint in the 3rd, and the last 8 mins of the 4th.

[mystargtr34]

I would bring him off the bench. The team maintains more of a balance that way.

Another thing is that Pop has the luxury of keeping two 'stars' on the court at all times, so Manu isnt forced to come in and be the lone scoring and creating option like he has been before.

[timtonymanu]

I prefer Manu to come off the bench. It balances the offense. Tony will give you 20 ppg. Mason will give about 8-9 ppg. Jefferson 12-13 ppg. Duncan 18-19 ppg. McDyess 8-9 ppg. Manu off the bench will give about 13-14 ppg.

[Chieflion]

Manu coming off the bench next season will be different from him coming off the bench last few seasons. Last few seasons, Manu either had none of Tony Parker or Duncan in the game with him when he first checks in to the game and sometimes has to carry the entire offense. Now that the Spurs added Jefferson, most likely Manu will play with at least 1 or 2 of them relieving his pressure on offense, so it is best for Ginobili to start off the bench next season.

[TJastal]

I'm kinda leaning toward Manu as a starter on opening day too. Why? It will be much less pressure on him (and ultimately his tender ankle).

Maybe once we're a good chunk into the season and he's full recovered (lets pray this happens) the spurs can think about thrusting him into his old 6th man role, which basically puts the onus on him to carry the offense.

[Slippy]

Manu off the bench would probably suit Manu and the team better but if you want to concerve Manu for the play-offs it wouldn't hurt to start him. With Jefferson on board Pop is going to be ultra-conservative in his approach to Manu than previous seasons.

[TJastal]

Manu coming off the bench next season will be different from him coming off the bench last few seasons. Last few seasons, Manu either had none of Tony Parker or Duncan in the game with him when he first checks in to the game and sometimes has to carry the entire offense. Now that the Spurs added Jefferson, most likely Manu will play with at least 1 or 2 of them relieving his pressure on offense, so it is best for Ginobili to start off the bench next season.

Possibly. If Jefferson or Parker (or both) are still in the game when Manu checks in off the bench, that would be ideal.

[Solid D]

As a fan, I don't care if Manu starts the game. I just don't want to be on the phone or getting refreshments or away taking a bio-break and miss any action when Manu is IN THE GAME!!!

[Spursmania]

We're a better team with Manu off the bench. Too many touches needed for Timmy, Parker and RJ and there's only one ball.Our offense is much more effective when he comes off the bench. Besides starting Mason with TD, Tony and RJ plays to his strengths as well.

[beirmeistr]

I never understood this line of reasoning... For the same number of minutes played, it is more stressful on his body to come off the bench. I have explained this ad nauseum for many years.

In any case, the main drawback of coming off the bench with the rotation that Pop uses is the little playing time overlap with Duncan. They (TD and Manu) were for many years one of the most productive combos in the NBA, until the rotation split them apart. Statistically, the synergy of both playing together was unmatched.

I agree. His effectiveness off the bench can be nullified by double-teaming him, which might lead to extra effort on his part that could cause an injury.
Let's quit using Gino as a linus blanket because we don't trust our bench and let's start our best five players.

[urunobili]

I think he'll start until he gets used to paying with RJ and Dice in the lineup... then.. Pop will take him back to the bench... it'll take like 20, 25 games before he is totally comfortable with them...

[Dr. Gonzo]

As long as Finley doesn't start, I don't care.

[ElNono]

Pop has always said the reason he didn't start him is that we didn't have enough punch off the bench. I think he will begin the season as a starter, then, depending how our bench produces, he'll either be moved back to the bench or be solidified as a starter.

[coyotes_geek]

Makes no difference to me. As long as we've got at least 2 of the big 4 on the court at all times everything else will work itself out.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

As a fan, I don't care if Manu starts the game. I just don't want to be on the phone or getting refreshments or away taking a bio-break and miss any action when Manu is IN THE GAME!!!

Well said, sir!

I miss the halcyon days of 2004-07 when it always seemed to be Manu-time...

[Bukefal]

he'll be coming of the bench for sure. And I dont mind that. I still think he should have been traded, but i dont see it coming. We had a good offseason so far.

[phyzik]

When are Spurs fans going to learn that Ginobili off the bench is what makes us so god damn dangerous?

Bolded and Italicized for emphasis.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

RJ gives the Spurs enough scoring in the starting line up that Manu can come off the bench and be a playmaker. The way the second unit is shaping up there are guys that can't get their own shot, but with a guy who can demand double teams and generally create havoc like Manu they could be elevated into Bum Rush Crew '09-10. The role players on this team are looking very versatile and Manu is the x-factor that can make the whole thing run. You could put him out there with shooters like Bonner, Finley, and McClinton and let him attack the hoop and kick out to the open man. Being able to get into the paint and unbalance an offense could give room for Blair to operate and get put backs or catch the occasional dump off pass a la Oberto. Or find athletes like Hill and Mahinmi cutting to the hoop. Or just score a billion points in 5 minutes like he does sometimes.

Bottom line, putting the ball in Manu's hands usually leads to good things. Putting the ball in Manu's hands when there are three other legit scoring options on the floor is not the most efficient way to use him when he can't do more than 25-30 minutes a night.