Manu Respond to His forum:

[DAF86]

I'm more concerned with the fact that Manu doesn't look like he has enough left in the tank to be a cornerstone-level player over the rest of this season and the 2-3 after it. If Manu was showing any kind of ability to consistently get to the basket like he did in 06-07 and early 07-08, then no way in I'd trade him. I don't believe him when he says his body is great though. I think it's posturing, as the proof on the floor just is not there. He's settling for so many bad threes that it's hard to believe he's capable of the kind of penetration that once made him such a devastating offensive threat.

To be fair, he did imply that he's playing it safe right now, so maybe he is not getting to rim as often as he used to by design.

[baseline bum]

Iguodala could only be a chance if you take Brand's contract and seeing how you think that Manu is overpaid I doubt that you would like to see Elton on the team. Besdies I don't know how much AI could improve this team, sure he is young and athletic, but he isn't a better playmaker than Manu and doesn't have a reliable jumper, which is something that the Spurs wings must have by design.

No one's going to take Brand's deal. Of course they're trying to sucker teams into taking it right now, the same way every other team that wants to dump salary tries (and usually fails) to do before becoming desperate and trading their star for pennies on the dollar. Iguodala's on the right side of 30, gets to the free throw line, and is a pretty durable player with a much brighter future, in addition to him being better right now.

And about those other things, I only argue about things I don't agree with, I agree that he didn't play at the level he's supossed to play last year nor this one so why would I disput that? and about the money thing I think I made my point.

You made your point? Your point was he's not living up to his contract the last two years, but he's worth it?

[DAF86]

No one's going to take Brand's deal. Of course they're trying to sucker teams into taking it right now, the same way every other team that wants to dump salary tries (and usually fails) to do before becoming desperate and trading their star for pennies on the dollar. Iguodala's on the right side of 30, gets to the free throw line, and is a pretty durable player with a much brighter future, in addition to him being better right now.

IMO AI skillsets wouldn't work on the Spurs, he reminds me a little of RJ and I think we all agree that that hasn't work yet.

You made your point? Your point was he's not living up to his contract the last two years, but he's worth it?

I said he didn't play like he's supossed to in the last two season but he stills compensates the franchise in other aspects of the NBA bussiness therefore earning his salary, that's my view you don't have to agree with it.

[kace]

I don't know what this guy expects. Why would the Spurs sign him at any point this season? He needs to think about it logically from the organizations point of view and not selfishly from his point of view. Maybe he's too far in the forest to see the trees?

Minutes wise, he's been playing around 30 for the last while. Too bad his play and his lack of stamina haven't allowed for him to play more. Again I ask, what does this guy expect? Aside from his ball handling/play making (and the fact that he's the only consistent source of steals on the team), he's been bordering on awful this season. The Spurs need to find more minutes/touches for Jefferson, they need Bogans/Hill, because they're the only two plus defenders on the perimeter on the team and they need Mason, because he's the best perimeter shooter of the smalls, so where exactly does Ginobili want these minutes to come from? The more Pop has played him, the more worn out he's looked. He wants minutes, he needs to earn minutes. He's not Duncan, where he should automatically command x amount of minutes.

WTF ? you talk about him like he's a newbie on the spurs or a scrubs. Manu has the right to talk, like TP and Tim, and he really doesn't use this right very often, like his two teamates. He didn't say anything special.

anyway, i should have stopped reading you after you called him "this guy".

[Chieflion]

IMO AI skillsets wouldn't work on the Spurs, he reminds me a little of RJ and I think we all agree that that hasn't work yet.



I said he didn't play like he's supossed to in the last two season but he stills compensates the franchise in other aspects of the NBA bussiness therefore earning his salary, that's my view you don't have to agree with it.

Andre Iguodala is an underrated playmaker and sets up the plays for the 76ers. Their lack of a point guard causes Iggy to expand his game further, this is different from RJ's single-minded offense, which is to score. Plus, Iggy is also one of a defender.

[Brazil]

Can we have a translation of the spurs related part at least please ? I speak spanish a little but I can misunderstand things.

[zerokibum]

Manu~~~~whatever you are ,whatever I am .
we are always with you!

[diego]

I will just paraphrase what i found interesting, mostly so the people that are jumping to conclusions can STFU

Why is pop taking you out of crunch time? you're one of the clutchest players on the team!
That moment passed. It was a delicate stage that is left in the past… I hope!

criasor
INjuries aside… ¿Is this the worst spurs team you've been on? if not, which?
Every year we have bad stretches. This year we started bad and now we have a hard patch in the schedule. We'll see how it plays out, but yeah, we've been bad so far, no doubt.

¿Has the D schemes changed? have you talked about replacing bowen?
Nothings changed, regardless of who is in.

Do the twins affect resigning?
No, my wife and I will decide whats best when the time comes

If you dont resign, is there a player or team you'd like to play with?
I'd like to play with one of my argie NT teammates. But that wont be my main criteria when I decide

Fernando
¿How worried are you about resigning? do you think about it a lot? have they called lately?
I put it behind me. At one point I was pretty worried, not anymore. I'll be a FA and that's that, not the first time, no problem.

¿Do you think they are ungrateful after your contributions?
This is big business with a lot of money at stake. Nobody makes gifts, neither the franchises nor the players

Who do you see as the best 3 PGs?
tough, ill give you 4. Parker-Williams-Nash-Paul, any order.

santymrcx
Defensively the team has improved a little, playing more intense and looking for steals, but you still miss a lot of rotations, does the team need to communicate more?
We shouldnt be looking for steals, but yes we're getting a little better

gaucho_93
Which of these 3 pg do you like more (Nash, Iverson, Fisher)
Nash.

Do you guys miss bruce on and off the court?
Of course, after 7 years together its hard to get used to him not being there

fedenus
Which win did you enjoy the most and loss hurt the most? the win against dallas and losing to okc and boston at home.

Pop's rants... ¿have they dialed down? ¿How does he keep them fresh and personal? (I love it when he gets mad)
He has streaks. there are weeks when he's on a roll and others where he loses it. It depends a lot on what we messed up… je je. I dont like it as much as you do! I'll send him to your job, see if you still enjoy it so much!

gabyboedo
If a guy misses a lot, does the team talk it over seriously, do you guys rib each other in the locker room, how is it handled?
Not at all. in 82 games anyone has bad nights. It if its prolonged, then maybe we'll do special drills/plays. We joke around but only when its not serious, then we get to work.


What % of resigning? do you think the fans want you back?
I dont know, I dont talk with the FO about it, So I dont know what yhey think. I think the fans want me back, I havent met any that told me to leave (yet!)

TRU
Blair is great, a huge help, but he never kicks out his offensive boards. Has anyone told him that is the smart play?
He's improving day by day, he's a great player and he's playing to his strengths. remember he's young, only 20, at his age I wasnt close to his level.

Kobe talks a lot, who does it for the spurs?
tim, tony, me and fin



Ge
Considering your expectations, what do you value the most for the season and where do you need to improve
I value playing the most! I'm passing well with few turnovers. 6-8 games ago I was penetrating very poorly, and now Im in a shooting slump. If its not one thing its another !

when will we get a spanish forum on spurstalk?
I have nothing to do with ST, I dont want any trouble!

so where is manu talking about the FO or pressuring anyone? All he did was say that its a business and that hes put it behind him.

[diego]

I've noticed that your role on the team is different this year. How do you feel about it? Also how's your relationship with the Spurs at this time? As a FA if you had to go elsewhere (I really hope and pray that you retire with the Spurs. You're family now) what teams are you really interested in and what kind of role would you like with that team?
I don't have a problem with my role, is not THAT different anyways. The relationship with the Spurs is great as it has always been. I have no idea where I'd like to play if it's not with the Spurs, never thought about it, but I guess I'll have to start considering it soon. I have no clue about what role other teams would expect me to have. I've only been a Spur so far, so when I start talking to them, I'll find out.
Anyways, as you can tell, I don't know much and don't want to think a lot about that, first I want to win another championship and after that I'll think about my future.

again, right there in english straight from manu

[DAF86]

How good do you think you are playing as a team and how much do you have to improve to be at a 100%?
We need to improve a lot on defense and offense, I'd say we're at a 72.86%


Why is Pop sometimes not playing you at the important moments of games? Even if you are not playing well I think you should always be there at the end of game because of your decision making and intangibles.
That happened in a delicate part of the season and is a thing of the past...or at least that's what I hope!

How do you like to end the season 1, 2, 3 or is it the same as long as you get to the playoffs?
What a question...1, always 1.

Is this the worst version of the Spurs you got to see?Every year we have rough stretches. This year we started badly and a tough schedule is awaiting us. We'll see how we develop, but yes, we're not playing well, that's for sure.

Did Pop change the defensive scheme?
No. It has always been the same.

How do you feel physically?A lot better. I have no complains, I just hope I can stay like this all season.

Are your sons going to make a difference by the time of deciding your continuity on the Spurs?
No, it doesn't change a thing. When the time comes I'll decide with my women what is best for the family and my career.

How many chances do you see of winning this year? what about adding T-Mac? And are you ready for the world cup in Turkey?
We have chances, we aren't the main contenders but we're among the 5 or 6 teams with championship aspirations. I don't think there are a lot of posibilities of adding T-Mac, but you never know. And no, I'm not ready. There's a long way to go.

How have you been feeling lately, do you think you are at least at an 80%?
I feel great, I'm just missing shots but sooner or later things will come back to normal.

In case you don't resign with the Spurs...Is there a team or player in particular you would like to play with?I'd like to play with my NT partners. But truth to be told I don't think that is an aspect I will consider when the time comes. There are a lot of things to consider.

When you get into the game do you usually do it at your normal position or do you have to play some SF or PG for some minutes?
In our system SG and SF are the same thing. I almost never play PG, but I have no problem doing it.

Are you going to be able to play the world cup?
It's going to be a lot more complicated than other times. Anyway, I'll decide when the time comes and I'm sure about my future.

Is the financial crisis affecting the team's sales?
Yeah, it shows a little but luckily we have great fans that love and respect us very much so the difference isn't very big. I don't know the exact numbers.

How do you feel on the team? It seems like you have more of a playmaker role now.
This year I'm passing the ball more and trying to get teammates involve 'cause I think that's what this team needs and 'cause I my shot isn't falling but the time will come of shooting more and pass a little less. (a more precise translation: "I'm saving myself for the playoffs to start attacking the rim more often")

Is the team improving?
That's what we're working on, we are trying to improve day by day but we have a long way to go.

Have there been any rumours about trades?
Nobody has heard anything. You guys always know more than us.

How worried are you about signing with the Spurs? Have they talk to you about the subject?
I kinda put my mind out of it now. At the moment it affected me a little bit, but it is what it is, I will be a free agent and that's it, I have been through that already, no problem.

Don't you think is a little bit ungrateful of their part that they haven't resign you yet after all you gave to the franchise?
This is a bussiness and there's a lot of money involved. Nobody gives away anything, not the franchises nor the players.

Who do you think are the top 3 PG of the league?
Tough question. I will give you 4: Parker-Williams-Nash-Paul, in no particular order. (lie: he put them in an ascending way )

A walk on part on the war or a lead role in a cage?
Lead role in the war.

What play in a basketball court do you like the most?
Transition, that's the most fun for everybody. On the half court I feel comfortable playing the pick and roll.

How are you physically?
100%

Those are some, man this long. I'll try to translate more later.

[ElNono]

ElNonoMasa = ElNono?

Yes... And I'm out of town until the 25th. I only have my iPhone here, so it's not going to be possible for me to translate this until then...
So, if anybody wants to beat me to it, that'd be great. If not, I'll pick it up when I get back.

[urunobili]

ok diego and DAF beat me to translate the juicy ones...

ElNono... enjoy your vacation time we got this

[ElNono]

ok diego and DAF beat me to translate the juicy ones...

ElNono... enjoy your vacation time we got this

[MmP]

That highlight post in the first page of this thread really missunderstood some of what Manu said. And everybody went crazy for nothing.
Manu never said he was disapointed with the FO or anything. He said that at some point of this season the idea of becoming a FA next year did affect him bacause of the way things were going for him at the start of the season. But now that has passed.

What I can ready between the lines, and this is what I think, I might (probably) be wrong. Is that Manu has the FA idea in his head. He's not denying from the start because at some point he's not very sure if the spurs are going to re-sign him...

[Kori Ellis]

¿Para cuando un subforo en castellano en SpursTalk? Muchos equipos NBA lo tienen y justo donde tenemos una comunidad hispana numerosa y un jugador emblema no? Hace alguna llamada
¿Yo que tengo que ver con SpursTalk? No no no, no me metan en ese lío, eh! ;-)

This was seriously a question? I thought the original poster had put it in there for fun.

[urunobili]

This was seriously a question? I thought the original poster had put it in there for fun.

a jewel right there!

Manu being asked when will ST have a Spanish Sub Forum and he replied saying he has nothing to do with SpursTalk and added "do not put me in that kind of trouble" after that... lol

[timvp]

All you have to do is ask, Manu.

[Libri]

This was seriously a question? I thought the original poster had put it in there for fun.

¿Hablas español?

[Phenomanul]

Manu knows of Sequ's antagonism...

[Kori Ellis]

¿Hablas español?

I can read Spanish pretty well, but can't speak that much.

timvp is Domincan descent, and he knew Spanish before English, but he speaks with a Gringo accent these days.

[Libri]

I can read Spanish pretty well, but can't speak that much.

timvp is Domincan descent, and he knew Spanish before English, but he speaks with a Gringo accent these days.

Cool.

[spurs10]

First of all, he didn't demand but if he would like to do so I say he has earned that right with all that he has given to the Spurs through all these years.

Absolutely....Manu Ginobili is one of a kind. He has never expressed anything but humility and a desire to make the team better.

[spurs10]

WTF ? you talk about him like he's a newbie on the spurs or a scrubs. Manu has the right to talk, like TP and Tim, and he really doesn't use this right very often, like his two teamates. He didn't say anything special.

anyway, i should have stopped reading you after you called him "this guy".

Exactly, it's disrespectful. Doesn't sound like the words of a Spurs fan.

[MannyIsGod]

@ this thread.

[VivaPopovich]

We'd all prefer to have Manu back, but it's not reasonable for him to expect to come back for the same amount of money when we have a guy like George Hill that's young and fresh with a bright future, isn't as injury prone who's going to fairly expect more money in the years to come.

You'll always be my favorite Manu even if your not sporting a Spurs jersey, but you need to be fair.