Manu. Frickin. Ginobili.

[z0sa]

i'd rather take my chances with manu.

It's an agonizingly hard decision - of paths, so to speak - for me. The right trade might not appear collusion-esque on the outside (like the Gasol trade) but still net us some younger, high impact player(s). Additionally, without Manu you could almost guarantee RJ scoring 20 a game. It's just who do we get? It's still early. I probably agree with you in the end, and would stick with Manu myself, but that doesn't mean it isn't a tough decision to make IF the right trade comes along.

If Manu can stay healthy and prove he hasn't lost much, we're contenders this year. I'm just unsure he isn't regressing into role player status, especially by next year's playoffs.

[z0sa]

Well, I start from the premise that we're not rebuilding here. The big picture right now is trying to contend for championships until TD retires. Couple that with Pop not really being into young kids, and I'm not really sure what you mean. I think Pop's concern with Manu is entirely with health and wether he's going to be able to be out there. I think Pop would keep him on a reduced role, a la Finley, if they could arrange for a reasonable extension.

I'm assuming Pop would only authorize a Manu trade that netted us solid defensive player(s) back (presumably a big), so we could return (further) to Spurs style D. In the case that we did, I'm not sure how youth would be an issue. A barely turned 20 year old 37th pick in the 2009 draft is earning PT. Of course, I'm not sure if any such trade will be there. And, it'd be nice if we could pull a Gasol-like trade on someone who desperately wants caproom, however unlikely that is. It's too early and who knows what teams will be looking to do in 6 weeks - and that includes the Spurs. It will be very interesting seeing if Manu can stay healthy for a long stretch of time, and produce vintage performances as well.

[ElNono]

I'm assuming Pop would only authorize a Manu trade that netted us solid defensive player(s) back (presumably a big), so we could return (further) to Spurs style D. In the case that we did, I'm not sure how youth would be an issue. A barely turned 20 year old 37th pick in the 2009 draft is earning PT. Of course, I'm not sure if any such trade will be there. And, it'd be nice if we could pull a Gasol-like trade on someone who desperately wants caproom, however unlikely that is. It's too early and who knows what teams will be looking to do in 6 weeks - and that includes the Spurs. It will be very interesting seeing if Manu can stay healthy for a long stretch of time, and produce vintage performances as well.

I don't think Blair is really going to have much of a role on the second half of the season unless he manages to consistently grab 10+ boards and play relatively good defense in limited time to force Pop's hand. I think Dejuan is really having time to show what he can bring, but mostly, it's playing on time that will be handed to Ratliff. I think the GHill experience last season says a lot about what we should expect.

[Mr.Robinson]

wow, you people found that impressive? You need to watch some other teams once in a while, oh and need i remind you who our opponent was?


Geez

gtfoh!

[z0sa]

I don't think Blair is really going to have much of a role on the second half of the season unless he manages to consistently grab 10+ boards and play relatively good defense in limited time to force Pop's hand.

He's an energy player with a skillset we could use if he can bring it consistently. Those types are good to have around, especially on a playoff team, because they fire up both their teammates and the crowd. Inexperienced as he may be, he's showing progression on both ends. Remember the Boston game?

First of all, he didn't look or act scared at all, even in the guts of the game (it's been a recurring theme anytime he plays - he's respectful but clearly a force to be reckoned with). Big plus. It's nice knowing the rookie won't be easily intimidated.

Second, he was a big part of that +23 rebounding margin, and played just about as spectacular as you could have wanted on both ends, including guarding multiple bigger, more talented (supposedly) Celtics with success and scoring against those same guys.

He's had some nice blocks and other defensive plays this season. And wouldn't you describe his time now as "limited"? He only averages 15MPG, yet posts some of the League's best rebounding stats per minute.

I think Dejuan is really having time to show what he can bring, but mostly, it's playing on time that will be handed to Ratliff. I think the GHill experience last season says a lot about what we should expect.

Theo Ratliff may very well take large portions of Blair's minutes; some nights though, even come playoff time, I know Blair will have an impact and earn additional time. Not that there's anything wrong with Ratliff taking that time because he could be an even bigger difference maker.. It just isn't proof Blair will fall off the map or even get relegated to the bench.

[crc21209]

Big props to Manu tonight . Hopefully this gets his confidence even higher now..

[urunobili]

I think most of you are overeating with Manu's game 2nite... though this game was a step in the right direction... a confidence builder... something to raise his self belief... it wasn't THAT impressive...

[urunobili]

If his J keeps falling they'll have to respect that and then he'll start driving more.. therefore.. his game will be back once the J is deadly enough to be respected by the Defenders...

[Whisky Dog]

That actually made me sad, Manu played well and made plays but his explosiveness is gone. Dude almost got rejected by the rim on that two hander, and that never used to even be close. It's ing sad to watch.

[JustinJDW]

He played well against a mediocre-at-best team. Glad Pop played him more in the 4th though.

This.

Still though, I am glad to see Manu starting to get his rhythm back.

[ElNono]

I think most of you are overeating with Manu's game 2nite... though this game was a step in the right direction... a confidence builder... something to raise his self belief... it wasn't THAT impressive...

Agree.

[ElNono]

He's an energy player with a skillset we could use if he can bring it consistently. Those types are good to have around, especially on a playoff team, because they fire up both their teammates and the crowd. Inexperienced as he may be, he's showing progression on both ends. Remember the Boston game?

First of all, he didn't look or act scared at all, even in the guts of the game (it's been a recurring theme anytime he plays - he's respectful but clearly a force to be reckoned with). Big plus. It's nice knowing the rookie won't be easily intimidated.

Second, he was a big part of that +23 rebounding margin, and played just about as spectacular as you could have wanted on both ends, including guarding multiple bigger, more talented (supposedly) Celtics with success and scoring against those same guys.

He's had some nice blocks and other defensive plays this season. And wouldn't you describe his time now as "limited"? He only averages 15MPG, yet posts some of the League's best rebounding stats per minute.

Playoffs are a different story though. And this has little to do with Blair himself and everything to do with Pop. What I'm saying is that Blair is going to have to be indeed a beast consistently in order to earn Pop's trust to play him in the big stage. Otherwise, Pop will go with his trusty vets.
And you can't really blame him. Name me rookies that substantially contributed to a championship team in the past 10 years or so...

Theo Ratliff may very well take large portions of Blair's minutes; some nights though, even come playoff time, I know Blair will have an impact and earn additional time. Not that there's anything wrong with Ratliff taking that time because he could be an even bigger difference maker.. It just isn't proof Blair will fall off the map or even get relegated to the bench.

Hey, I'm rooting for Dejuan. I want him to be the exception to the rule, and turn into the future of the Spurs franchise. But I also have to keep my expectations realistic, and well, if he surprises us, then great!

[z0sa]

Hey, I'm rooting for Dejuan. I want him to be the exception to the rule, and turn into the future of the Spurs franchise. But I also have to keep my expectations realistic, and well, if he surprises us, then great!

I think our expectations are more similar than you realize. Although I'm not sure why you'd think he could turn into the future of the franchise. A solid player he will be, but a franchise player? Isn't that Ducks shtick?

[ElNono]

I think our expectations are more similar than you realize. Although I'm not sure why you'd think he could turn into the future of the franchise. A solid player he will be, but a franchise player? Isn't that Ducks shtick?

Well, if we're going to think big... why not go all the way???!!

[z0sa]

Well, if we're going to think big... why not go all the way???!!

That'd be ridiculous but here's to Blair. I'd be amazed if he ends up being a consistent 10/10 player with an extended career. Hopefully he'll have his chance to do that and much more right here in SA a couple years down the road (or sooner?).

[ezau]

That actually made me sad, Manu played well and made plays but his explosiveness is gone. Dude almost got rejected by the rim on that two hander, and that never used to even be close. It's ing sad to watch.

Even if he's explosiveness is gone or diminishing, he has to learn to play with what he has. Manu needs to pick his spots and that means he needs to develop a consistent mid-range game so he doesn't have to rely on driving all the time. Even if his athletic prowess is going down, the passion and basketball IQ of Manu will remain. I believe the team can deal with that because we have more offensive options than we've ever had in years.

[jacobdrj]

Playoffs are a different story though. And this has little to do with Blair himself and everything to do with Pop. What I'm saying is that Blair is going to have to be indeed a beast consistently in order to earn Pop's trust to play him in the big stage. Otherwise, Pop will go with his trusty vets.
And you can't really blame him. Name me rookies that substantially contributed to a championship team in the past 10 years or so...

Hmmm... Glen Davis. Manu Ginobli. Hmmm... That is pretty much it. Good call.

[rascal]

3 years???? What are you talking about?

This the the 3rd year that manu is not compleatly healthy.

[BillMc]

Manu had an excellent game. A healthy Manu is a win-win for us. It means he plays well, and his play seems to really help Jefferson. When Manu is on, we get two good players.

[ElNono]

This the the 3rd year that manu is not compleatly healthy.

2 years, typo..counting the playoffs..

Really? I was under the impression he got his first injury in the 2008 first round of the playoffs against Phoenix...
That's April 2008... 1.5 years ago... Not to mention he played half a season last year...

[ElNono]

Hmmm... Glen Davis. Manu Ginobli. Hmmm... That is pretty much it. Good call.

Glen Davis averaged 2.3/1.5 in 8 mins of play off the bench in his rookie playoffs... hardly a substantial contribution... I'd say PJ Brown, Posey and Eddie House were much more important factors in that Celtics team....

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Thanks, ducks, for posting my post from the game thread.

Manu still has it. He just needs more time (healthy) and he'll be back at the top of his game. That will be interesting to see.

Fingers crossed. There were signs there today, but it's only a start, and it was against a donut team with a poor defense.

Manu had a 36-point monster game vs. Toronto and then had a horrible stretch until tonight..the key isn't whether or not he can do it once in while, it's whether he can still do it on a consistent basis..

Agreed. That is the question that needs to be answered before the trade deadline.

he just needs to take it easy, and then go into that extra gear come playoff time.

i don't understand the manu bashing. the guy goes 110% every time he steps on the court. you know the spurs aren't winning a championship if manu isn't healthy, right? so why bash the guy? maybe think about rooting for another team.

I don't think a lot of people are "bashing" Manu. I'm certainly not. I think most people are simply concerned that the injury toll over the years, and his age, has finally caught up with him and he's lost a step, because he's really having trouble getting past his man. However, he is still a smart player that can make big plays as we saw today. However, I don't think that's enough to make us a contender this year. He needs to be Manu at 90% of his prime or we're in trouble unless someone else like George Hill really emerges.

You know, I'm not against trading him if you can find a deal out there that would land you a Gasol-to-the-Lakers lopsided trade. I just don't know what's out there like that.

Blackjack suggested Manu for Ty Thomas and Salmons. Intriguing, because they get a 10m expiring, which they want to pursue the big FAs this year, and a veteran presence in the locker room. They also get rid of Thomas (rumoured to be on the outer for ages now). We get a decent swingman in Salmons (although he's having a poor year to date), and a great shotblocker/rebounder who is also unfortunately not very smart and a bit of a headcase. Could Timmy, Dice and Pop help Ty to be what he can be?

It's a longshot, but depending on what Manu shows before the deadline, it'll be out there amongst the discussion.

I'm assuming Pop would only authorize a Manu trade that netted us solid defensive player(s) back (presumably a big), so we could return (further) to Spurs style D. In the case that we did, I'm not sure how youth would be an issue. A barely turned 20 year old 37th pick in the 2009 draft is earning PT. Of course, I'm not sure if any such trade will be there. And, it'd be nice if we could pull a Gasol-like trade on someone who desperately wants caproom, however unlikely that is. It's too early and who knows what teams will be looking to do in 6 weeks - and that includes the Spurs. It will be very interesting seeing if Manu can stay healthy for a long stretch of time, and produce vintage performances as well.

See above.

I think most of you are overeating with Manu's game 2nite... though this game was a step in the right direction... a confidence builder... something to raise his self belief... it wasn't THAT impressive...

Agreed. That's what I was trying to tell you!

PS Classic reverse-jinx employed by me today, literally the second before Manu got to the rim twice at the end of the game:

Manu has 11pts, but unfortunately none of them at the rim. He has tried hard on D but been torched at times. And he still looks slow. C'mon Manu, find your game, please.

eat ing crow!!!!!!!!!!!

Manu with the dunk for ruffy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spoke too soon.

Happy to see it!

ruff is a specialist...

SA 1:57
Manu Ginobili made Slam Dunk

SAC 2:06
Lost ball turnover on Tyreke Evans, Stolen by Manu Ginobili

SA 2:14
Manu Ginobili made Free Throw

SAC 2:14
Shooting foul on Omri Casspi

SA 2:14
Manu Ginobili made Driving layup

Yeah, it does happen a lot. I point something out that hasn't happened all game then it happens.

[Brazil]

Yes big props to Manu, this game must be a confidence builder.

Just taking the opportunity to give props also to TP who played a very good game yesterday and who was a lot more bashed than Manu.

BTW, I was lurking the RJ thread: "Lot of people here ready to kick RJ when he plays bad and open threads against him but when he acutely do play better no one wanna say anything good about the guy? come one spurs fans, show him some love.

he played great tonight."

We can start the same for TP but he is definately not receiving the same treatment of the others. No TP played great threads just a Lawson vs. TP thread. Typical. Now I'm not going to open this kind of thread it's one game. No need to open trade his ass after a bad game and also no need to open tp is great when he played a good game.

ST is what it is.

[SpurNation]

Even if he's explosiveness is gone or diminishing, he has to learn to play with what he has. Manu needs to pick his spots and that means he needs to develop a consistent mid-range game so he doesn't have to rely on driving all the time. Even if his athletic prowess is going down, the passion and basketball IQ of Manu will remain. I believe the team can deal with that because we have more offensive options than we've ever had in years.

Good read. Good post.

This is the main reason I would like for him to start. Manu's BB IQ would translate into RJ scoring more from assists. Parker can still penetrate and have (speaking of spots) Ginobili and Jefferson to kick to. Ginobili's 3pt. shot is more reliable than Bogans' IMO and Ginobili can still bring the D that would help generate transition offense.

Ginobili on the court with Parker and Jefferson was a lethal trio of wing players that SAC didn't have an answer for. It would be nice to see that trio against some of the elite teams to see what would happen. That plus while having Parker and Jefferson on the court at the same time...Ginobili wouldn't have to do as much as he has to do when coming off the bench.

Great to see him playing at a higher level again and would gladly keep this Manu for the rest of the season over a Manu from 2 years ago playing only a few games every couple of months due to injury.

[silverblackfan]

Sure was nice to see Manu doing what we knew he was capable of. RJ playing well and Tony getting the extra assists helped a lot also. I realize this is beating up on the Kings, but the team needs to get their groove going somewhere.
When all 4 of our studs play like they can, this team is scary. Hopefully, this is the sign of things to come.