Spot Number 6 - Top 50 Spurs

[1Parker1]

Ginobili has been the Spurs ultimate X Factor over the past 3-4 years. 05, he had one of the best postseason runs I've seen. 06, even though he was technically the one that people will point to who cost us a repeat with that Dirk foul, it was also his 3 point shot that led the Spurs into a tie and back into the game after being 20 down, 07 though Parker outplayed him in all 4 games of the finals, Ginobili was the X Factor against the Suns and Denver. 08, a healthy Ginobili would have beaten that Lakers team.

I love Parker and he's obviously the more consistent player, but in terms of the player who's had the bigger impact on the Spurs success these past few seasons, it's gotta be Ginobili. People are going to remember him a lot more not just for his clutchness over the years, but for the style of basketball he's brought to the Spurs, his unselfishness switching to 6th man, and the fact that as I mentioned, he's the ultimate X Factor the Spurs have ever had in the history of the team, I think.

[timvp]

Manu. Parker is french and cannot be trusted. Crumbles under pressure too often.

This is like the Manu Fan go-to move to elevate Ginobili over Parker. It might have been fair to say that offensively during the 2005 run, however since then that logic has stuck even though it no longer is backed up by anything. Last three playoffs combined, Ginobili has shot lower than 30% in clutch situations. Last three playoffs combined, Parker has shot higher than 50% in clutch situations. Take out 2007 Cavs Game 4 and 2008 Suns Game 1 and Ginobili almost falls into the teens.

Even the last year in Game 7 against the Hornets, while Duncan and Ginobili were a combined 0-for-12 in the final 18 minutes of the game, Parker was 4-for-9 and hit the biggest shot of the game. However, none of this has stopped the "Manu is clutch, Parker is a choker" line that was originated in 2005.

The comparison is pretty damn close between the two but I haven't seen anything that elevates Ginobili over Parker. And considering Parker has been here a year longer and has been a major part of the team for two more years, Ginobili would have to have been substantially better since 2004 to make up for lost time ... and I just don't see it. You can argue that Manu has been a little bit better but that's about it.

Again, Manu is very likely the better player when both are completely healthy, Manu will undoubtedly be remembered as the better basketball player in the history books due to his great play in Europe, in the Olympics in and the NBA, and Manu might actually go down as the most popular Spurs player of all-time. But looking at strictly their Spurs careers season by season, I don't see how Ginobili beats out Parker.

But anyways, I never expected Parker to win this spot because Manu is one of the most beloved Spurs of all-time and Parker probably doesn't crack the top twenty. Not sure on the reasoning behind that phenomenon but it's true. Ginobili at six is fine ... much better than the voters who wanted him in the top three

[angel_luv]

I think Manu should be up here somewhere with him but I think the only thing Manu's going to be recognized for with the Spurs is being the first scrub off the bench.

I did a double take when I saw that it was you who posted that.

[angel_luv]

People are going to remember him a lot more not just for his clutchness over the years, but for the style of basketball he's brought to the Spurs, his unselfishness switching to 6th man, and the fact that as I mentioned, he's the ultimate X Factor the Spurs have ever had in the history of the team, I think.

Yes!

[MajorMike]

Wow, school must be getting out; Manu's numbers have gone up astronomically in the past few mins. Either that or someone built a vote cruncher like the cheatin' aggrots did in their stupid best helmet poll.

[smeagol]

Manu has it locked.

[Brutalis]

Ginobili has been the Spurs ultimate X Factor over the past 3-4 years. 05, he had one of the best postseason runs I've seen. 06, even though he was technically the one that people will point to who cost us a repeat with that Dirk foul, it was also his 3 point shot that led the Spurs into a tie and back into the game after being 20 down, 07 though Parker outplayed him in all 4 games of the finals, Ginobili was the X Factor against the Suns and Denver. 08, a healthy Ginobili would have beaten that Lakers team.

I love Parker and he's obviously the more consistent player, but in terms of the player who's had the bigger impact on the Spurs success these past few seasons, it's gotta be Ginobili. People are going to remember him a lot more not just for his clutchness over the years, but for the style of basketball he's brought to the Spurs, his unselfishness switching to 6th man, and the fact that as I mentioned, he's the ultimate X Factor the Spurs have ever had in the history of the team, I think.

[Drom John]

I voted for Silas, but Ginobli and Parker are so close in my rating that I could roll the dice. I lean toward Silas because I give extra value to peak, and any tiebreakers go to the older guy because too many don't value the past enough. Thorpe on ESPN won't put Wilt or O. on his top list because he didn't see them. Arrogance. I saw Silas. Silas merits #5. OTOH, Silas should not got below #8. Elliott the player is below. Add Elliott the announcer would make it a tough call.

[Sean Cagney]

Wow, school must be getting out; Manu's numbers have gone up astronomically in the past few mins. Either that or someone built a vote cruncher like the cheatin' aggrots did in their stupid best helmet poll.

So only kids getting out of school and a cheat would be a reason for Manu winning on this poll


LOL at Avery Johnson or Vinny getting a vote, some are funny

[Spurminator]

Not as close as I thought it would be. I ultimately voted for Manu because of what he has done when he has been at his best. I can't guarantee I won't change my mind in a week.

[Spooky]

When I voted this morning for Manu it was real close. I am suprised by the margin difference. Should be alot closer than it was for sure. Parker will be my next vote.

[Spurtacus]

Manuuuuuuu

[timvp]

Ginobili has been the Spurs ultimate X Factor over the past 3-4 years. 05, he had one of the best postseason runs I've seen. 06, even though he was technically the one that people will point to who cost us a repeat with that Dirk foul, it was also his 3 point shot that led the Spurs into a tie and back into the game after being 20 down, 07 though Parker outplayed him in all 4 games of the finals, Ginobili was the X Factor against the Suns and Denver. 08, a healthy Ginobili would have beaten that Lakers team.

I love Parker and he's obviously the more consistent player, but in terms of the player who's had the bigger impact on the Spurs success these past few seasons, it's gotta be Ginobili. People are going to remember him a lot more not just for his clutchness over the years, but for the style of basketball he's brought to the Spurs, his unselfishness switching to 6th man, and the fact that as I mentioned, he's the ultimate X Factor the Spurs have ever had in the history of the team, I think.

I don't think calling Manu an x-factor is giving him enough respect as a player. An x-factor is a player you don't depend on to provide anything but if he does, he could prove to be the difference in winning. Someone like Jaren Jackson in '99 was an x-factor. Or Stephen Jackson in '03 was an x-factor. I see Manu more as one of the pieces to the foundation instead of just a wild card who may or may not play well.

If Manu is indeed an x-factor instead of a piece of the trustworthy foundation, that to me is more of a slight than a reason to praise him.

But whatever, there's no shame in Manu getting #6. Damn good player, amazingly unselfish and just wants to win. When he's on, there aren't five other players I'd rather have on the Spurs. , even when he's off, I still want him on the floor.

@ Manu

[carina_gino20]

Probably X-factor is not the most appropriate term. In tennis lingo, I'd say Manu is the winner.

[Dex]

At least Manu will no longer be the list to skew the voting.

I still think Tony deserves #6 over Manu due to his accomplishments and remaining potential, but I have no problem with them switching off the 6 and 7 spot.

Now comes the next big quandary....8: Bowen or Elliott?

How ironic.

[anakha]

At least Manu will no longer be the list to skew the voting.

I still think Tony deserves #6 over Manu due to his accomplishments and remaining potential, but I have no problem with them switching off the 6 and 7 spot.

Now comes the next big quandary....8: Bowen or Elliott?

How ironic.

Assuming no voting shenanigans occur to keep Parker from winning spot #7.