Ginobili Has found his place, coming off the bench

[2centsworth]

The leader?

Gee, guess Duncan should go to the bench then.

you're overly dramatic. Down the stretch of the biggest games the guy who has the ball and the offense starts through is Manu. There is a reason for that.

[Borosai]

Borosai, give us a break. Dump either the sig or the avatar.

Oh snap! I've been called out on my man-ass fetish!

As soon as I install gimp, I will work some magic.

[smeagol]

Do whatever works.

[MannyIsGod]

you're overly dramatic. Down the stretch of the biggest games the guy who has the ball and the offense starts through is Manu. There is a reason for that.

So it really doesn't matter if he starts then?

[MannyIsGod]

.

he's the leader of the team and as he goes so does the team.

And this changes if he doesn't start? On the contrary I think Manu taking a bench role would be showing a lot of leadership.

[ShoogarBear]

you're overly dramatic.

Come again?

he's the leader of the team and as he goes so does the team.

[smeagol]

I would not mind seeing Manu off the bench and playing 28-30 minutes for a couple more games.

[ShoogarBear]

He's going to be playing 28-30 minutes a game all season whether he starts or comes off the bench.

[gilmor]

I think people need to NOT think that if you are not a starter, then you are lesser of a player. Starter or Bench are equally important. Manu has always played better off the bench and this DOES NOT implicate that he is lesser of a player than Parker. In fact, I think Manu has far more significant impact in a game than Parker. But then, it is probably better if he can start on the bench.

[Phenomanul]

It all goes back to the fact that Manu's most loyal supporters will usually hail from Argentina, and in Argentina the ruling sport is soccer... and in soccer the bench role is usually reserved for less talented players...

The disconnect is that they (those taking exception to the notion of Manu coming off the bench) don't realize that the concept is not translative.

Granted this is not meant to deride Argentineans... I'm just writing this to show that perhaps this is where they are coming from.

[InAmerica]

I really don’t care, if Manu keeps playing this way and gets in good shape for the playoffs it’s all good in the hood.

[z0sa]

Manu off the bench is my vote - but none of our votes matter

[2centsworth]

And this changes if he doesn't start? On the contrary I think Manu taking a bench role would be showing a lot of leadership.

you just ask for a reason in support of him starting. Early momentum and confidence is very important. Have you ever noticed how people play much better when they have early game success. Getting off to the right start is important.

However, I'm in favor of Manu going to the bench and playing limited minutes because the Spurs are a more veteran team.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The leader?

Gee, guess Duncan should go to the bench then.

There can be more than one leader

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I don't know, whatever works best for the Spurs. I don't really care as long as Manu gets enough playing time, although two games shouldn't be a glaring indicator. If Finley is stinking it up, then put Manu back in the starting role. Before he got that back contusion, we were winning games WITH Manu starting too, you know.

[v2freak]

Before that contusion...

[carib]

If Manu had to play off the bench for the rest of the year and next year, he would always win the six man award, there is no better six man in the NBA.

[carib]

He would be the best six man in the NBA !

[Nikos]

I just don't see what advantages there are to the team to have him starting. He doesn't play a large amount of minutes so its not like we need him in there for the first 5-7 minutes of a game. He changes the game far more when he comes off of the bench, he plays the same amount of minutes against lesser compe ion and lesser defense, and he works with the 2nd unit much more efficiently because they all pass well and he's the center of the offense. He finishes out the games, so he's in there at the most crucial point.

Now, give me the advantages to having him as a starter?

Advantages are when he finds his groove the team will start games stronger on average. Having your three best offensive players on the floor can only help, not hurt. It sounds like a fresh idea -- Manu coming off the bench and all, but is it really any different then just saying "Manu your going play 3-4 minutes less than your usual 30?".

To me it doesn't really make a difference where he plays. I don't think it helps or hurts very much. Maybe the label of a bench player would annoy Manu a little bit -- but I doubt it will rattle his game nor do wonders for it. The guy when he is playing well is a very good player who is prone to having some bad games where he appears lethargic (namely back to backs). Making him a bench player isn't going to make the team better or worse.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I doubt Manu is interested in that award. Where's the glory in torching bench players, when Manu's proven to be starter material?

It's like celebrating being overqualified.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Before that contusion...

That kind of injury just takes a couple weeks. It just hurts and hampers you for a bit. He'll be fine when he gets over it.
.

[ducks]

I think he should like being the 6 man
why he would be the go to guy with the other subs
play 30 minuts a game
help beno with the bringing the ball up
it would actually be a promation not demotion

[carib]

will Manu start against LA

[TMTTRIO]

They have Finley in the starting lineup so I would say no

[LaMarcus Bryant]

What I dont understand is why Pop can't make an educated decision of whether or not manu will start based on our opponent's lineup and past performances against them.

Its clear sometimes he is best off the bench but also clear that sometimes he is best to start the game. Why does it have to be black and white?