Hasta Luego, El Contusion?

[Jose_TheGenius]

This young 2012-2013 season started off with a familiar note: Manu Ginobili being injured. His first game of the season came against the Utah Jazz on November third after tweaking his back during practice. The guy plays tough, even against his teammates in situations that aren't really competitive. With injuries, come slow starts especially for a guy who needs to continually keep playing to stay in a groove. For most fans, that might not be a good enough excuse. He's been plagued by injuries for most of his NBA career and those injuries may have cost the Spurs a championship (notably 2006 and 2008). One thing is for sure: you can't easily replace a guy who plays with heart and passion, even to a fault because he puts his body on the line for every game. In an article for the Alamo City Beat, the subject was brought up: Should the San Antonio Spurs go a different route from Manu or does he have one last run in him?


Hasta Luego, El Contusion?

[spurduncan21]

Saw this on project spurs Jose and have to say I dont think so. Manu will not play elsewhere nor do I think this is it for him as a Spur.

[Money4Nothing]

Manu is not some scrub that can't stay healthy. He's one of the greatest basketball players and one of the greatest Spurs of all time. There is no way I ever want to see him leave San Antonio.

$

[blaze24k]

Originally Posted by Money4Nothing

Manu is not some scrub that can't stay healthy. He's one of the greatest basketball players and one of the greatest Spurs of all time. There is no way I ever want to see him leave San Antonio.

$

[mckennaspur1]

For the length of his current contract, I'd think that Manu gets to have close to the final say on his fate.

He's adapted his game (e.g., he's now featuring a SET SHOT to save his legs a bit), and he's still a significant piece. But it will be interesting to see what his next Spur contract (assuming he wants one) would be.

[Uwe Blab]

I'm thinking he'll retire a Spur and he'll get a 2 year deal maybe worth 6-7 million per. That's half of what he's paid now and really all he's worth at this point, from a business and basketball point of view. It's good thing fans don't determine salaries.

[clovisnmspurfan]

Manu brings something to the Spurs no other player can, the will to win at all costs. That my friends is priceless!

[Mombear]

Jose_TheGenius;1287575

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?? BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE I'LL HELP YOU FIND IT!!!!

[my2sons]

Rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated

[KAD]

it would suck big time if Manu ended his career elsewhere - as bad as Iceman in Chicago!

[alh1020]

I think the Spurs leadership know if they were to deal Manu to another team, they had better have a car warming up outside their office with a planned route to nowhere because the San Antonio fans and populace won’t give up on the man from Bahia Blanca that fast. As Jose said above, Manu gives this team more than figures on a stat sheet; Manu Ginobili gives this team heart, character and above all, the will to win. When he is on the floor, Manu is always coaching, giving direction and never giving up. He knows if his shot is off and not falling, he can boost morale by playing tenacious defense and getting the ball to the right man for the score. The most beautiful sight, for me, is seeing Manu lead a fast break and knowing about 95% of the time it will result in a score, an outrageous individual move or crowd pleasing pass leading to a score. He inspires, not just on the court but in the community. His involvement with the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa health system, HEB and other foundations has won him many friends for his charitable work. I’m sure if Manu were to go to another team, it would be with his blessing, because Manu knows it’s just business. But I, for one, feel Manu has earned his place in NBA and Spurs history to play for only one franchise his entire NBA career and that is in San Antonio. And I’m sure when that day does come that Manu hangs up his sneakers, Mr Holt and the Spurs brain trust know how valuable his worth is and will talk him into being part of the Spurs family permanently in its leadership. Reserve a spot in the rafters for #20 because it belongs up there.

[polk]

Originally Posted by Jose_TheGenius

This young 2012-2013 season started off with a familiar note: Manu Ginobili being injured. His first game of the season came against the Utah Jazz on November third after tweaking his back during practice. The guy plays tough, even against his teammates in situations that aren't really competitive. With injuries, come slow starts especially for a guy who needs to continually keep playing to stay in a groove. For most fans, that might not be a good enough excuse. He's been plagued by injuries for most of his NBA career and those injuries may have cost the Spurs a championship (notably 2006 and 2008). One thing is for sure: you can't easily replace a guy who plays with heart and passion, even to a fault because he puts his body on the line for every game. In an article for the Alamo City Beat, the subject was brought up: Should the San Antonio Spurs go a different route from Manu or does he have one last run in him?


Hasta Luego, El Contusion?

I seem to remember a certain bonehead foul that costs the Spurs the championship in '06. But no doubt, Manu will remain in Silver in Black until he retires. I believe it is more due to ancillary aspects that Manu brings to the Spurs than pure basketball. No doubt heart, soul, passion, etc are important but the fact that you can basically count on him missing 25-30 games is troubling. But no matter. If Pop and RC don't mind it and Peter wants to write the check, who am I to argue.

[tabspur]

I also seem to remember it was Manu who helped us rally from a big deficit in that game, including the go ahead 3 pointer moments earlier. I believe he and Tony both scored 20+, while Tim had 40 or so. It was also a game that Pop went small, Tim, Tony, Manu, Bruce, and Finley, and played all 5 of them over 42 minutes. And, one in which we received a whopping 2 points from our bench. A single bucket from Horry. And Manu lost it for us? Manu is, was, and always be a Spur. He still does so much more for this team than even the box score shows.

[Jose_TheGenius]

Originally Posted by spurduncan21

Saw this on project spurs Jose and have to say I dont think so. Manu will not play elsewhere nor do I think this is it for him as a Spur.

Originally Posted by Mombear

Jose_TheGenius;1287575

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?? BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE I'LL HELP YOU FIND IT!!!!

i don't think you guys read it?

i'm not saying Manu will leave nor do i want him to leave. someone wrote on another column about it being time for him to be traded or let go in the offseason. i'm refuting it.

[polk]

Originally Posted by tabspur

I also seem to remember it was Manu who helped us rally from a big deficit in that game, including the go ahead 3 pointer moments earlier. I believe he and Tony both scored 20+, while Tim had 40 or so. It was also a game that Pop went small, Tim, Tony, Manu, Bruce, and Finley, and played all 5 of them over 42 minutes. And, one in which we received a whopping 2 points from our bench. A single bucket from Horry. And Manu lost it for us? Manu is, was, and always be a Spur. He still does so much more for this team than even the box score shows.

Agreed. Manu was a big part - the major part - of the rally. Still not a very smart play. That is the way of the world. The go ahead 3-pointer moments earlier, to poor decision moments later. From hero to goat.

But for ten years we've dealt with the spectacular and the occasional erratic Manu. It is what you get when you deal with him. As I said before, if Pop's old crotchety butt can deal with it and even change the offense to account for Manu and Tony's game, who am I to argue it.