Manu Ginobili Profile – The Argentinean Sniper
The San Antonio Spurs have always had a deep roster during the reign of Head Coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich, one of the greatest strategists and tacticians to ever grace the NBA, has always fielded a calculated mix of battle-tested veterans and newbie additions, anchored by arguably, the best finesse big-man in the league, Tim Duncan. San Antonio’s three championship banners in five years (2003, 2005, and 2007) are a sound testament to that fact.
Rookie, Manu Ginobili first appeared on the scene in the 2003 Finals against the New Jersey Nets when he sank some distinctive, yet, effective clutch jumpers coming off the bench.
The Spurs added Manu Ginobili in 2002, and unbeknownst to the Spurs, this addition would be an integral piece of the championship puzzle that year. With the tandem of reigning MVP Tim Duncan and David ‘The Admiral’ Robinson leading the charge, newbie Manu Ginobili had an opportunity to capture the spotlight by averaging 9.4 points-per-game in 27.5 minutes off the bench during the playoffs.
Well known, for his spirited performances coming off the bench, Manu did it again for the Spurs in the 2006-07 season. Starting only 36 of 75 games, he contributed 16.5 point-per-game in 27.5 minutes to lead them to the best record in the second-half of the season. The Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Championship that year.
Manu is considered one of the most fundamentally sound players in the league. An accomplished three-point shooter, Ginobili, with his unorthodox shooting style, has hit countless game-winners during his stint with the Spurs. The step-back jumper has become one of his trademarks, as he calmly fakes for a drive and steps-back to create enough space to hoist the shot and knocks it down tirelessly.
The left-handed maestro can cut through the most seamless of defenses with his patented euro-step, leaving defenders clutching air in his wake. With his impeccable dribbling ability and countless cross-over moves, he can break ankles and get to the hoop for an easy score, whenever he feels like it.
Ginobili may be one of the more imaginative players in the league, with his ability to improvise on set-plays, and keep the crowd involved and on its toes with his in-game antics. Ranging from his behind-the-back lay-ups and between-the-leg passes to his funny looking scoop shots, there is no containing the creative genius that is Manu Ginobili. Although his style of play may come off as show-boating to some, the fact of the matter is, every move he concocts is done out of sheer necessity.
Named in 2008 as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, Manu Ginobili has a huge contribution to the Spurs franchise and its success.
With Ginobili in the starting line-up for the Spurs this season, they went on a 28-3 rampage through the months of November and December, while registering a 12-game win streak. Ginobili averaged 20.5 points and 4.9 assists during that streak.
Manu leads the scoring numbers for San Antonio this season, as they boast a 54 – 13 record, the best in the league. With the Spurs already having clinched a playoff spot, Gregg Popovich will be hoping for a good playoff run. As Duncan’s scoring average declines, it will be up to Manu to lead the Spurs to the Promised Land.
If the San Antonio Spurs can continue playing the way they are, we can surely expect a championship celebration in San Antonio this year.
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