Manu Ginobili

[ccblec]

I was just browsing through his stats and his overall resume of accomplishments and I realized that this 10/11 season is, so far, shaping up to be Manu's best season overall in the NBA. He is currently putting up 19.5 PPG which is the exact same as his 07/08 season mark, but with the success of the Spurs thus far, I feel like this season is Manu's best season.

If the Spurs do, in fact, make a deep playoff run with Ginobili as their leader (he seems to be the leader this year... more so than the old Duncan), does it all of a sudden become a good agrument on whether or not Manu Ginobili should be in the Hall of Fame? You have to keep in mind his International Basketball accomplishments and not just the NBA.

What do you guys think?

Or is he always destined to be a player that would fit better in a "Hall of Very Good" rather than THE "Hall of Fame" ?

-Brandon

[WilyWestbrook0]

Good question. I love Ginobili, and I actually think he should have gotten Finals MVP over Duncan in 2005 specifically, but his numbers across the board have been more modest compared to most HOFers, so I won't be surprised if he doesn't make it. Just look how long it took for a guy like DJ (Dennis Johnson) to make it; he had similar scoring numbers in his prime, but much higher assist numbers, better defense, and a Finals MVP with Seattle on his resume. If Ginobili does make it, his international accomplishments will be the major determinant because I don't think he'd be able to make it just on his NBA accomplishments.

[RenegadeLonghorn]

Injuries have plagued him since the Spurs last title in 07. If he can play at this level for another few years and win another championship I think he's an NBA Hofer. He certainly is an international basketball Hofer.

[ccblec]

Interesting thoughts, guys!
Anyone else want to contribute? I'd love to hear some more opinions.

-Brandon

[cgb_orl]

I think they hit on the major points. His intl accomplishments are great then you add in a few rings where he wasn't just a minor contributor and he makes a strong case. The main thing that I would like to see less of is gauging a guy's importance on stats. This guy is like this guy because their stats are similar. Doesn't always work that way. I know stats drive a lot of perception but stats can also deceive if you don't understand how a guy fits into a system. If any system is deceptive when it comes to stats, it's the Spurs.

[hector234]

Manu has played great this season, I just hope he stays healthy especially if the Spurs want to make a serious run at a title. Do I think he is a HOF? I believe if he keep playing at this level for say 4-5 years, which im not sure if he can, then he has an outside shot.

[tutall]

Good question. I love Ginobili, and I actually think he should have gotten Finals MVP over Duncan in 2005 specifically, but his numbers across the board have been more modest compared to most HOFers, so I won't be surprised if he doesn't make it. Just look how long it took for a guy like DJ (Dennis Johnson) to make it; he had similar scoring numbers in his prime, but much higher assist numbers, better defense, and a Finals MVP with Seattle on his resume. If Ginobili does make it, his international accomplishments will be the major determinant because I don't think he'd be able to make it just on his NBA accomplishments.

This is where stats will hurt him... The problem is the Spurs play defense and rely on that defense to win games. They cut down the amount of possesions in the game which in turn will hurt stats. The sonics scored probably 20 points a game more on average with DJ than the Spurs do with Manu.

I have always thought manu is a little underrated. He can do prettymuch anything on the court and just has a knack for making plays. I really dont know if HOF is in his future but he is good at what he does

[jdgsatx]

The Spurs moving to more of a motion offense has given him more chances to put up big numbers. That being said, the only thing that has kept Manu from the next level is his wreckless play which wears on him come playoff time. He's the guy I want to have the ball if a game is on the line because he can create from just about anywhere on the floor. In Argentina, the guy is GOD. I'm not sure of his chances of getting to the HOF because he has played with such a strong supporting cast but I'll be there the day the Spurs retire that #20. He is by far the most popular Spurs player here in S.A. and is a really cool dude that you can see out and about in the city, always willing to snap a pic or sign an autograph.