Manu Ginobli: The Spurs Enigma

When Manu Ginobli racked up his second sixth-man of the year award this season, I cried foul. This was not a critique of his performance off the bench, because the mere fact that the man is willing to sacrifice starting games to provide that spark that San Antonio offense most desperately needs is definitely award worthy. 

But truth be told, he's rarely on the bench. Ginobli started almost a third of the games he played in (23/73) and averaged 31 minutes per game during the regular season, just two and a half less than his back court mate Tony Parker. 

When ESPN analysts John Hollinger anointed Ginobli as runner up to Kobe as the best two guards in the league, I cried flagrant. Initially I thought the lackluster analysis warranted a flagrant two, thereby throwing out all of Hollinger's credibility, but to be fair, Manu has been the Spurs most consistent player all year long.

Averaging 19.5 points per game this season, he had become the go-to player on a team looking to continue their dynastic rule of the Western Conference. But as KG experienced in the MVP voting, being the best player on the best team does not warrant elite status if you’re surrounded by other All Stars.

There's no doubt that Manu doesn't have the same amount of pressure to do well night in and night out as some of the other top tier 2 guards, because he has the best power forward of this era, and last year's finals MVP to back him up. Still, whenever Manu heads to the scorers table, opposing teams must take note. 

But when Ginobli put up seven points in crucial game four of the Western Conference finals, I wanted to cry myself to sleep.  Down 3-1 to the Lakers... I don't really think there's a need for an explanation there except for those fans who want to cry about his injured ankle.

Even Manu knows better than to make that excuse in the playoffs.

As I've watched him struggle this postseason, I'm starting to wonder just how great Manu Ginobli really is. Nobody can take his championship rings or Olympic medals away from him, but I'm just about ready to remove him from my list of top five two guards.

Can you really dispute this list?:

(Not in order)

1) Kobe

2) Tracy McGrady

3) Dwayne Wade

4) Allen Iverson

5) Joe Johnson

Tell me what you think.