Watching Manu Ginobili play in a minimized role for the last five years, it’s possible to forget just how dominant he really was.
He has remained efficient, but he’s no longer crushing the dreams of opposing players with unpredictable euro steps and relentless attacks to the rim. He hits a clutch three here, makes a great pass there. But like Timmy, his familiar veteran presence and overall aptitude for the game is his true value.
Now that he’s announced his return to the Spurs and we’re likely facing his final season, I want to reflect on a time when his hair was triumphantly long and his 27-year-old legs were spry; when he could lose defenders with mind-busting crossovers; when, at his most aggressive, he sprinted directly into his enemies’ chests, scoring in their faces and splattering floppy-hair sweat into their eyes.