Manu Ginobili’s Changed Mindset

Manu Ginobili is an icon not only in San Antonio but in his native Argentina. Ginobili is playing in his 13th season in the NBA and all of which have been with the Spurs. During his stay with the Spurs there were times when Ginobili during games seemed out of sync, trying do more than he could.

It is a love and hate relationship with Ginobili for Spurs fans. Times when everyone is yelling at their televisions during games to wanting to take everything bad they have said before about Ginobili. With all that aside, he still has great basketball intelligence.

Nov 11, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) passes the ball away from Portland Trail Blazers forward

(23) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

The 38-year old this season told Tom Osborn from MYSA that his season he is more relaxed and not so tense than he was last season.

“It is an important part of my mindset right now, enjoying the trip and the getting there. I am more relaxed and less tense before a game or during, and getting less upset. I am enjoying the ride.”

Through the teams eight games this season (6-2 overall), Ginobili is averaging 11 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. There is a sense of urgency from Ginobili this season. Could be that he knows his time is drawing to an end. With the supporting cast the Spurs have this season with the additions of LaMarcus Aldridge and David West to name a few, this team is destined for something big.

What could be the cause of his output thus far? Changing the way he plays. He explains with Osborn that he can’t play long minutes, he has to pick his battles. Every hit now tends to take more toll on his body.

“I am changing the way I play a lot, I still have that essence, but, of course, I don’t have the ability to go all the way as I used to do, or get to the line, or throw my body onto defenders. I have to mix it up, pick my battles, less minutes.

All and all, Ginobili states that due to the lack of minutes, he is still having fun and enjoying the season thus far.

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