Ginobili's place on all-time best number two list raises interesting question

Whether it be the fans or media members, this current generation seems obsessed with labels. Everyone wants every little thing to be quantified and put in a box. The latest conversation is about who the all-time great number two options are and the San Antonio Spurs find themselves in the middle of it. Kyrie Irving's return to the NBA Finals has prompted this discussion, and opinions on this matter have been shared across a multitude of platforms.

Bleacher Report released a list aimed at answering this question and placed Manu Ginobili at number four, behind Kevin McHale (3), John Havlicek (2) and Scottie Pippen (1). Ginobili is the fan favorite for a large portion of the Spurs fan base but one must question if he should be considered the number two when he was the 6th man for the vast majority of his career.

Who was the Spurs' real number two?

This may be considered nit-picking because, in essence, they are being respectful by including one of the Big Three, but in actuality, either Tony Parker was the number two or there wasn't one. The latter is the preferred option, but for those who feel the need to rank players in a hierarchy, Parker should be regarded as the second choice.

The Spurs couldn't get by without either player. Tony Parker ran the show and brought a steady hand to the offense, which helped the team thrive. He was a one-man fast break and his finishing ability amongst the trees was second to none. The French point guard was the 2007 NBA Finals MVP, and his contributions as the floor general for four championships give him the nod, if there was one to give.

That is not an insult to Manu Ginobili. He was the heart of the team; his offensive explosions and highlight plays on either side of the ball helped repeatedly turn the tide or shut the door on opponents. Both players were clutch, played the game the right way and were consistent throughout their careers. So, when they ask which of the two were more important, the answer is neither and both.