Did Gregg Popovich really relate what’s left of Manu Ginobili’s NBA career to a bar of soap?
You bet he did.
Per the San Antonio Express-News‘ Jeff McDonald:
Pop says he hopes Manu Ginobili never retires. "I'm going to use him like a bar of soap until there's nothing left."
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) March 29, 2017
Well, this is fantastic. It would have been more fantastic if the San Antonio Spurs didn’t blow a 22-point lead against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, but it’s awesome nevertheless.
And it’s quite the compliment when you think about it. Ginobili has had more moments in which he infuriates Pop than Tony Parker and Tim Duncan ever did…combined. That Pop still wants him to stick around is kind of a big deal.
Also a big deal: Some still seem hesitant to declare Ginobili a first-ballot Hall of Famer. That’s really weird. First of all, it’s not just the NBA Hall of Fame, it’s the basketball Hall of Fame, so Ginobili’s contributions with the Argentinian national team factor in as well. But even if you disqualify them, he would still get in on the first try.
Ginobili is one of the first players who purged the long two from his shot selection. He entered the league, and spent his prime, eschewing mid-range jumpers for three-pointers and looks at the rim. His handles are legendary; his passing equally so. He’s never put up superstar numbers, but he’s consistently keyed one of the best benches in basketball. Curtailed numbers were a part of the job description.
Did we go too far down a rabbit hole? This article, after all, is supposed to be about how Pop will use Manu like a bar soap until he retires.
Here’s hoping the suds on this cleansing block have another year before they disappear.
