In his own words: Manu's La Nacion column translated (not Google)
by Edg5 on Apr 23, 2010 9:27 AM CDT
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I’m just prioritizing London over Turkey
After a few days of soul searching where I had to consider my family, my heart and my head, it’s time to make a decision regarding the World Championship. I’ve always believed that the right thing to do was to tell the coach my decision as soon as I had made one so that he knows which players he has and assemble a team accordingly. That’s why I think it’s time to discuss my future with the National Team.
I've come to the hard conclusion that the best for me and my family right now is for me to not play in the World Championship.
I know some of you might not share my decision or even be angry or disappointed but believe me when I tell you that this was no easy decision. Like I said a few weeks ago in this column, I love playing with my friends of so many years. I enjoy every pick Fabri (Oberto) sets, I'm surprised and ecstatic with every baseline spin Luifa (Scola) makes that you know is going to end with a bucket, every great pass Pablo (Prigioni) makes, every rebound Chapu (Nocioni) gets and all of his hustle, those plays Carlitos (Delfino) makes that just leave you flabbergasted, Paolo's (Quinteros) and Leo's (Gutierrez) 3 pointers, and everything everyone else brings. But this time there was a lot that came into play and I had to think it through.
As you may know, after a couple years of trying, my wife and I are pregnant with twins due in May. I want to be there for those once-in-a-lifetime moments, to be there for my wife and enjoy every minute of this life-changing experience. The other reason, and an important one at that, is that my body can't withstand the toil of playing 3 years in a row for the National Team, without rest and proper training.
What that this all mean? As I said many times before, my experience in the two previous Olympics was the best of my career-and that's including the 3 NBA rings, Euroleague Championship and everything else I've experienced through my 15 year career-and I'm determined to experience it again. I know that the qualifiers are not going to be easy, and that's why my intention is to play them too, especially considering that there's a chance they are going to be held in Argentina. By the way how great it would be to have an official tournament in front of our people after a decade, don't you think? The idea is to secure our berth there and then play my last tournament (quite possibly, you never know!) with all the guys and the blue and white.
After what happened in Beijing, the surgery, the two fractures and that awful 2008-2009 season, it took me a long time to get into game shape and get back to my level. It's been two years since I have a proper preseason: 2008 because of my ankle and the Olympics and 2009 because I was recuperating from the surgery. That why I want to take this off-season to get to my best physical form, have a good 2010-2011 season and then be at my best both physically and mentally to play the qualifiers in 2011 and the Olympics in 2012. I also want to be clear and assure you that the Spurs had nothing to do with my decision and in fact said they didn't have a problem with me playing in 2011 and 2012. (Emphasis mine)
I'm sure that watching the game on TV this summer is going to be extremely hard, that I'm going to want to jump through the screen and that I'm going to really miss that competition. But I thought it through and even though it was a really hard decision to make for sentimental reasons, I think it's fair.
I hope you can understand. I’m not retiring from the National Team. I’m just prioritizing London over turkey and the possibility to experience another Olympic Games from within.
And regardless if I play or not, the heart, the talent and the character of this team is indisputable. It’s been proven in Las Vegas 2007 and in Puerto Rico 2009. If you add Chapu, Fabri and the other guys to those teams, we are ready to fight for a place in the top three, like always. I’ll be watching intently from San Antonio, as their number one fan with Dante and Nicola with their little jerseys on cheering and helping from the distance in any way I can.
So that's my translation. If you find any mistakes don't be afraid to point them out so I can correct them.
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You beat me to it – your translation is much better than mine. Thanks! It appears Manu made a very “grown-up” decision. Gotta love him for it, but I know it won’t be received with much joy in Argentina. No matter what he may say about the Spurs’ role in the decision, most in Argentina will believe that there was definitely pressure, if not a deal, for him not to play this summer. (of course, under NBA rules, such a thing is not allowed)
"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5
And wasn't it so? Didn't the Spurs made a big matter when he played in Beijing?
I won’’t add more arguments to those well pointed out here by Latin D, but as an Argentinian I’m sad and a bit angry as well. I profoundly dislike the pressure that NBA franchises tend to put over international players when playing for their countries,
Hard choices for Manu. But how happy a situation, overall, that he has these choices to make. He deserves the best that life has to offer, and I think he’ll get it.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
How about not playing international ball ever again ?
Let’s put something into perspective. Manu has won a world championship, an Olympic gold medal and three NBA titles.
I don’t think this has ever been done, and it’s something that will quite possibly never be duplicated. He should consider retiring from international basketball altogether, and honor San Antonio for opening the vault. Then he can concentrate on being on the short list of players with more than 3 NBA titles.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
How about NOT?
He might’ve done enough for the national team, but he sure has earned his paycheck playing for the Spurs, too. He was paid well below his worth for many years, so “opening the vault” doesn’t impress me as much. He owes the Spurs exactly what’s in his contract, and nothing says he can’t play for his country in his free time.
How about appreciating the sacrifice this represents, and not asking for more when you’ve already won? Right now I’m having to deal with morons calling him a traitor, so you can bet Manu will take a lot of heat because of this. He’s earned his paycheck and more.
I smell death... everywhere.
by LatinD on Apr 23, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree. I do not care as much for the Argentine National Team as I do for my Spurs, but I fully understand your opinion and Manu’s opinion.
I read the babies are due in May, this probably means that there’s a chance he’ll have them during the playoffs I guess?
I really wouldn’t mind missing Manu for a game because his twins are being born or something. That’s how much he’s earned.
"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie
Twins are delivered earlier than single babies, and it’s not uncommon to be even earlier than the normal twin target. So early June…May…it’s harder to tell with twins.
Basically voted most normal person on PtR.
I think we should do some math, I’m getting worried about the timming of it. Twins are sheduled for the 37th week of pregnancy and as you said, could happen earlier. I can’t imagine Manu not missing one game at least….with all the help and anything still having twins as first time parent is overwelming for sure…as I recall.
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Apr 23, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he did the right thing with respect to his family obligations. Nothing less, nothing more. I have deep respect for players who play for their countries, instead of shooting a movie(coughlebroncough) or some ridiculous BS like that.
REVENGE!
It’s a bitter sweet relationship with Manu. His decision to play for Argentina has arguably cost San Antonio at least one NBA title.
On the other hand, the Spurs surely have two or three less titles without Ginobili. I think I can speak for both the FO and Spurs loyal when I say we are blessed to have Manu even with his international obligations.
It’s just the nature of a fan to want to hoard Manus talent. I am sure there are plenty of fans in Argentina who wish he wouldn’t play any NBA basketball and concentrate solely on FIBA ball.
I love Manu, always will, whether he plays international basketball every year till he’s 40, or calls it quits after this year. I just want him all to myself and the NBA. That’s not going to happen, but we can all dream.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
LD, I know this has disappointed a whole nation of basketball fans. I know you respect his decision, but I just checked out some of the comments on his Facebook page, and many are downright vicious. But, had he decided to play, the comments from SA would have been equally mean. There was no way he could make people on both sides happy, so I am glad he based his decision on his family and his health. I will still be pulling for the Argies this summer – just love the way they play team basketball, for the pride in country.
"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5
I know. He was between a rock and a rabid nation of sports fans. There was no good choice. I just wonder at how he’ll be received in Argentina after this. Maybe he doesn’t plan to live here after all.
I smell death... everywhere.
Eh I will bet anything that most ppl over there will forget about this next summer when he does play. Nations and sports fans forget stuff easy for their favourite player.
In fact this will be a non-issue by next summer.
They will get over it, LD. San Antonio got over him getting injured playing in the Olympics because they love him, and Argentina will get over this, probably about the time they see the first pictures of those baby boys. I don’t look for him to spend much time, if any, in Argentina this summer because of the babies.
"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5
It’s really sad and surpising that a few knuckleheads have reacted in a nonsensical manner to Ginobilis decision. The man’s body needs rest, and he needs time to be by his wife’s side before, during and after she goes into labor, not to mention spending time with his babies. Its just unbelievable….
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
It was a difficult decision for him. If I was from Argentina, I would remain standing by my guy, support his decision, and receive him warmly when he returns to my country.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on Apr 24, 2010 3:02 AM CDT up reply actions
It’s arguably strong. Manu is a great player. Lots of miles on his body without rest definitely hurt him. It definitely hurt Duncan after two straight summers. Summer ball has definitely shown as a bad thing for the Spurs with respect to injury.
I’m not saying don’t play, but looking back, the miles have not been good for the Spurs. Parker is an example of that, but his sitting out a month helped fix that.
honor San Antonio for opening the vault
Seriously, A? Manu honors the Spurs each and every time he steps out onto that hardwood floor. I don’t know of any other player in the NBA who gives 100% each and every time he puts on his jersey. Based on competitiveness alone, he ranks head and shoulders above all others.
In my opinion, we wouldn’t have made the playoffs this year without his exceptional passion and drive. He is the reason we have a legitimate chance at moving beyond round one of this post season.
How are his values any different from any one of us? Family first, followed by country and then job. Let’s not kid ourselves… there are few folks out there who love their jobs the way that he does. And fewer still that are as brilliant as he is at his chosen profession. We should be thankful for each day we are able to witness the magnificent and creative play of this man.
Today and every day, I am happy and I am proud because Manu Ginobili represents us, represents my Spurs. I could not be prouder of him or his decision.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
by bellasa on Apr 23, 2010 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t think it’s a matter of opinion but more of a foregone conclusion that San Antonio misses the playoffs without Ginobili.
About the vault statement though, I guess I am searching for reasons that Manu should not play for anyone but San Antonio.
Is he in some way dishonoring his employer anytime he dons another team’s jersey and puts his health at risk? I can’t say I really believe that, and I shouldn’t have said it. The Spurs organization knows the risk involved with signing a player as competitive as Ginobili.
Ultimately he’s going to do whatever he pleases. I’m still going to be a fan, and I will hope he doesn’t get injured playing for another team.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
I’m just glad Manu has elected to to sit out this year’s international commitment. It’s a real relief to know he’s going to be completely healthy and rested at the beginning of the season (barring a lockout). The Spurs will have another legitimate shot at winning the title with a healthy Ginobili. I don’t recall the last time a Spurs fan could boast this kind of peace of mind going into the next NBA season.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
sine we have a shot at a title this year, I believe, and we now have a shot at another next year I guess you are saying that we will have a shot at finally repeating? Wow!….I can live with that!
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Apr 23, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow, great news for Spurs fans… I do feel badly for Argentinian basketball fans, and for Manu for making such a difficult decision.
I think he made the right decision, and articulated it wonderfully. Family first. Olympics over the World Championships.
Assuming that Manu’s talents come from genetics and work ethic, and that he’ll impart them to his kids, should the Spurs consider locking up their contracts for 2028 and beyond? ;)
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