Manu Ginobli, basketball genius
Emanuel Ginobli, the living fire from Argentina whose exploits are forever burned into the minds of all true basketball fans, returns to San Antonio. Ginobili’s official title will be special adviser to basketball operations. Woj described his upcoming work by saying it will be a “player-centric role that's focused on the development of players on and off the court."
What I wouldn’t give to be good enough at basketball to be on the Spurs, learning from Manu Ginobli, on and off the court.
When do you experience the most joy in your life? What is it that melts away all of the madness and cares of responsibilities of adulthood and delivers you to a place of wonder? Think about it. Pause and really think about it.
There are few things as delightful as watching my children play together. When they’re getting along and working together and running around inventing wild games with characters and ideas the world has never seen — this produces a joy that almost hurts.
There’s something in the creativity, the unique summoning of something spontaneous and original that is captivating. The beauty is seeing such a charismatic outpouring of a soul in a way that has never been seen before, and may never be seen again.
My favorite basketball players have given me a small taste of these enchanted wonders. Isiah Thomas. Steph Curry. Manu Ginobli.
Watching Manu play was magical because you knew there was a chance you would witness one of those delightful explosions of self-expression that only a true genius can unfurl. The lines he took on drives sometimes appeared odd and sometimes I would tilt my head slightly to one side to try to understand what he was seeing.
He played the game in a different time signature than everyone else, tossing a syncopated dribble series a half step faster (or slower) than the defense would expect, and then take those long, balletic strides into those elegant yet circus-style finishes.
The first time I remember noticing Ginobli was during a Lakers-Spurs game, a long time ago. I watched in awe as he repeatedly sliced his way through and around the Lakers’ defense. The game was on TNT and I remember Barkley going wild after the game, yelling, “GINOBLI!” when his highlights were shown. I understood exactly how he felt. You gotta be some kinda man to get another man to yell your name like that.
And for all his magical, immense and obvious talent, Manu never pushed to start games. Never pushed to be the man, never pushed to have his own team. He was motivated to win, and was comfortable in his role as part of something bigger than himself.
I don’t think you can teach someone else to be a genius. And I don’t think you should try. Manu doesn’t strike me as one of those frustrated old greats (Jordan, Magic, Bird) who had a hard time understanding or relating to those less talented than themselves.
Listen to Steve Kerr talk about how Ginobli pulled him aside, as an old vet, and made him feel appreciated and valued. This is who the Spurs have hired to develop their young talent. A dear teacher of mine often told me, ‘most of our important lessons are caught, not taught,’ and the older I get, the more I see the truth of these words.
And that’s why I’m so jealous of these kids who get to spend time with Manu.