Debate: Gervin vs. Ginobili Print E-mail
Written by Jeff Garcia   
Wednesday, 21 October 2009 00:00

manu_gervin

George Gervin and Manu Ginobili will go down as two of the best shooting guards in Spurs history. Both gave Spurs fans great memories, spectacular games, and scoring feats. But which one will go down as the best shooting guard ever in Spurs history?

It's a battle royale in San Antonio! Here is the tale of the tape and you decide. 

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

George Gervin:

Gervin played for the Spurs from 1974-1985.  Smooth, swift, and "a pure shooter" are words to describe this former Spur.  During his time in San Antonio, he provided some memorable moments. Perhaps his biggest moment as a Spur came in 1978 when he beat out David Thompson for the scoring record by scoring 63 points in one game.

He led the NBA in scoring average three years in a row from 1978 to 1980 and again in 1982.  Gervin also had the most scoring titles of any guard in league history until Michael Jordan came to the NBA.  He is the biggest scorer the Spurs franchise ever had at the shooting guard position and rightfully deserved the nickname "Iceman."  And no one else could "finger roll" like he could.

But for as much as Gervin did during his career with the Spurs, he never did win an NBA or an ABA title. Plus, defense was never his strongest suit, but ironically he did retire with the second most blocks of any NBA guard.  In the end, he was all offense to go with little defense. The Spurs retired his number 44 in 1996.

Points to consider:

  • Named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players
  • A nine-time NBA All-Star and a three time ABA All-Star
  • Seven-time all NBA Team
  • NBA All-Star MVP (1980)
  • As the Spurs franchise player, he never led them to a title

Manu Ginobili:

Manu has been playing with the Spurs since 2003.  From the get go, he showed why he might be the biggest steal in the second-round of the NBA Draft ever.  Dynamic, crafty and passionate are words that sum up Ginobili.  He has given Spurs fans every reason to drop their jaws when he's on the court. From scoring 46 points in one game against the Cavs in 2008 to his clutch plays for the Spurs in the 2005 NBA Finals against the Pistons, Manu is perhaps the most dynamic player the Spurs franchise has ever had at the shooting guard position.

In his time with the Spurs he has won three NBA titles (2003, 2005, 2007) and won the NBA's Sixth-Man award in 2008.  Unlike Gervin, Manu can and does play defense but has never put up the scoring numbers like Gervin did.

However Manu does have a reputation for flopping, is injury prone and does tend to force the action at times to the Spurs detriment.

Points to consider:

  • 2004-2005 NBA All-Star
  • 2007-2008 All NBA Third Team
  • Three-Time NBA Champion
  • Unlike Gervin, Manu never was the franchise player and had Duncan and Parker's help in getting three titles

Gervin and Ginobili are two of the most prolific players to ever play the shooting guard position for the Spurs but only one can be the best.  Who wins Spurs fans?

Are there other factors we need to consider?  What are your thoughts?  Please leave us your comments and go vote on the poll as to who is the best ever shooting-guard for the Spurs: Gervin or Ginobili.

Trackback(0)
Comments (14)Add Comment
Gotta go with Ice
written by Red's Army, October 21, 2009
Iceman all the way. Dude averaged 25 ppg over his career. Manu: not even 15 ppg career.

Manu is very good... Ice was one of the best.
Manu
written by Michael De Leon, October 21, 2009
Nice points, John, but all would not be right in the world if I actually agreed with you. I've got Manu because while Gervin was a scoring machine, Manu is a complete player who plays well on both sides of the floor. He also probably plays with a lot more passion and heart than Gervin ever did.
...
written by Red's Army, October 21, 2009
I hear ya Mike... but I don't think Manu is complete enough to be better than Gervin. I was talking to Jeff and the best way I can put it quickly is this:

If Ice was on this team, would he be coming off the bench? No... he wouldn't. He'd HAVE to be a starter. He's a franchise guy. Manu is clearly starter worthy... but he's not SOOOO good that Pop can sit there and say "I absolutely MUST start this guy"
...
written by common sense, October 21, 2009
Manu is a grada A FLOPPER. No way he compares to gervin. Championships are overrated when you compare a roll player to a star player. I would never pick steve kerr or robert horry over a charles barkley or a kevin garnett (before boston's championship).
Manu... duh.
written by Yup, October 21, 2009
The reason Manu doesn't start is because he's the Spurs' CLOSER. He's been near or at the top of the league in crunch time shooting, scoring, steals, assists, and efficiency and he's shot like 90% from the line for his career in the last 5 minutes of close games. He also happens to rate as a top-5 perimeter defender every year.

Gervin had similar value on offense, but there is a gigantic gap in the caliber of their defensive prowess.

Per minute, Manu is the best 2-guard behind Jordan. Wade is catching up and Kobe will always take more shots and play more minutes, but if you only have 5 minutes to win, you want Ginobili.
role????
written by SmallF21, October 22, 2009
You have to be kidding me??? Manu a roll player??? Never in this life, let me remind you that even tough Duncan won the 2005 MPV finals manu was the one who kept it alive for the SPURS, he should've won it or at least shared it. I think Duncan is one of the best players ever, but it was manu who made it all come true back on 05.Why didn't we make it pass the first round last year??. I can't really say who is better since I never saw George in action but I'd go for Manu just because I know I'll have a great time watching him play (Both ends of the floor). One final comment: Stats are way overrated, for instance, Zach Randolph can put up 20-10 all games but he's never been considered as one of the best players in the game.
...
written by norman, October 23, 2009
its amazing how people forget over time. there is no comparison. Manu is a great player. But he is no George Gervin. NO ONE IS GEORGE GERVIN except him!! His was incomparable in the same way Jordan, Maravich, Erving, etc. For those of you who arent old enough to have seen him play I feel very sorry for you. You missed something that can not ever be duplicated.
...
written by norman, October 23, 2009
and one more thing about gervins defense. He played for a coach and a mind set that wanted him spending his energy scoring. that was the philosophy of the coach and the playing style. I saw him play good one on one defense many times. And he led the team in blocked shots one year before the run and gun philosophy took over. Very few players in the history of the game were as gifted and amazing as Ice.
...
written by norman, October 23, 2009
oh and Jeff. You have your facts wrong. Gervins number was retired in December 1987 at Hemisfair Arena. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 1996. Obviously you arent old enough to remember him or you would see how ludicrous your article is. He is THE BEST shooting guard in spurs history period!!! And maybe if he had Tim or Dave he would have won a few titles. After all Jordan didnt win titles by himself.
...
written by 'DSilverlining, October 26, 2009
Though Manu was not the franchise player, that is not to say he can't do it. With his all-around magnificence, he makes all his team mates better. Just like Jordan. He is one of the greatest clutch shooters of all time. For Kobe, there is only one other player whose game he pays the highest respect - Ginobili.

With all due respect to the HOFer Iceman,let's just say he is better in the NBA but if you're going to factor in international experience then Manu is miles ahead.

It continually amazes me how short-sighted some American fans are. He is only one of two players in human history to win Euroleague, NBA and Olympic gold. Not to mention a page long individual list of awrrds.
Do your homework, ok.
NBAOnly
written by raul, October 26, 2009
Dsilverlining... the nba is the only league that matters. 9 out of 10 international players wouldn't make the worst nba team... soooooo, stop bringing up international experience.
...
written by common sense, October 27, 2009
Manu's role on this team is like toni kukoc's role was on the bulls dynasty team. Third Option, behind Jordan and Pippen. Manu, behind Duncan and Parker. Manu is still a good player, but will always be seen as a third option, unlike Gervin. #1
To foul or not to foul....
written by common sense, October 27, 2009
"DON'T TOUCH DIRK!"...knucklehead
Ice man all the way
written by Surs fan 23, February 24, 2010
Gervin is one of the top players of all time manu is a bench player over shadowed by a real superstar

Write comment

busy
< Prev   Next >
 

Latest Spurscast



Listen to the Spurscast on your phone:
408-538-2154

Subscribe to the Spurscast

Poll

Which Was Manu's Better Block?
 

About Bloguin

Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.

Advertisers

The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.

Bloggers Wanted

The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.

The Bloguin Login

The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!