MVN: Most Valuable Network

Will Manu Be Ready?

The word on Ginobili is that he will have heel surgery.  Ginobili reinjured himself during the Olympics, while playing against Team USA.  While we don't know the timetable for his return from surgery, Spurs fans worldwide will be worrying. Might there be a silver lining though?  Popovich knows his stars, and how to manage their minutes.  I don't think any of us are doubting Manu will be ready for the playoffs, and while he recovers from surgery, there could be a few extra minutes to spread around.  The second year in the Spurs system is when everything seems to click for a player, so we can probably expect a breakout year from Kurt Thomas, as well as Ime Udoka.  Udoka has enough versatility that he could use a few of Ginobili's minutes to get some extra time on the floor.  Even more importantly though, newcomers Roger Mason and George Hill...

Finley Returns, Fans Yawn

The Spurs have resigned veteran Michael Finley, the aging veteran guard.  While he brings a lot of leadership qualities, and has a lot he can teach the young rookies, there isn't a lot left that he can bring to the floor.  Declining productivity in recent years left many fans hoping he wouldn't be back this year, but here he is.  I, for one, hope he can teach the young guys, namely George Hill, A LOT about the NBA game in a very short amount of time.  When April rolls around, it doesn't seem like he'll be a difference maker to help us win it all.  We'll chalk up the return of Finley to 'show us what you got,' because we haven't seen anything significant from him in quite some time....

Spurscast Live in San Antonio this Sunday

If you're in San Antonio on Sunday, my Spurscast co-host Jeff will be in town and we'll be recording a show at Blue Star Brewery starting around 1:30 p.m. Come have a drink with us, sit and share your opinions on the Spurs offseason. If you can't join us, we'll be live on BlogTalkRadio as well so call in ( 718-664-9621) or join the chat....

Spurscast Live in San Antonio this Sunday

If you're in San Antonio on Sunday, my Spurscast co-host Jeff will be in town and we'll be recording a show at Blue Star Brewery starting around 1:30 p.m. Come have a drink with us, sit and share your opinions on the Spurs offseason. If you can't join us, we'll be live on BlogTalkRadio as well so call in ( 718-664-9621) or join the chat....

All Is Not Well In Beijing

Amongst the news of Team USA beating Argentina by 20 points to advance to the gold medal game, is the news Spurs fans have been hoping not to hear.  Sports Illustrated reports Manu Ginobili had an ankle injury in the first quarter, and he didn't return. Normally, an ankle injury wouldn't be too much of a concern, simply give him lots of rest before the season starts, and all should be well.  But this is Ginobili.  The same Ginobili who doesn't know any way to play but all out.  The Ginobili who always seems to have a nagging injury every year.  The Ginobili who was plagued with a foot/ankle problem throughout the playoffs, most notably in the LA series. Hopefully everything will be ok, as there are nearly 10 weeks until the regular season starts, but we can all visualize Popovich working up new strategies and backup plans right now....