Manu Ginobili recently signed a new two-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs but it seems he could also be pulling double duty next summer as he .jpg)
might be playing for Argentina at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain if he is ready physically.
"If I am in good shape, there are more chances that I will play the World Cup," said Ginobili in a press conference at Buenos Aires' Ezeiza international airport, minutes after his arrival to Argentina for holidays.
Ginobili, 35, added that "it depends, exclusively, on my physical condition. I had a complicated season. If I am healthy, there are more chances I can play (the World Cup)," he insisted.
Manu will be 36 by the time the World Cup gets going next summer.
Considering the Spurs will more than likely have yet another deep postseason run next season, Manu (who showed signs of wearing down last season) might be pushing it a bit much next summer.
Granted he did stress he needs to be physically ready if is he to play in Spain next summer but his age, wear-and-tear on his body and not to mention a new deal, may make Spurs fans and coaching staff cringe at not seeing him rest next summer heading into what more than likely will be his final season (2014-15) with San Antonio after the World Cup.
However, the allure and pride of representing his home country is profound in Manu's heart. A chance to boost Team Argentina's chance at the next Olympic Games means a lot for Ginobili. Time after time he has answered the call for his home country and a shot at playing one more time in the blue and white of Argentina is enough for him to lace them up one more time in the summer.
In the end, if this is the final run in basketball for Manu, then him playing for his country one more time is something no one can blame him for doing. Not even Spurs fans.
(via xinhuanet.com)
