3 Things That Made Ginobili Special

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3) Drive n Finish:

• This could be the last year of the Argentine legend, so let's explore what made him special in the first place. Ginobili started playing for the Spurs in 2003 after being drafted in 1999 and his style was immediately different from other foreign players that came before him. At the time players like Peja Stojakovic and Dirk Nowitzki were playing very well but projected a stereotype that foreign players were primarily three point shooters. Ginobili came into the league driving to the basket and finishing strong at the hoop--putting that foreign player stereotype to rest.  

2) Crazy Passes:

• Spurs were known for being a pretty bland basketball team until Ginobili came to the team. He brought an edge and flash to the team that they didn’t quite have; he would take chances and risk that the other players wouldn’t. His court vision was coupled with a fearlessness that was unique. He would throw passes behind his back, and even between defender’s legs. He was by far the most entertaining Spur to watch. He was a showman who still maintained his desire to win and help the team.

1) Sixth Man:

• Coming off the bench in the NBA use to be seen as a bad thing but after a player of Ginobili’s skill-set made peace with it the rest of the league followed suit. He helped erase the negative stigma associated with being a Sixth Man. He thrived in the position and was really given more opportunity to showcase his talent because of it. Ginobili knew it wasn’t about how you started the game but how you finished it, and he was always on the floor in crunch time for the Spurs.