What Does An Aging Ginobili Have To Offer?

3) Defense:

• Ginobili proved last season in the playoffs that he could defend the perimeter well when it counted. He had the block of the playoffs versus James Harden and it sealed the pivotal game for the Spurs. His devotion to the defensive end will be an asset for the Spurs at the end of games. Ginobili, even at his age, still has a knack to gamble and take calculated risks on defense--something the Spurs have come to expect and marvel in. The team will undoubtedly crank up their defensive intensity next season and Ginobili will be a healthy part of that.

2) Mentoring:

• The Spurs have a plethora of young perimeter players on the rise and Ginobili’s mentor-ship will be needed desperately. Players like Murray, White, and Forbes will likely see some time on the court while the team searches for the right fit; so having Ginobili there to help guide these new guards will be pivotal. Murray in particular has taken a liking to Ginobili and was very vocal a few weeks ago that he wanted the veteran to return. Ginobili could help Murray take his game to the next level, especially since Murray has shown that he likes to drive hard to the basket.

1) Flashback Moments:

• Manu Ginobili is a champion and he plays with a lot of heart on the court, so every year in the postseason he is guaranteed to have at least a couple throwback performances. Moments where he turns back the clock and forgets he is 39 years of age--stunning audiences on both sides. These flashes of greatness will likely give the Spurs a needed boost, whether it's a dazzling dunk, slick pass, or a barrage of threes you know he will at some point put his stamp on a series. Ginobili may be aging but he still has a lot to offer this Spur team.