The Return of Manu

If the reports from San Antonio are to be believed, then expect a lot of yelling from Charles Barkley this season: “By the time Sunday’s game simulation concluded, Ginobili had thrilled about 7,600 basketball-starved witnesses with plays that best can be described as Argentine frenetic. He showed off the full range of athleticism, intensity and creativity that has made him one of San Antonio’s favorites since he arrived as a rookie in 2002. He scored on 3-pointers, midrange jumpers, layins off baseline drives, even a dunk off a steal. On defense, he pestered Roger Mason Jr., Michael Finley and Richard Jefferson, end to end. And, as a playmaker, he produced the game’s most creative pass, a long wraparound to George Hill, wide open in the corner, for a 3-pointer that temporarily gave Ginobili’s silver team a one-point lead.”