I am Manu Ginobili of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs. Ask me anything!

Hey Manu,

On December 4th 2012 you visited The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and I was one of the patients that you Diaw and Mills came and visited as pictured here: http://imgur.com/co7qkFN I also got another special visitor that same day and I think you would recognize him : http://imgur.com/iQGPnE5 . That day was the best day of my entire 8 months in the hospital and it would be pretty tough to top such an awesome gift. By far you are my favorite player, you put so much of yourself into the game and you have that spark that everybody looks forward to when you come onto the court. We can all tell that you do this because you love the game and you love the fans. There have been times where I would get so upset whenever you would get injured because a game without Manu is not the same. Ever since I was a little kid I would always watch the spurs and cheer for you. I watched through the 2005 Championships when the Spurs beat the Pistons (back when you had long hair) and the 2007 Championships when the Spurs beat the Cavaliers. I just wanted to say Thank You to you and the Spurs for being an awesome team and supporting their city. A lot of the donations that Manu has given to the Santa Rosa Hospital have helped many kids including me. I know that this is getting repetitive but thank you once again.

I also went to the game last night VS the Jazz it was a great game and I knew that you all could win. Sincerely, Andy P.S. Diaw said he wanted my gamer tag on Xbox so we could play Black ops 2 and I gave it to him but he never added me so I’ll just leave it here again just for fun: Jumpingman8D also tell Parker I said hi as well.

You are the best! Thank you for your message! I'll remind Boris about your handle, he probably lost it that day. Wish you and your family the best. Keep in touch!

October 31st, 2009. A bat was loose in the AT&T Center during your game against the Kings and you came to the rescue and caught the bat with your bare hands. What was going through your mind when you did this?

That's a good question. I just wanted to keep playing and that bat was getting in the way all the time. I saw it coming my way and tried to grab it. That was it. Didn't think it was gonna be such a big deal!

manu, have you ever seen this hilarious picture of you while you're about to check in to the game?

http://209.160.24.97/ds_img_direct.php?i=acf73b0cf5.jpg&t=8&d=1fjdcjav7c&x=360&y=480&l1=169&l2=61

Yes! I've seen it before. It's really funny. Loved it!

Hey Manu, thanks for doing this.

How would you compare the talent level of Euroleague to the NBA? Do you think there are players in that league who could be as successful as you have been in the Association but don't ever make the switch?

As an aside, I'm a moderator for /r/NBASpurs, (Spurs' fans own little corner of reddit) and I make silly Spurs' superhero gifs in my spare time:

Manu with the fireball rifle pass

Tony teleports to the hoop

Red Rocket ignites for the dunk

Let me know if you have a request for any particular super power or if there's a favorite play of yours you'd like enhanced.

Of course the talen in the NBA is higher, especially the athletic abilities of players, but for sure there are still many over there can be successful in the NBA. Just checked the gifs, very cool stuff!! Thanks for doing that!

Is Patty Mills the most elite towel waver in the NBA?

Hard to find a more sophisticated towel waver in the league. He's a one of a kind. Great guy and teammate to have around!!

Hi Manu! Greetings from /r/NBAspurs, the official Spurs subreddit. We put together a post of questions for you from us and here are the top 5:

1. Have you ever thought of leaving to become the 1st or 2nd option, or even starting, on another team? What made you stay? from /u/engineer_at_work

2. What are your favorite things about playing in the US and what were your favorite memories of playing in Argentina/overseas? from /u/pizza_pussy_santa

3. Hola manu,soy de Rio gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina, mi pregunta, La dimencion de la cancha de la NBA y de la altura del aro son diferentes a la de LNB? Otra cosa, Volverias a jugar en bahia antes de retirarte o en cualquier club de liga nacional? Pagaria lo que sea por ir a verte jugar c: y si se puede, una foto,aunque es medio dificil c: from /u/Denis_Palliante

4. Which of your championships is the most important or meaningful to you and why? (EURO 01, NBA 03, Olympics 04, NBA 05, NBA 07) from me

5. Last year when OKC started switching on pick and roll, why did you (Manu) have to take Ibaka one-on-one on the perimeter rather than let Duncan post-up a guard? This happened multiple times in multiple games. Duncan and Manu would run pick and roll and Ibaka and Westbrook/Harden would switch. So Ibaka would be on Manu while WB/Harden were on Duncan. Ibaka is athletic enough to guard Manu (who's a bit slower now) one-on-one. But there's no way that WB/Harden can defend Duncan posting up on them. ARGHH, this was so frustrating because Manu would just settle for a contested long two and miss almost every time. So if could answer my question, I could get closure from last year's playoff loss. from /u/CloakOfInvisibility1

Thanks for making a whole country love the spurs and basketball. For all the hard work and effort, and for being such a humble guy through it all. De un argentino a otro. Seeing you in person and seeing you guys play was an amazing experience I'll never forget! Epilogue from /u/estudiantes19

Hi everybody. Can't answer all five, hope you are happy with a couple only. Gotta optimize time here!

1. Not really. Always been very comfortable and happy with my role with the Spurs.
2. 04 Olympics and 05 Spurs were definitely very special. But 01 in Italy for being the first big one, was huge for me, too. All great experiences.

Ginobiliiiiiiiiiii!!! Hey Manu. First of all, please finish your career in San Antonio. Second, I wanted to ask you what the draft process was like for you. You are arguably the biggest draft steal ever. Did you expect to be drafted? Why were you drafted so low?

1. I really hope so, too.
2. I didn't even know it was draft night. I was in Brazil, playing for my national team and the team manager woke me up with the news. I couldn't believe it. Didn't expect it at all.

What is the most memorable story you have of Coach Popovich?

I have many, but team dinners and deep conversations are my favorites. He's a great guy to talk to.

What is your go-to shot for H.O.R.S.E.?

I go soccer style. Usually banked header. It always works against americans!

Manu, I made a song about you (it's actually just a 30 second verse) while I was driving in my car a few weeks ago.

This was all off the cuff, prior to that great game against OKC. So when I heard you were doing an AMA, I figured I just HAD to post this.

https://soundcloud.com/sh00gaz3/manu-ginobili

Enjoy!

edit: shout outs to manu and da reddit fam. made a quick rap track to thank yall! https://soundcloud.com/sh00gaz3/shout-outs-freestyle

Did not see that coming! Awesome! You have a gift!!

• What's your favorite moment so far in your NBA career?

• How popular is NBA/basketball in Argentina?

• What is Tim Duncan like off the court?

Thank you for doing this AMA, Manu. Good luck in the playoffs!

. Winning game 7 of the 2005 NBA Finals. It was a very happy moment. . I believe basketball is the 2nd sport in popularity. Not even close to soccer, but a lot of people watch NBA games and kids play in the cities. . He's a total jerk, but since he's pretty good with put up with him ;-)

Thank you!

1) What is coach Pop like on a day to day basis? What has been the most rewarding part of playing under him while with the Spurs?

2) How do you respond to being called a "flopper" by your critics?

3) I personally love the methodical, fundamental nature of Spurs basketball, but a lot of people say that watching the Spurs is "boring". What would you say to them?

1. Pop is a great coach and a guy that is fun to be with. People think he's always grumpy, but it's not the case. I learned a lot being with him both on the court and off.
2. I don't worry about it. I just play.
3. Everyone is entitled to have their preferences. I love the way we play. I even dunked 5 times this season. SHOWTIME!!!

What particular game this season was your favorite?

Second game after the all star break against the LAC was an impressive one. TP was outstanding.

GINOBLI! Do you consider yourself being a Spur for the rest of your career?

After this season I'll have a better idea, but my guess is that yeah, I'll be a Spur for life.

Hi Manu, three questions:

1. Who is your favorite player in the NBA not on the Spurs?

2. Which team are you least looking forward to going seven games against in the playoffs this year?

3. What are the chances of Popovich ever doing an AMA?

Thank you, good luck against the Rockets tomorrow.

1. Is hard not to be a fan of Lebron or Durant. They are playing unbelievable basketball. Always loved Kobe's game, too.
2. From 0 to 100, it would be a -3.

Do you hate the Phoenix Suns?

Never did. Steve Nash has always been one of my favorite players and now they have Scola. I like the Suns, they just don't like me! ;-)

Who's a cartoon character you'd be afraid to play 1v1 against. Your home court.

Mr Fantastic. I would't be able to shoot against him. Boring game!

We are having a debate between Plastic man vs Mr. Fantastic. Unbelievable!

First off, I'm a diehard fan and have loved the Spurs since i was a little kid, and I love watching you as a player.

Now my question: How hard was the transition from playing International basketball to playing in the NBA, and how was it adjusting to the diehard love that San Antonio has for the Spurs?

It was a bit hard at the beginning. I was used to being a go to guy overseas and I had to adjust to play mainly without the ball and being a role player at first, but it didn't take me that long. I really wanted to succeed here. Fans in SA were always so nice to me. From day 1. I'll never forget that.

What do you miss most about Bahia Blanca, that isn't available in San Antonio?

My family and friends. Probably my dad's barbeques, too!

How old is too old in the NBA? What are your thoughts on the "Prime" NBA age?

Seeing a player doing good at 40 is not an exception anymore. Being a pro, taking care of yourself and a good diet can really extend your career. Prime age depends on the player exclusively.

What is your favorite arena to play in other than the AT&T Center in San Antonio?

What is your most memorable run from your three championships?

Who is the toughest defender you've ever faced in the league, past or present?

The Madison Square Garden is a great arena to play at. The Staples is fun too.

The most memorable run was the series against the Pistons in 05. Very rough series and a lot of pressure in that game 7. Great outcome.

What would you do if Messi and Argentina won the 2014 world cup ?

Enjoy it. I'd love to go to Brazil and watch. Not sure if I'll be able to. It's always a great event.

At the top of your game (2005) you were known for both your style of play and also...your hair. Why haven't we seen Manu Ginobili with long flowing hair in over 6 years and will we ever see it again? Some of your hardcore fans think you might have channeled Samson and should grow the hair back to return to your accustomed level of dominance.

If I could I would! Lol. Nature did its thing with my flowing hair...

What it is like to be on the most international NBA team? Have you learned a lot from the other players and their cultures?

It's great. We know each other, we have great chemistry and we share a lot of experiences coming from totally different places. We had players from everywhere in these years. I love that.

How did you end up gravitating towards the 6th man role in prior years, and what stopped you from becoming a starter earlier in your career, when clearly you had enough success to warrant the change?

My gravitating force is called Pop! He calls the shots and he thought I was a better fit for the team coming from the bench. It worked out pretty well in the past.

Manu, who is the one player from any era that you wish you could have as a teammate to play alongside?

Go Spurs Go!

Bill Russell. Never seen him play, but heard great things about his game. But there have been so many unbelievable players that it's really hard to choose only one or a couple.

What is the funniest story of Coach Popovich that you can think of?

His end of quarter interviews are pretty funny to me. I don't get to listen to them live, but somebody always sends it to me afterwards.

What do you think of the Heat's win streak?

Winning so many games in a row is really hard to do. They are doing great and can keep it going.

Do you ever trash talk during games? Or speak spanish on the court?

Also, what do you think of Kevin Garnett?

No, I don't like talking to opponents during the game. I just want to focus on my job and my teammates.

Hi Manu! I love watching you play. You're the best. 1. What do you think of your play right now and how can you improve? 2. If the season ended now would you want to continue to play after this season? 3. What do you think you want to do after you retire? 4. Who are you really close with or hang out with on the team the most?

1. I'm not playing my best now, but the team is still winning and number 1 in west. Can't complain. Great to be healthy tho.
2. Definitely.
3. Not sure. I have many ideas and interests.
4. With Tiago, Boris and Patty we hang out a lot. But with TD, Matt and Tony, also.

Who do you pick to win the NCAA tournament?

Buenos Aires University is in it??

Hey Manu I spent sometime in Argentina this past year studying abroad in Rosario. Needless to say your country is awesome and some of the best beef I've ever had. Do you still have a home in Argentina? Which city or province in Argentina is your favorite to spend time in?

Of course I keep a home in Argentine. I'm from Bahia Blanca in the province of Buenos Aires and I always go back there after the season. Argentina is definitely a great country to visit.

What player do you think you learned most from early on in your career?

I learned from many players over the years. For example Espil in Argentina, Rigaudeau in Italy, Bowen, Finley, Kerr, Smith and many others in the NBA. I've been very lucky to play with so many gifted players. I'm forgetting a few for sure.

Do you really hate bats?

Not at all!! I was actually careful with it and it flew away after I caught it and handed it to the usher.

Manu you are the man. The way you are able finish sometimes is truly awesome. My question for you is: Who has taught you the most about the game of basketball and how?

The coaches I had and the videos and games I watched. I always tried to get stuff from them even if minor details

Hey thanks for doing the AMA!

Was wondering how does the physical therapy work for NBA teams? Do all players routinely receive therapy or just the injured players?
Also, do you develop any sort or friendship with the therapist after working with them for a long period of time?

The NBA season is long and strenuous. Doing treatments and therapies is very important to stay healthy and ready to play every other day. Spending so much time with strength coaches and trainers definitely makes you develop a close relationship. We get to talk a lot!

Do you play sports besides basketball?

Don't have much time and have to take care of my body, but during the offseason I like to play a little bit of tennis.

Thank you for doing this! Are there any nicknames you have that you really like or really dislike? Tambien quiero preguntar si todavia tomas mate?

Nunca tomé mate!! Raro lo mío, no?

What do you think of being one of the only few NBA players of all time to pull off the double flop?

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/642675/doq3xx.gif

I stepped on his foot. Got right back up...