Apr

7

Manu The Magnificent Done For Season; End Of Era For Spurs?

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Analysis, NBA Injuries 

Manu Ginobili has left the building; at least as far as this NBA season is concerned. The “Associated Press” reported Monday that the San Antonio Spurs star will be out of action for the rest of the year after an MRI revealed a stress fracture in his right ankle. “Manu The Magnificent” had been bothered by the ankle since February and had missed 19 games earlier in the campaign.

The loss is one that will radically diminish any hopes that San Antonio would have of competing far into the Playoffs this season. However does this also possibly mean that the era of the Duncan/Parker/Ginobili Spurs has come to an end?

The 2007 edition of the San Antonio Spurs had machine like efficiency. There was not a team in the Association that was capable of beating them. I saw it close up as I covered the two NBA Finals games that were held in Cleveland as the Spurs swept the Cavaliers in the series 4-0. However even as the champagne was flowing in the visitors locker room at the Q Arena in Cleveland this longtime NBA observer was saying that the team from San Antonio may have been at their peak.

Tim Duncan is now 32 years old and  Manu is 31. Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen have been in the NBA so long they played when the ball had laces (a slight exaggeration. However Finley is 36 and Bowen is a grey beard at 37.) Tony Parker is still only 26 but the rest of their core has aged. Even guys who have shown some skills this season such as Roger Mason and Matt Bonner are 28 and 29 respectively. They are a team that may have seen their best in the rear view mirror.

The Spurs have had a great run with David Robinson and Duncan as well as the team that basically is still in place. However the salad years for San Antonio may be over for a while.

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