Argentina's Favorite Son

I am devastated. Not only did Team USA steamroller Argentina in the semis; my hero, Manu Ginobili, re-injured his left ankle and hobbled his way off the court. :(

Prior to the Olympics, I was already torn by the decision he had to make. Since he was hurt throughout the West Finals, he wasn't really supposed to play in the Olympics. The Spurs definitely didn't want him risking further injury, but if there's one thing that stands out about Manu, it's his stubbornness. He really wanted to defend his gold medal, but more importantly, he wanted to represent his country.

Personally, I thought it would be fun to have him in the Olympics. I was just getting sick of not being able to watch any basketball, and I thought...hey, it'd be nice to see Manu play again, even for a little bit. I knew all along about the risk of Manu hurting himself, but I guess no one really wanted to think about that.

But now that he's hurt, it seems like the sky is falling in San Antonio. Fans are clamoring for a trade. Why keep this ailing, 31-year-old on your team when you can trade for young blood? Isn't that what San Antonio needs? Hasn't the recurrent "they're so old" label struck a chord in them just yet?

To me, it hasn't. Not for Ginobili, at least. Where else can you get a guy that plays with the heart that he does? Maybe you can replace his athleticism or his consistency, but you can never, ever replace passion. To me, Ginobili is a priceless player. You can't put a price on his heart, and on his contributions.

So to all the Chicken Littles in San Antonio and in the Spurs' fandom, I say have faith in Ginobili. I have faith that he'll deliver yet again, and if he doesn't, I'll be one of the patient fans who'll accept that his prime has passed. I will say though, that if he ever gets traded, I won't hesitate to jump ship to that other team fortunate enough to receive his services. I guess you can say that I am a Ginobili fan foremost, and if San Antonio doesn't show him the loyalty he deserves (because the NBA is admittedly a business), then I guess it's time to switch loyalties as well.