Manu Ginobili adds to his legend every time he steps on the court. The player seasoned coach Gregg Popovich once called the “most aggressive” player he’s ever seen, Ginobili continues — at age 40 — to play basketball in his own uncanny style. The Spurs wingman is a unique combination of wild aggression and remarkable discipline. Ginobili is also among the most confident players in history. Witness his 3-pointer (below) to knock off the NBA-best-record-holding Boston Celtics. Who do you give the ball to with time-running out, well the 40-year-old guy apparently. Only this isn’t the YMCA senior league, it’s the NBA. Marvel at Manu while you can. This can’t last forever, or can it?
How does Ginobili get the shot off? Because of the still acute fear that he will drive by any defender. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling for four years, establishing his reputation as a master of painting during the gig. (Michelangelo was considered a master primarily of sculpture before he took the Sistine ceiling job.) Michelangelo was in his late 30s when he completed what has become among his most famous works. Ginobili, too, hopes to paint one more masterpiece in a Spurs uniform — and he may just have the 2017-18 team to do it. The Spurs have maintained a third place position in the competitive Western Conference despite perennial MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard having yet to play, and with future Hall of Famer Tony Parker playing just a handful of games so far due to injury. Unthinkably, with the reemergence of LaMarcus Aldridge, this Spurs team may be the best in years. Ginobili’s paintbrush — and his stroke — looks awfully good.