Ginobili's Injury a "Blessing?"

"Had he not hurt it in the Olympics, he probably would have done it 15, 25, 35 games into the season. It could be a blessing that he’s gotten operated on.

His ankle probably would be in better shape now than it’s been in years."
- Coach Gregg Popovich, on Manu Ginobili’s offseason ankle surgery

I hope Pop is right. Please, God, let Pop be right.

Ginobili Needs Ankle Surgery

In case you haven't already heard, the bad news about Ginobili has gotten worse. Or better, depending on your perspective. Elizabeth White writes for the Associated Press:

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, who helped lead Argentina to a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics, will need surgery to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle.

“They’re going to operate on me,” the 31-year-old Ginobili told Argentina’s La Nacion newspaper Friday. “It’s not worse, which is important. Now, the thing is, it’s not better either, and it seems like the only way to repair it completely is arthroscopic surgery.”

"My plan was to be part of the Olympic games, and I knew that if I suffered from pain they would have to operate. This isn't something that took me by surprise."