Manu Ginobili: Exit of a virtuoso

Manu Ginobili was John Coltrane with a basketball. He was an artist: creating and improvising, flowing within the context of team, knowing when to accompany, when to lead, when to follow, when to change the tempo and when to blend in. If a change in key was needed, it appeared effortless.

Change the entire tone of the composition.

Manu Ginobili and The Love Supreme.

Fifty-seventh pick of the 1999 draft:

Emmanuel Geeno-bee-lee

Manu Ginobli

Manu Ginobili!

Wrap around. Euro Step. Stop. Cut on a dime, no-look pass.

Soar high above the rim. Rain down thunder.

Unexpectedly explosive hops.

Defensive rebound, push the ball up the court, nutmeg, contort in the lane and launch.

Mid-air decision: kick it out to…