Manu Ginobili has been contemplating whether or not he would be able to play for Argentina in the World Cup this summer, but it seems as if the Spurs have taken the decision out of his hands.

The Spurs sent Ginobili a letter today that did not grant him permission to play in the FIBA World Cup tournament which tips off next month. The Spurs biggest concern is Ginobili's recovery time from a stress fracture in his leg and want to make sure he is 100% healthy for the beginning of the NBA season.

Political conditions related to Argentinean basketball might have kept him out anyway, and there was no guarantee he would play through the injury. It is just no longer his decision.

Nonethess Ginobili still had hopes of playing for his country one last time as he may be entering the last year of his illustrious basketball career.

The Spurs have some right to protect themselves when they are paying a player millions of dollars. They have also benefitted immensely from Ginobili developing his game in international play, so there is some precedent for letting him proceed.

In the end the Spurs have their eyes set in repeating as champions this upcoming season for the first time in franchise history. If that is to happen they will need a fully healthy and rested Manu Ginobili. That line of thought seems to be the prevailing notion behind San Antonio's decision.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Bryan Castillo
Mechanical Engineer graduate from Texas A&M University class of 2012. Favorite teams are the Dallas Mavericks, Cowboys, & Texas Rangers.