Hooped Up

Retaining Michael Finley just became a genius move in San Antonio.

“San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili says he needs arthroscopic surgery to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle. “They’re going to operate on me,” the 31-year-old told Argentina’s La Nacion newspaper Friday. Ginobili, who helped lead Argentina to a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics, said an MRI of the injury showed no improvement from a previous exam. ”

AP/Arizona RepubliC

The big story of these Olympics are injuries to the key players from each country. So many international stars have ended the NBA season limping.  Manu Ginobili might be the latest causality.

Emanuel Ginobili said on Wednesday an ankle injury had put in jeopardy his appearance at the Beijing Olympics for the Argentinian men’s basketball team which is defending its title.

San Antonio Spurs’ Ginobili, speaking at a press conference in Buenos Aires, said: “The ankle injury is more serious than I thought. I will need three weeks of tests but I feel my participation in the Olympic Games is in danger.”

Sports Inquirer

Jason Richardson’s hops are just fine, ask Manu.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has been suspended one game without pay for striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili in the face, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 28 with 2.7 remaining in the fourth period of the Lakers 96-94 (OT) loss to the Spurs at Staples Center. Bryant will serve his suspension tonight when the Lakers play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden

LA Times