NBA Playoffs & Finals 2014: Is San Antonio's Manu Ginobili the Best Latino Player in NBA? Spurs Guard vs. Other Hispanic Hoops Stars [POLL]
Entering his fifth NBA Finals this week, the San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili enters with a chance to further cement his place in history as one of the NBA's greatest Latino players.
In a league that has primarily consisted of exceptional black and Caucasian players from across the globe, the game's international reach in the last few years has allowed hoops fans to see a gradual infusion of talent from Latin American countries. And while they're perhaps not as celebrated as their counterparts, the impact that these players have left not only in critical games, but on the game as a whole, is an indelible one.
The Argentine-born Ginobili, 36, is one of the game's brightest Latino stars in the league today, perhaps in history. A 6'6" sharpshooter with a knack for clutch moments -- ask the Oklahoma City Thunder, who he sent packing in the Western Conference Finals thanks to a clutch three he hit in Game 6 this past weekend -- Ginobili has helped the Spurs wrap up three of their four NBA titles over the last decade. Along the way, the Buenos Aires native has added some impressive accolades to his mantle, which includes two NBA All-Star appearances, the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year award, an NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection and more. Even 11 seasons past his 2002 debut, Ginobili continues to be a key part of Gregg Poppovich's tactically brilliant offense, setting screens that help get stars like Tony Parker and Tim Duncan open for big shots, and sniping at opponents with icy precision beyond the arc when he gets good looks.
There's little doubt that Ginobili is a winner. But is he the best Latino player in the NBA right now? Believe it or not, enough great stars of Hispanic origin have risen up in the hoops game over the last few years to ask that question. Let's take a look at some of the best players in the NBA that add a little Latino flavor to the game:
Pau Gasol
The Spaniard is arguably Kobe Bryant's favorite teammate on the Los Angeles Lakers, and has been a big part of the Lakers' last two back-to-back world title teams in 2009 and 2010. A big man with nimble movements and a sweet shooting touch, Gasol has paid huge dividends for L.A. since coming over in a trade from Memphis in 2008, appearing in three All-Star Games for the Lakers and the seven-foot center is sure to make a splash when he hit the free agency market this summer.
Al Horford
At age 27, the sky's the limit for the 6'10", Dominican Republic-born center/power forward. In college, the sensational Horford led the Florida Gators to two straight NCAA championships. And he hasn't stopped producing with the Atlanta Hawks, where he's made two NBA All-Star appearances and helped the Hawks make the playoffs in all seven seasons that he's been with the team. Athletic, strong, and explosive, Horford is looking like he's going to be a force in the league for years to come.
Nene Hilario
This 6'11, 250-pound Brazilian powerhouse has made his mark as one of the top centers in the NBA for the last few years. Able to pass, move effectively without the ball in his hands and finish strong around the rim, Nene is also a solid rebounder and a fearsome presence on defense, his presence helping the surprising Washington Wizards deal a stunning first-round loss to the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs this spring. If he can keep himself healthy, he should have a few more solid years ahead of him.
J.J. Barea
The 29-year-old veteran from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico is a great passer and a solid shooter, and he played a big part in the Dallas Mavericks' 2011 NBA championship run, giving the Mavericks a lift with his play off the bench. His skill and gumption played a crucial role in Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals, where he scored 15 points to go with five assists and two steals, allowing the Mavericks to become the only team in the last three years to have knocked off LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. He may play in Minnesota now, but Dallas fans will always have a soft spot for the Puerto Rican sparkplug.
Marc Gasol
Pau's brother, also a fellow Spaniard, has been a beast in the middle for years as a center for the Memphis Grizzlies. An All-Star in 2012, Gasol's defensive prowess combines with his effective shooting to make him one of the NBA's most feared centers. He's been a big part of the reason why Memphis has flourished over the last few seasons, the Grizz going as far as the Western Conference Finals last season. And as long as he's playing at a high level, Memphis will be a powerhouse in the West for years to come.
Greivis Vasquez
This 6'6" shooting guard from Caracas, Venezuela has the moves, the shooting and the speed all working for him. Flashy, but talented, Vasquez showed a lot of development in New Orleans last season, where he averaged 13.9 points and 9.0 assists, before he headed to Sacramento and Toronto this season. Nimble and able to find the open man, the 27-year-old Vasquez looks like he has a lot of potential. With the right situation and teachers, he may develop soon enough into one of the better point guards the NBA has to offer.
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