Anyone else a little worried about Manu?

I'm starting to get a little concerned with the slump that Manu seems to be in. He's not shooting well, seems to a step slower and overall just not playing up to his ability. Tony and Tim seem like they're off to a good start, but something is off with Manu's game. Hope this is just a slow start on his part.

I'm wondering if his participation in international play this summer has him a bit tired out of the gates?

For two seasons now he hasn't been teh Manu that wowed us with flash and a barrage of three pointers........

I can't quite figure it out.

From what I've heard from Manu is that they want him to focus and work on his jump shot and not really slash to the basket that he's well known for. His confidence is really low right now (hard to believe). I think they need to quit the jump shooting experiment. His shot is worse than it has ever been before and he's shooting a career low % in FG and 3 pointers (what happened to his 3 point shooting? He did pretty well with that shot). I know that they're worried about Manu and him staying healthy but I think they just need to let Manu play like he knows how and what makes him so great. IMO Manu's never going to be a great shooter (in the Steve Kerr) but will continue to be a scorer.

ohh yea, Manu is definetely not a shooter, except sometimes, he is a scorer, take the ball to the basket, score and get fouled

Yeah Manu and Bruce both have been less than impressive this year. What worries me about Manu is the length of his contract. If he is slowing down now, what is he going to look like in 09-10 when he is making over $10 million?

i could be wrong and i hope iam not, but i think manu is at that stage where he doesnt really care about the regular season. manu was an allstar and thats enough for him. he is a winner and the only thing that matters to him is championships, which are won in the playoffs not the regular season. so i think he is on the tim and shaq mentality of just getting by in the regular season, then stepping up their game in the playoffs.

^

SsK I tend to agree with that notion; it's called "cruise control".

But also it is readily apparent that he is attempting to incorporate the mid-range game to save for the playoffs. There are times though when it is frustrating that both a) he is not making the shots yet, and b) the drives to the basket are essential for the team's success.

Even though these are professional players, there still must be an adjustment period, practice doesn't necessarily translate to gameplay. It must be difficult to just change your rhythm and style over the course of a few actual games.

Imagine a classical guitar player trying to switch to jazz or blues with just a few hours of practice. The fundamentals are still the same but the style is difficult to grasp right away, unless one is a prodigy.

I think he looks to be in good physical shape, and he looks like he still has the capability for excellent reads and the Manu-stye change of directon.

The shots just aren't falling...yet.

To be honest, not really.

I concur with SAS Sizzle.

I agree with the cruis control assesment. I'd rather him be this way now than later in the year though. But yeah, i really with he'd penetrate more often and be he reckless, unpredicatble Manu we know. I kinda miss how unpredictable and exciting he was during 2002-2003 and in 2003-2004.

after last night... i think he's okay:)

Well I think we can all agree trying to turn Manu into a jump shooter was a failed experiment.

I was glad to see him return to doing what he does best - penetrate and create havoc for the defense.

He kicked ass on defense last night too - hopefully this is just a preview of what is to come.