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Oberto's energy, effort paying off for Spurs
By Randy Stevens
Sports Editor
San Antonio — His accent is as thick as his hair, and his name sounds like a famous romance novel model.
While San Antonio Spurs center Fabricio Oberto won't be gracing the cover of a best-seller, he's proving to be the picture-perfect teammate, providing sparks when they are needed, effectively guarding some of the NBA's best players, and sacrificing his body for the ball.
In his second season with the Spurs, the Argentinian's role was increased when Nazr Mohammed was traded and no big moves, other than bringing in Francisco Elson from Denver, were made to bring in a free-agent center. But Spurs coach and general manger Gregg Popovich once again proved his pulse on international players remains true, giving Oberto the chance at more playing time.
It has paid off well. Oberto is currently averaging 7.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while playing an average of 21 points per game.
"Oberto's role has been big all year. He has been fantastic for us," Popovich said. "He's a very solid guy and has probably been one of our most consistent players this season."
While Popovich lauds his consistency, it's the emotional spark he provides that is most notable to the fans. His fist-pumping, hard-nosed effort is contagious, often leading the Spurs back from behind at crucial times.
Such was the case last Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, as Oberto led a second-half surge that saw the Spurs erase a 17-point deficit.
"I know my role is to help the team every night with energy and hard work," said Oberto. "Sometimes, like this year, I get lucky and can get good stats, but never in my career have I worried about that. I just try to keep playing hard and bring energy."
Oberto is one of many international players to don the Spurs uniform and is the second-most famous player from his home country. The most famous, of course, is his Spurs teammate Manu Ginobli.
Oberto credits Ginobli with helping him adjust to life in the NBA and the United States.
"Manu has helped me a lot getting used to the American game and letting me know what to expect from who," Oberto said. "I also learned a lot from my coaches and teammates and this year I am getting to put everything on the court. It feels great to be able to go out there and help the team."
Teammates are taking notice of Oberto's play as well. In Friday's loss to Dallas, Oberto was given the arduous task of guarding Dirk Nowitzki and fared well despite the loss. Oberto held Nowitzki, who finished with 31 points, to only 11 points in the second half while posting 10 of his 14 points in the second half as well. He also finished with 11 rebounds.
"I thought Fabricio did an incredible job on (Nowitzki) all night," said Spurs forward Tim Duncan, "He was getting difficult shots to take and he made them, but Fabi stayed in front of him and made him make some 18- and 19-footers over his head. He’s played great all year."
Oberto continued to provide a boost in the Spurs Sunday night win at Seattle, scoring 16 points with five rebounds.
Nazr who?
But Oberto's modesty is as strong as his on-the-court effort. He has no hard feelings about those who criticized his team for not bringing in the big-name center.
"I just want my playing to speak for itself," Oberto said. "I just want to make every game better than the last one and bring as much energy as I can each time I play."
