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Posted by Royce Young / CBSsports.com
Virtus Bologna may have made a big splash recently with their major offer to Kobe Bryant, but they're also targeting another NBA All-Star. One with a prominant bald spot and a paralyzing step-back jumper.
Via an interview with DiarioShow.com via Sportando, Ginobili confirmed that Virtus Bologna is the "only option" if he decides to play overseas during the lockout.
"I did not say NO to the proposal. In Bologna I had great time and my wife Marianela loves Italy. There is a possibility that I will join Virtus Bologna during the NBA lockout. I have to give an answer by the end of the month. I had also an offer from Brazil but if I leave San Antonio Spurs during the lockout, I am going to play only with Virtus Bologna. It would be just for few months and then I will be back to Spurs"
Obviously Ginobili, like a lot of other players, is willing to take his time in making a decision. There are more meetings and still time for a deal to get settled. But there's no doubt he's interested. Bologna apparently has a solid financial backing and is willing to pony up some solid money for a player like Ginobili.
Why it's the "only option," I don't know. But Ginobili's home country of Argentina doesn't exactly have a strong professional league and Bologna is one of Italy's larger clubs. Same goes for Brazil.
Ginobili is aging and has dealt with injuries in the past, so I'm sure he's a bit hesitant to that risk in playing overseas, but he'll get his contract insured. Like he said, it would just be a quick stint and he'd be eager to return to the Spurs.
My question is: Why not play with Tony Parker for his ASVEL club? Probably because Parker can't pay Ginobili anywhere near what Bologna is looking to, but that would be a cool wrinkle.
