It’s been over six years since Manu’s last meaningful action and yet, his influence continues on in today’s NBA | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Fan favorite Danny Green is also listed as one of White’s influences in an excerpt chock-full of winning habits White learned in his time on the Spurs Is it possible for Manu Ginobili to gain more respect and adulation as time goes on? The answer, at least from Derrick White is ‘yes.’ In a ‘Young Man and the Three’ podcast from November 9, show guest and star guard Derrick White of the Boston Celtics is interviewed and asked about the inspiration for his ability to a) create and b) make ‘instinctual over schematic’ plays. Reflective points from the 4 1⁄2 minute piece: “I learned in San Antonio ‘simple works.’” (1:20) “A big thing my rookie year was watching Manu offensively and then watching Danny Green defensively... Manu was 40 at the end of his career... just the way he was able to get to the basket.... There were so many little things he did just to get into that position.... catching the ball on the run.” (1:50) For Green, “when he’s sprinting back in transition... always contesting shots and making them think about it... underrated.” White also shares what allowed him to doggedly guard ‘Giannis and Dame’ on the same possession in a recent game. (3:00) There’s finally an encouragement he received from former Spur and current King DeMar DeRozan. Unfortunately the podcast staff doesn’t seem to know how to spell Manu’s last name as he is referred to as ‘Manu Gibobili’ in the show notes for this early November podcast. Happy early Thanksgiving, Pounders! The Spurs are over .500 this late in the season for “the first time in forever” (poor Disney reference in anticipation of the Christmas dualcast), Stephon Castle is the leading (under 7’0”) candidate for Rookie of the Year, and they may have found their ‘Junior Death’ lineup!