Ginobili's Olympic chances look dim

SAN ANTONIO, June 19 (UPI) -- San Antonio Spurs standout Manu Ginobili should rest his sore ankle rather than play for Argentina in the upcoming Olympic Games, his coach says.

Spurs coach George Popovich said Wednesday the star shooting guard should not join Argentina's national basketball team at the Beijing Olympic Games since playing could further aggravate his injury, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

"My concern is that it is going to get worse," Popovich said. "He's got to seriously consider his health."

The comments from the NBA coach come as Ginobili also expressed concern that his nagging injury would prevent him from joining his countrymen in the international competition.

"The ankle injury is worse than I thought," Ginobili said Wednesday, "I believe this puts in danger my chances at playing in the Olympic Games."

The Express-News said after the Spurs were eliminated from the NBA playoffs in May, it was revealed that the high-scoring guard had suffered a swollen ligament in his left ankle.