Spurs G Ginobili moving forward in rehab

Nov 13, 2008 - 7:05 PM SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is making progress in his rehab after undergoing offseason ankle surgery, leaving open the possibility of an earlier return than originally anticipated.

Ginobili made the trip to Milwaukee for the Spurs' 82-78 loss to the Bucks on Wednesday. It was the first time he traveled with the team this season.

"I'm getting better every day," said Ginobili, who is expected to be sidelined until mid-December. "But I still haven't practiced with the team or anything like that."

According to the San Antonio Express News, Ginobili has not had any setbacks in his recovery and can cut and plant on the ankle.

Ginobili led the Spurs in scoring last season, averaging 19.5 points. He aggravated the injury over the summer while playing for his native Argentina in the Olympics.

Asked Wednesday if there is a chance Ginobili might return before the end of the month, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told the newspaper he had no concrete answer.

"I don't want to paint myself into a corner," Popovich said. "When he's ready, he'll play. That's the best way to put it."

Without Ginobili and star point guard Tony Parker, who is expected to miss at least two more weeks with a sprained ankle, the Spurs are off to a 2-5 start. It's their worst start since going 2-13 to open the 1996-97 campaign.

Ginobili said Parker's injury would not impact his return.

"I want to be smart," Ginobili said. "I don't want to rush it and make it worse."