How a rematch of last years NBA finals and a showcase of the top two teams in the NBA is an undercard to the overrated Lakers-Heat matchup (Lakers will lose by 15) is beyond my comprehension.

Still, the Spurs-Pistons game promises to be a real treat for those who find big screens underneath their Christmas tree this year.  As everyone knows, the Pistons return with a new coach and a new offensive attitude.  The Spurs will take the floor with mostly the same group that defeated the Pistons last June with one glaring difference in their starting lineup: the absence of Manu Ginobili.

Out for the past few games because of a foot injury, Ginobili has been replaced by Michael Finley in the starting lineup, who has performed admirably in his absence.  So admirably in fact, that maybe it would be best to place Finley in the starting five permanently.

Perhaps I'm still suffering from the effects of one too many at the annual Christmas party, but at the risk of waging war with all of Argentina maybe it's time to officially declare Manu's candidacy for Sixth Man of the Year.

Off the bench is not a new concept for Ginobili, who began his career as the Spurs super-sub.  A year later the Spurs benched Manu in favor of Turkoglu and again last year, in favor of Brent Barry for the first round of the playoffs.  Though it may sound absurd, bringing in your second All-Star off the bench, but the move does have its share of benefits:

1.) Finley: Though not the creator that Manu is at this point in his career, Finley still remains the superior shooter whose talents would be maximized playing with the first unit, where Duncan and Parker would create a larger quantity of open shots for Finley than the Spurs second unit.  Manu is Manu regardless of his role, Finley is a much better starter than bench player.  In addition, being paired with Bowen would subract from Finley's defensive responsibilities (which at his age, is not the strength of his game).  Speaking of...

2.) Defense: The Spurs bench may have plenty of playoff experience and versatility, but what it lacks is a defense-minded wing player since the departure of Devin Brown.  The trio of Van Exel, Finley, and Barry can be an intimidating offensive force, but their defensive liablilities are just as likely to lose a lead than extend one.  By bringing Manu off the bench, the Spurs ensure that either he, or Bowen, are on the floor at all times; giving the Spurs a defensive presence on the perimeter for 48 minutes.

3.) Longevity: Perhaps Ginobili's frenetic pace is better suited for the bench.  Considering the numerous leg injuries that Manu accumulates (prompting Barry to nickname him El Contusion) over the course of a season, a sixth man role could quite possibly lengthen Ginobili's career. 

4.) Easy-pickings:  When thinking of prototypical sixth men, most are scoring spark plugs off the bench.  Ricky Davis, Mo Williams, Jerry Stackhouse.  None are revered, however, for their defensive prowess.  If Manu can score on some of the better defenders in the league, what would happend if the Spurs unleashed one of the top ten guards in the NBA on opponents inferior bench players?  Or softening up the starters for that matter?  YOu guessed it: Easy pickings.

Unlike most teams, the Spurs are fortunate to have one of three All-Star caliber players on the court at any given time.  By benching Manu, the Spurs ensure that at least one All-Star is on the floor at all times.  And by playing Ginobili in spurts without Duncan or Parker, Popovich can allow Manu free reign, or unleash him as it were.

Remember, it's not who starts the games, but rather, who finishes them that marks the truly great players.