Spurs guard Manu Ginobili 'optimistic' about playing in FIBA World Cup

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili says he is optimistic about playing for Argentina in World Cup in Spain that starts next month.

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili says he is optimistic about playing for Argentina in World Cup in Spain next month.

Ginobili said he wants to play despite suffering a stress fracture in his right leg and in spite of opposition from San Antonio brass. 

"It does not hurt. I’m optimistic, but I have doubts, I have fears," Ginobili said, according to canchallena.lanacion.com.

More: Kevin Love trade rumors, buzz

The FIFA Basketball World Cup starts Aug. 30 in Spain, with the winner of the tournament qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Argentina plays Puerto Rico, Croatia, the Philippines, Senegal and Greece in Group play starting Aug. 30. 

Ginobili averaged 12.3 points, 4.3 assists and 3.0 per game in the NBA last season, helping lead the San Antonio to the franchise’s fifth NBA championship.

- Scooby Axson