Who was named Nike Baller of the Year in 2005?

Manu Ginobili was named Nike Baller of the Year in 2005. The award was a Nikebasketball.com fan-vote honor, not an official NBA award such as MVP or All-Star recognition.

Ginobili earned the honor after an outstanding season with the San Antonio Spurs. During the 2004–05 regular season, the Argentine guard averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.61 steals per game, helping San Antonio finish 59–23. He then raised his production during the playoffs as the Spurs pursued another championship.

The award fits Ginobili’s growing reputation as one of basketball’s most creative and unconventional guards. He was known for his left-handed finishing, passing instincts and signature “Eurostep,” a move he helped popularize in the NBA. A common mix-up is confusing this award with the 2005 NBA Most Valuable Player award, which went to Steve Nash. Ginobili and the Spurs ultimately defeated the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Finals, giving him his second NBA championship.