Chicago Bulls encouraged by Pau Gasol’s FIBA World Cup performance?
Entering the 2014 offseason, the Chicago Bulls had big dreams. They planned to use the amnesty clause to waive veteran big man Carlos Boozer (which they did) and chase star free agents, with the top choice being new York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, of course, decided to re-sign with the Knicks. The Bulls then turned their attention to former Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol, inking him to a three-year deal.
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Gasol has been playing for Spain in the FIBA World Cup and although they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by France, he and his team were very impressive.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN.com believes the Bulls should be encouraged by Gasol’s performance in the FIBA World Cup.
"Yes. Obviously his familiarity with the FIBA game (and the shorter 3-point line) helps, but it’s always encouraging to see an aging player looking so spry."
Even if Gasol wasn’t the Bulls’ top target, he is a veteran that can still play at a high level and has done a lot of winning in his career. His offense should help what is always one of the league’s elite defenses.
Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season while shooting 48.0% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free throw line. In his 13-year NBA career, the third-overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft has put up 18.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the floor, 24.7% from three and 75.0% from the free throw line.
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