Pau Gasol Will Be Unhappy If Chicago Bulls Bench Him Late

Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls explains that he’ll be frustrated if he’s routinely left on the bench late for defensive purposes.

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At times Pau Gasol found himself anchored to the Los Angeles Lakers bench late in games due to his questionable defense. That’s not something he wants to see happen with the Chicago Bulls as the veteran admitted he will be upset if he isn’t on the floor in the final minutes of the game.

“We’re just trying to figure it out, take it one game at a time, but obviously I would like to be on the floor when the game is on the line. That’s what I’ve been getting paid for my entire career, and that’s what I will continue to do.’

“No, no, that’s not a good sign when you’re put in that position because the coach doesn’t rely on you to deliver in those minutes,’’ Gasol said. “So basically he doesn’t trust you. He trusts someone else to do the job. So it’s not a good sign for you.’’

While being upset is understandable, Pau Gasol has to understand the Chicago Bulls currently employ reigning Defensive Player of the Year award winner Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson who has emerged as one of the premier big men defenders in the NBA. Both are clearly more talented than Gasol on the defensive end and Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau is know to go with defense over offense which could be an issue for Gasol.

For what it’s worth, Pau did state that there will be times he understands that the team may be better served with him off the court late though simply didn’t want it to become a common practice and completely fall out of the rotation as the Chicago Bulls attempt to protect a lead.

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