Fansided

Pau Gasol should add firepower to Chicago Bulls

By Andrew Melnick

Jul 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and general manager Gar Forman (right) pose for a photo with newly signed center Pau Gasol during a press conference at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and general manager Gar Forman (right) pose for a photo with newly signed center Pau Gasol during a press conference at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls have consistently put one of the NBA’s elite defense over the last few seasons. Their offense, however, has not been on that level. That’s why they pursued – and landed – former Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol.

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Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders believes Gasol will add much needed firepower for the Bulls.

"The good news is the Bulls will finally get back a fully healthy Derrick Rose. The bad news is Rose didn’t look particularly good during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Still it was great for Rose to get back into the mix of highly competitive competition, which also allowed the former MVP to get his legs back under him. Chicago was able to lure former All-Star Pau Gasol in free agency, which will undoubtedly add firepower to the lineup next to Rose and All-Star center Joakim Noah. The addition of international star Nikola Mirotic and rookie Doug McDermott will have the same effect. How far the team ultimately goes this season rests on Rose’s rehabilitated knees. The supporting cast has improved, but Rose must return at an All-Star level for the Bulls to reach new heights."

If Gasol can be that second scorer the Bulls have long desired,the Bulls are in for an excellent season.

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.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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