Tom Thibodeau: Pau Gasol can be a great defender

Chicago Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau believes veteran power forward Pau Gasol can be a great defender

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Once it became clear Carmelo Anthony was going to re-sign with the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls turned their attention to another very successful offensive player – former Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol.

The Bulls are known for the defense and wanted Pau Gasol to provide a spark on the other end. However, Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau believes he can be great on that end as well.

“He could do better,” Thibodeau said via Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago. “He’s done well, but I think he could be great. That’s what I want him to be. He’s got great length, he’s got great timing. He’s smart. He can anticipate. He’s still not communicating as well as he’s capable of, but he’s done well thus far.”

Pau Gasol, however, believes he already has been a good defender in the league.

“All the time,” he said with a smile. “I think I can get better. I had some good stretches where I played better defense. I’ve always been more of an offensive-minded player, but I think my shot-blocking has always gone a little bit under the radar. With this defense I’m going to be in the paint a lot, protecting the paint, protecting the rim. I feel good so I think I’m going to have a pretty good season defensively. With this group of guys they cover so much ground, there’s a lot of length, athleticism, activity, so it makes things easier for everyone.”

With Pau Gasol in the mix and Derrick Rose healthy, the Bulls look like a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.

Pau 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.

Chicago Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau believes veteran power forward Pau Gasol can be a great defender

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