The San Antonio Spurs have turned their attention to signing free agent center Pau Gasol, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors early on July 4 and its potential ripples are already being felt across the NBA. After losing out on Durant, the Spurs have geared up for their Plan B. Their Plan B most likely involves Pau Gasol, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
The decision to pursue Gasol likely has something to do with the report that Tim Duncan is leaning towards retirement. Gasol is likely looking to join a contender and the Spurs desperately need to replace Duncan in their lineup. With free agency several days old, Gasol is the best available option.
Gasol would give the Spurs a strong inside presence, as he’s still very efficient even in his old age. Gasol averaged 16.5 points per game last season for the Chicago Bulls. He also averaged 11 rebounds per game and 4.1 assists per game while playing 31.8 minutes per game. Gasol would be a great inside option alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, giving the Spurs one of the best power forward and center combinations in the NBA. Despite being bigger, he’s still a solid stretch option as Gasol has not lost much of his shooter’s touch. He’s still solid at the mid-range jumper and effective around the net.
San Antonio took a risk by pursuing Durant, putting their offseason on old. Now they have to live with the consequences of losing that gamble. San Antonio needs Gasol.
For more NBA Free Agency coverage, check out our NBA hub page.