It has begun. The 2015-2016 NBA season is here. As we reflect on the best players, let's take a look at one of the most under-appreciated big men in the league, Pau Gasol.
Now entering his 14th NBA season, this man has gone from being drafted in 2001 by the Hawks to a young force on the Grizzlies, to an absolute powerhouse on the Lakers and Bulls. Here are his most significant accolades.
BEHOLD!
Gold Medalist with Spain in 2006 FIBA World Cup Championship
Silver Medalist with Spain in 2008 Beijing Olympics
Two-time champion (2009, 2010) w/ Los Angeles Lakers
Five-time All-Star team selection (First Spanish player to become an All-Star)
Becomes first European player to win Rookie of the year (age 19) leading the rookies in field goal %, scoring and rebounding.
As you can see, his accomplishments speak for themselves, but why only a five-time all-star selection? Why isn't he considered a top 10 big man in the league?
In this year's NBA player rankings of every player in the league, ESPN placed Pau Gasol at #35. He was ranked below big men such as his brother Marc Gasol, Deandre Jordan, Dwight Howard, Zach Randolph and his own Chicago Bulls teammate Joakim Noah.
For his career, Pau Gasol has averaged close to 20 and 10 while shooting an extremely efficient 51%. He is a double-double machine, and like fine wine, he's getting better every year. Last season at age 35, Pau Gasol led the league in regular season double-doubles with 54.
His offensive game is one to be reckoned with. Pau Gasol's jump shot is knockdown as is evident by his field goal percentage. At 7 feet tall, he can break down his defender in a variety of ways. His shot is automatic off the pick and roll, he can fadeaway off the dribble and he is extremely difficult to stop in the low post.
..Did I hear you say he is missing a long range game? If that's the case, then be my guest and leave him open in the corner. Watch what happens. His career 28% shooting from the three-point line speaks for itself. Pau can certainly dial them in from deep, but is so dominant around the rim that he doesn't need to take these deep shots too often. He'd much rather hit you with a smooth hook shot or a quick fader off the glass. It doesn't matter who guards Pau Gasol. He will always get his buckets, guaranteed.
In addition to his premier scoring ability, is his high basketball IQ, which has allowed him to improve his overall game each and every year of his long career. Without a doubt, these are the elements that have enabled Gasol to reach basketball immortality, not just once, but twice alongside one of the greatest shooting guards in basketball history (Kobe Bean Bryant). Pau is now a key piece for the Chicago Bulls organization and hopes to help them keep their championship aspirations alive this season.
ESPN dared to rank him below so many other front court players, when Pau is one of the most versatile players in the league, regardless of position. What was their justification for keeping him out of the list of top 10 big men? It was that Pau Gasol isn't a quality defender.
(Pau Gasol's game saving block on Lebron James)
Video evidence says otherwise.
