NBA Chicago Bulls

Pau Gasol Is Chicago Bulls’ Most Important Player

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By @fanforlife1988

Getty Images Sport - Randy Felice

Getty Images Sport – Randy Felice

Outside of Lebron James’ return home to Cleveland, the best signing of the NBA offseason is proving to be the three-year deal Pau Gasol signed with the Chicago Bulls. At just over $7 million annually, Gasol was a bargain for the Bulls, as the 14-year veteran brought his offensive versatility, size and championship experience to a team in need of all three components. More importantly, with Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose set back by nagging injuries, Gasol has also stepped in to be the Bulls’ leader, a role he may not have expected this soon, but one he is fully capable of assuming.

Through six games, the 18.6 points on 50 percent shooting and 10.6 rebounds Gasol’s averaging on a nightly basis are right in line with those of his career averages. But the pairing of Gasol and the Bulls was mutually beneficial, as head coach Tom Thibodeau has the big man playing some of the best defense he’s played in his career, as evidenced by his 2.1 blocks per game. Gasol’s presence on both ends of the floor, combined with a front line, which already features Taj Gibson and Noah, makes the Bulls a favorite in the Eastern Conference.

Gasol’s outstanding play has also allowed the Bulls to thrive without the presence of Rose and Noah. The team’s 5-2 record is a good sign that the team is clicking, despite the addition of a number of new faces, which include Doug McDermott, Aaron Brooks and Nikola Mirotic.

Gasol, along with fourth-year swing-man Jimmy Butler, has assumed the primary load on the offense, as the Bulls have averaged 104.3 points a night. Realistically, at 34 years old, Gasol will not maintain his current level of output through 82 games, but the role being asked of him now will surely decrease once the team is fully healthy.

However, one thing the Bulls will continue to ask of Gasol, is to bring his leadership and experience to the team as they move towards their goal of a championship. Knowing Gasol is still capable of playing at an elite level is a real coup for the Bulls, as his ability to play next to Noah as a power forward, or slide to the center spot with Gibson or Mirotic at the four-spot, creates a variety of lineups for Thibodeau to work with. This type of flexibility is something the Bulls have not had in quite some time, and it will provide them the upper hand in dictating how to utilize matchups to their advantage.

Despite the issues Gasol had in his previous two years with the Los Angeles Lakers, he’s remained revered by his peers, and now has a chance to thrive in a better situation. Looking back at the greatness Gasol brought to the Lakers in 2008 would serve as the blueprint for what he can bring to the Bulls moving forward. Expecting anything less would be a mistake, as Gasol is out to prove that he’s deserving of being mentioned among the greatest big men in history. Leading the Bulls to a championship, flanked by a deep and talented roster, would be just the way for him to do it.

Zach Fetaru is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @fanforlife1988 ”like him” on Facebook and add him to your network on Google. 

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