The 6-2 Chicago Bulls have turned heads in the NBA during this young season for variety of reasons… A stronger starting lineup, more offensive production, a deeper bench, better depth, and the always sophisticated defensive system of head coach Tom Thibodeau.
One of the reasons why the Bulls have been successful in these areas is due to the outstanding play of big man Pau Gasol. When the Spaniard signed with the Bulls over the summer, many felt that his addition to the roster was no more than a consolation prize after the teams failed bid to land New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony.
And considering that Gasol’s previous two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers were riddled with one nagging injury after another, there were questions as to how much energy the 34-year-old forward/center had left in the tank. But just a few weeks into the season Gasol has put all doubts to rest.
He’s averaging 18.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.0 assists per game in a Bulls uniform. He also has a .491 field goal percentage, averages close to 35 minutes per game, and has totaled 53 points, 36 rebounds, six blocks, and eight assists in his last three games combined.
He’s also converted 22-of-45 field goals in that span. While much of the Bulls fan base is focused on the health of Derrick Rose, Gasol’s performances have gone slightly unnoticed. Gasol has been especially effective when filling in for center Joakim Noah.
Noah, who’s still recovering to some degree from offseason knee surgery, has been monitoring his minutes and limiting himself when necessary. Gasol has been quite the security blanket. He’ll have another chance to continue his dominance when the Bulls play the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
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