Gasol May Not Be Worth It

Yes it will be sad to see the All-Star break with no Bulls on the Eastern Conference roster. Has the coach been named yet? People are saying it may likely be Skiles and not having one of his own players would be rather disgusting if things sway that direction.

The Bulls did play rather well last night, especially banging the boards as they nearly had five players in double digit rebounds. A problem I've noticed though is the lack of presence near the outside of the free throw line while on defense. You see every game so far they often never cover that area after a shot is taken and allow opponents to grab easy offensive rebounds when the ball bounces over there. This gives opponents too many second chances, which attributed to at least 10 extra Mavs points during the game. That's way too much.

The foolish ball handling and sloppy up and down game was also pathetic, but they've been like that for a few seasons now. Sometimes they take it up too fast and turn the ball over. Instead sometimes (depending on the situation) they should be slowing it down for a moment to read their opponents and teammates locations. Get the ball to a man that has a nice look or an open way to the lane. Think ahead and do it quickly enough to outhustle the opponent.

Pau Gasol could be very valuable, but looking down the road I can't imagine the Bulls trading multiple players like Deng, Gordon or Hinrich among others for him. They need to find a way around dealing any of these players, which is exceedingly difficult. Gordon for instance, everyone can bullcrap all they want that Gasol is worth more then him, that isn't the slightest true. They don't have the same role and Gordon is already an established scoring threat, his averages just keep climbing every game. Trading Ben for Pau is basically either a down grade or basically keeping the game at the current level. I can't see that as an upgrade what-so-ever especially if they lose both Deng and Gordon, that would be a tremendous downhill crash.

Not to say Gasol isn't worth a good price, he is a valuable scorer and all around player and I've defended him multiple times when people have questioned his talents. However, I can't see Gordon and Deng for him. I wouldn't be pissed if Deng was dealt with a low key player or two for Gasol, but I'd still prefer Pax to try and make this deal happen without losing one of our key players, again, which will be exceedingly difficult to pull off. We'll have to wait and see if anything happens, but likely I'd say the Bulls are at a 65% chance of not making any moves at all before the trade deadline.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Leaguewide, the Grizzlies continue to ask a high price for Pau Gasol. In the Bulls' case, that means two players from their young core, as well as salary-cap relief in the form of P.J. Brown's expiring $8 million contract and possibly a draft pick.

General manager John Paxson has stated publicly he won't mortgage the organization's future for Gasol. Translated, that means he refuses to deal two young assets. But for now, the Bulls' philosophy goes beyond that?to refusing to include Hinrich, Luol Deng or Ben Gordon in any of the various parameters already discussed.

Whether that stance changes will hinge greatly on the Bulls' performance between now and the Feb. 22 deadline, which Paxson will monitor closely. Whether the Grizzlies' price will drop is unknown.

Gordon appears the safest of the young core, not that he's concerned.

"If we went through every day thinking about trade rumors, it would affect your relationship with teammates and the way you play," Gordon said. "I just focus on what I can do to help the team win."</div>

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As I mentioned time and time again, Pax won't let go of his kids. No giving up Gordon, Hinrich, Noce, or Deng. I just can't see it happening unless Garnett is up on the trade block.

 

It would be smart for the Bulls to give up some of their young core for Gasol, IMO:

1) The Bulls have no inside presence
2) The Bulls usually just rely on perimeter scoring
3) Gasol is an all-star big man - something hard to come by these days
4) He will give Wallace help on the glass and defensively
5) Gasol can make the Bulls a true contender

 

I don't know if you noticed, but when the Bulls have two big men on the court their backcourt suffers in play 70 percent of the time. Deng is becoming a good rebounder. Gasol cannot factually make the Bulls contenders for the NBA Championship. It is only a mere possibility. Giving up Gordon however, the Bulls would be lucky to beat it to the second round.

 

no thanks you cant trade your best perimeter players that equals 40+ points a night for a good 20 point inside guy. then we would have a gret post but a sorry guards. and thats the predicament memphis is in now. at least the bulls are a winning team getting better every year. worst come to worst we will get a big thru the draft.

 

How about Luol Deng, PJ Brown, and the Knicks first round pick for Gasol?

PG - Kirk Hinrich
SG - Ben Gordon
SF - Andres Nocioni
PF - Pau Gasol
C - Ben Wallace

Looks pretty good to me.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Bobcats Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">How about Luol Deng, PJ Brown, and the Knicks first round pick for Gasol?

PG - Kirk Hinrich
SG - Ben Gordon
SF - Andres Nocioni
PF - Pau Gasol
C - Ben Wallace

Looks pretty good to me.</div>

Yeah I mentioned already I wouldn't really mind that. However, if they can possibly make a deal without losing one of the core four then I'd be thrilled. It would just be exceedingly difficult.

 

I do not see any justification of trading Deng who has been our best player this year.

 

<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I do not see any justification of trading Deng who has been our best player this year.</div>

Well, you have to look at it this way, if the Bulls were to make a trade with Memphis, they wouldn't give up both Deng and Gordon, but you can't get Gasol without giving one of them up either. It pretty much comes down to who Paxson thinks will be the better player in the future, and IMO, I think he would keep Gordon.

 

the conventional wisdom is any time you get a guy who can put up numbers on the block, YOU GET HIM. There is a surplus in this league of perimeter scorers. There are more Ben Gordon style players than Gasol style players in the league. The only people you can compare Gasol to is my man Jermaine, Bosh or my boy Tim Duncan. That's a good group to belong to.

 

<div class="quote_poster">phunDamentalz Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">the conventional wisdom is any time you get a guy who can put up numbers on the block, YOU GET HIM. There is a surplus in this league of perimeter scorers. There are more Ben Gordon style players than Gasol style players in the league. The only people you can compare Gasol to is my man Jermaine, Bosh or my boy Tim Duncan. That's a good group to belong to.</div>

The huge problem we will have if we were to trade Gordon is we lose the one guy on our team that we can count on to have the ball in his hands late in games. Gasol can do it to an extent, but if we are down by three, who takes the shot? Who takes over a game when we need it? I don't think Gasol has the clutch ability of a Ben Gordon. If we could get him for Deng, PJ Brown, and a pick. I might do it, but Gordon is off limits in my mind.

BTW How the hell is AI worth only two draft picks, Andre Miller, and Joe Smith. Yet Gasol (who also demanded a trade) should be worth Gordon, Deng, Brown, and picks. I trust Paxson to make the right choice. From an article released today Gordon is the most secure of the core players, who's names are being thrown around, to stay. I still say we hold pat if involves giving up Gordon, Deng, or Hinrich. If we are going to give up young talent might as well go after KG instead.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Blur Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The huge problem we will have if we were to trade Gordon is we lose the one guy on our team that we can count on to have the ball in his hands late in games. Gasol can do it to an extent, but if we are down by three, who takes the shot? Who takes over a game when we need it? I don't think Gasol has the clutch ability of a Ben Gordon. If we could get him for Deng, PJ Brown, and a pick. I might do it, but Gordon is off limits in my mind.

BTW How the hell is AI worth only two draft picks, Andre Miller, and Joe Smith. Yet Gasol (who also demanded a trade) should be worth Gordon, Deng, Brown, and picks. I trust Paxson to make the right choice. From an article released today Gordon is the most secure of the core players, who's names are being thrown around, to stay. I still say we hold pat if involves giving up Gordon, Deng, or Hinrich. If we are going to give up young talent might as well go after KG instead.</div>
I think you're overrating the importance of a "clutch" scorer. Haven't I seen Hinrich step up in the clutch? Of course it would be nice to hold on to Gordon but if I was the GM I would pull the trigger on this one.

As far as the AI comparison, AI is quite a bit older and has a rep as a ball-hog. (WHich he might be able to prove people wrong about that in Denver but that is the conception of him). Gasol has a rep as a guy who plays hard, defends, is a good passer and again he scores in the low post which is a rarity it now gives your team an inside-outside game as opposed to just an outside.

 

<div class="quote_poster">phunDamentalz Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think you're overrating the importance of a "clutch" scorer. Haven't I seen Hinrich step up in the clutch? Of course it would be nice to hold on to Gordon but if I was the GM I would pull the trigger on this one.</div>
Every team that is successful has someone they can count on to step up and create for them when they need it down the stretch. Having Gasol we add a post presence, but lose our best player when it comes to that area. I don't think that can be overrated. Hinrich is great at setting people up down the stretch, but to even consider putting him in the same class as Gordon (in terms of shot making ability) is ludacris.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As far as the AI comparison, AI is quite a bit older and has a rep as a ball-hog. Gasol has a rep as a guy who plays hard, is a good passer and again he scores in the low post which is a rarity it now gives your team an inside-outside game as opposed to just an outside.</div>AI is also a former MVP who was second in the league in scoring and actually led his team past the first round. You have a point as far as Gasol being a low post presence goes and how much of a rarity that is. However, he has not proven he can lead the team as "the man" if we are going to trade our core we should focus on someone like KG or O'Neal not Gasol. Just my two cents.

 

I agree if you're giving up that young core, youmight as well go after KG or JO but another reason to go after Pau is the fact he's only 26 whereas KG is already 30. Really, that gives you a window of 3-4 years to build around him and win a championship? Add to the equation, Pau's salary is smaller.

 

Paxson said he is not going to trade our core players for him so Gasol is definitely worth it.

Gasol to Chicago i feel imo is going to happen.

Let me break it down, Memphis is not going to trade Gasol to any team in the West.

Atlanta Hawks, if Chicago isnt giving Memphis any of our core players, Atlanta is also not going to give Memphis Josh Smith and/or Marvin Williams (not a contender) NO PICK.

Boston Celtics, they could be a possiblitybut would they give Memphis a 5 top pick and Al Jefferson for him.

Philadelphia 76'ers are tanking, they are not going to give Memphis there top pick nor Andre I. (not a contender)

Orlando Magic, a contender with him but who would they give up to get him. I would not trade Dwight Howard or Jameer Nelson and they dont have a pick.

Cleveland C, doesnt have anybody Memphis would want to get. No one on the team is averaging 20pts or more except James and since they are not giving up a guy that is capable of averaging 20 pts like us they could atleast give up a pick which they don’t have.

Indiana pacers, they have JO y would they want Pau Gasol, and since they just traded i dont think they could trade a guy they just got until 30 days but i think it will be less ten 30 days by the deadline.

Miami Heat, has nothing to get Pau Gasol. That is wut a quick fix to get a championship does to a team.

New Jersey Nets have only Vince Carter, but Vince could and most likely would opt out if he was traded to Memphis.

Milwaukee Bucks have so many injured players right now, Memphis will not do that.

New York, they already have Curry they dont need Gasol and + the players they would get would not help Memphis much.

Charlotte Bobcats, they are not going to give up Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton + a high pick they have.

Washington, although they are winning, will running and gunning help them get a ring? Since they are continuing to run n gun they must do and I doubt they would trade Caron nor would Memphis want an expiring contract in Antawn Jamison who would not want to stay with them.

Toronto, the only guys Memphis would want are Chris Bosh TJ Ford or Bargnani. Chris Bosh and TJ Ford are getting locked up if not already. Would Bargnani help Memphis win in the hardest Division and Conference? Also Toronto has a pick but since they have Chris Bosh do they need Pau Gasol.

Detriot, i just dont see them trading away anyone.

Chicago, P.J. Brown, Chris Duhon and NYK options are automatically going to b gone. and we have other non core players 2 and more picks. (also contender)

To me there is us and Boston that could get him.

A lot people here are saying we should trade Gordon for Gasol are n our division or dont like Chicago/has never said anything good about Chicago ofcourse they are going to say we should trade someone that would hurt our team.

 

also if some players cant even get they teams to .500 in the weak east y would West wont them in Memphis where they have harder competition.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Blur Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Every team that is successful has someone they can count on to step up and create for them when they need it down the stretch. Having Gasol we add a post presence, but lose our best player when it comes to that area. I don't think that can be overrated. Hinrich is great at setting people up down the stretch, but to even consider putting him in the same class as Gordon (in terms of shot making ability) is ludacris.</div>
Gasol can get the job done in crunch time, perhaps not as well as Gordon, but he can't be slept on. A post presence will be more beneficial to Chicago because as I said, they are solely reliant on their shooting and shooters inevitably get cold at some point. Acquiring Gasol will open things up on the perimeter for everyone to contribute. Phundamentalz made an excellent point when he said there are a surplus of perimeter scorers, while only a handful of reliable post scorers. Gordon, other than scoring, does nothing else to contribute to the team. His defense can stand to improve and his assist per turnover ratio is horrible at barely over 1 for 1. So at the end of the day, Gasol will add another dimension to the Bulls offense while contributing on defense. Even if you don't give up Gordon, then at least Deng. And I think ludicrous is the word you're looking for, not "ludacris" - that's the rapper.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AI is also a former MVP who was second in the league in scoring and actually led his team past the first round. You have a point as far as Gasol being a low post presence goes and how much of a rarity that is. However, he has not proven he can lead the team as "the man" if we are going to trade our core we should focus on someone like KG or O'Neal not Gasol. Just my two cents.</div>
Whenever you trade a superstar, you will never get equal value. It makes it worse when it was announced publicly. That put Philly in a position where everyone would give them a bad trade, since they knew Philly had no other option. And Gasol can lead a team. Didn't he lead the Grizzlies to the playoffs as a Cinderella team? No, they haven't won a playoff series but look at their competition: Phoenix and Dallas. Phoenix had the MVP and went to the WCF's and and the Mavericks went to the NBA Finals. In fact, it was because of this incident the playoff rules were changed and the top four teams in a conference would be seated by record. Had the Grizzlies played the Clippers (or Nuggets, I don't recall), they could have definitely won the series.

 

<div class="quote_poster">MrJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Gasol can get the job done in crunch time, perhaps not as well as Gordon, but he can't be slept on. A post presence will be more beneficial to Chicago because as I said, they are solely reliant on their shooting and shooters inevitably get cold at some point. Acquiring Gasol will open things up on the perimeter for everyone to contribute. Phundamentalz made an excellent point when he said there are a surplus of perimeter scorers, while only a handful of reliable post scorers. Gordon, other than scoring, does nothing else to contribute to the team. His defense can stand to improve and his assist per turnover ratio is horrible at barely over 1 for 1. So at the end of the day, Gasol will add another dimension to the Bulls offense while contributing on defense. Even if you don't give up Gordon, then at least Deng. And I think ludicrous is the word you're looking for, not "ludacris" - that's the rapper. </div>
Deng is a good scorer, but most of his points come within the flow of the game. He is not as good as creating his own shot as Gordon is, nor can he put the ball on the floor as well as Gordon. Gasol can get the job done if there is more than five seconds left on the shot clock, enough time for him to get post position and back his man down a little, but with three seconds or less I don't think he can be considered a reliable option down the stretch. Gordon has improved steadily in each category each year he has been in the league. Who is to say it won't continue. His defense has improved by leaps and bounds as has his shot selection. I'm sure you as a Knicks fan know what Gordon brings to the table down the stretch of games better than anyone.


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Whenever you trade a superstar, you will never get equal value. It makes it worse when it was announced publicly. That put Philly in a position where everyone would give them a bad trade, since they knew Philly had no other option. And Gasol can lead a team. Didn't he lead the Grizzlies to the playoffs as a Cinderella team? No, they haven't won a playoff series but look at their competition: Phoenix and Dallas. Phoenix had the MVP and went to the WCF's and and the Mavericks went to the NBA Finals. In fact, it was because of this incident the playoff rules were changed and the top four teams in a conference would be seated by record. Had the Grizzlies played the Clippers (or Nuggets, I don't recall), they could have definitely won the series.</div>He led them to the first round of the playoffs twice, and managed to win, one game? I can see if it was a respectable series, but it was a complete domination. I don't see Gasol as a transcending big men. He has hovered around the 20 point mark for several years, has not averaged double digit rebounds, and has had some injury problems. Like I said before we would be better off holding on to our young guys and waiting for a guy like O'Neal or Garnett to become available as opposed to going after Gasol.