Yeah, no idea why a starting-caliber center with a PER of 22, a Defensive Plus/Minus higher than any other FA center and an assist rate in the 20's would be interesting for our team. Some comparative tidbits of the 6 major Free Agent Centers bandied about ("Max" Whiteside, "$24M start" Howard, Gasol, "$15M start" Biyombo, Mahinmi, "4/$64M" Mozgov): 1. Gasol is the oldest (35 last year), but made the most starts (72) and played the most minutes. 2. Had the lowest FG% and EFG% of the 6, but the 2nd-highest PER (22, behind Whiteside's 26) on by-far the highest usage rate of the 6 (25%) 3. Had the highest Defensive Plus/Minus of all 6, the 2nd-lowest DRtg, and the 2nd-highest Defensive Win Share. 3rd of the 6 in Block %. Better Defensive FG% at the rim than Whiteside and just behind Biyombo. (-by Ben Golliver/BoiseBlazer) 4. Had the only assist rate over 8%. It was 22%. And he had the lowest turnover rate of the 6. 5. Lowest ORB% of the 6, but mid-pack DRB% and 4th of 6 overall TRB%. 6. By far the best FT shooter (79%). 7. Only one of the 6 with a positive Offensive Plus/Minus (and he played on the worst team of the 6). http://bkref.com/tiny/opMoa
Brian, I think it's the age that bothers most posters. There's no denying he's very talented, but for how much longer?
I didn't say sign him to a 4yr max (maybe), but if you're asking if I think Gasol will be more productive at 39 then Mozgov, or Biyombo, or Mahinmi is in 2019-20 then I say "likely." I don't know how much he's asking, but in a world when Noah (who I didn't even bother to count in the "Top 6 Centers") is getting 4/72M, and Mozgov is 4/64M, then I think a non-injury-riddled Gasol is a) a better fit for the team and b) a lower risk than almost anyone, including Whiteside.
He'd definitely start for us. The defensive stats are really deceptive. He's really awful on defense if you watch him play. He's not going to switch out on a wing player much at all. He's not good anywhere but a few feet from the basket. He can block shots and he does grab defensive boards, which absolutely help . But again, if you watch him play you'll see him escort his man to the basket with little resistance. His stats are better than they should be because the Bulls play defense. He was paired with Noah at PF or Taj Gibson, both outstanding defenders. They were able to hide his deficiencies. That said, he'd probably be a big upgrade for us. It'll be like watching LMA all over again. He loves that mid range jumper that is so effortless to get off. And he makes them enough that you're OK with it.
Great guy, but not a good fit at all. He wold slow down our fast paced offense. Part of how we won last year was out running/gunning opponents. Pau wont be able to keep up.
If he wants starter minutes...bad fit...if he wants to transition to Kaman's mentor role on the bench...great fit.
Yeah, I just assumed as a starter. If he wants ot be a role player, absolutely if the money is right. Still rather have Howards defense though.
I'm counting on Ed Davis and Mason to improve over the off season. Guys come here and get better....except for Felton
