Bringing in Pau Gasol this past summer was a move that everyone knew would benefit the Chicago Bulls in one way or another. But it’s yet to be clear exactly how.
The oddest part of Gasol’s fit with his new team is that he comes in next to Joakim Noah, who plays his natural position at center. The similarities don’t end there: Both players are also pass-first big men who thrive most of all when they’re dishing to cutting teammates from the high post. Putting the two together has—and will—require some serious adaptation from both players.
Thus far, the most marked change in either’s game has been Gasol’s new defensive duties. Despite coming to Chicago with a reputation as a declining, sometimes slow-footed defender, coach Tom Thibodeau has made him the rim-protecting anchor of the Bulls defense. His height and instincts, goes the thinking, could make him a harsh giant in the lane within the right scheme.
“He’s got great length, he has great timing, he’s smart, he can anticipate,” Thibodeau said of Gasol’s defense so far, as reported ...
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Article written by John Wilmes
Early Takeaways from Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol Pairing
October 21st, 2014 by John Wilmes Leave a reply »
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