Chicago Bulls Big Man Pau Gasol Having Jordan-like Career Year

After missing out on Carmelo Anthony in free agency last summer, the Chicago Bulls decided to go with signing five-time All Star Pau Gasol. Gasol has had a career year with the Bulls so far this season. In last year’s NBA free agent market, Gasol’s name was the last on most teams’ list that had cap money to spend on a big-time free agent. Anthony’s name was plastered all over SportsCenter as the most sought after free agent last summer.

The Chicago Bulls were the first team to interview Anthony, and they made a strong push to add the All-Star forward. They posted pictures of Anthony on the United Center and took him out to dinner, but, in the end, Carmelo subsequently decided to remain with the New York Knicks. The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, also made their pitch to Anthony, but Carmelo once again turned down an offer from another NBA team bidding for his services.

More from Bulls News

One of the number one priorities for the Lakers last offseason was to resign Gasol, and they made two separate offers to keep Gasol in Los Angeles. One offer was a three-year deal for $29 million, and the other was for two years at $23 million. He decided to roll with the Bulls based on “instinct”.

Gasol signed a three-year deal for $22 million with the Bulls, and he has surprised many Bulls fans (and most of his critics) who felt that Gasol was at the lowest point of his career while battling injuries with the Lakers. The big man also couldn’t see eye-to-eye with Coach Mike D’Antoni‘s system, which resulted in Gasol falling out of D’Antoni’s rotation. In a December story written by Drew Garrison of SB Nation.com , D’Antoni went public with his displeasure with the big man’s play, stating that Gasol didn’t play hard and made excuses. According to an ESPN story, written by Dave McMenamin, Gasol then fired back and stated that he was unhappy at how he was being utilized offensively by the Lakers coach. In the 2010-2011 season, Gasol’s offensive production dropped from 18.8 ppg to 13.7 ppg in 2012-13, when he played under D’Antoni.

This season, Gasol’s game seems to have found a comfort level, as the five-time All-Star has tied a few of Michael Jordan‘s records. During Gasol’s time with the Bulls this year, Gasol is averaging* 18.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg, and 2 apg, which is his best NBA season since 2012-2013.

On Jan. 10 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Gasol became the first Bulls’ player since Jordan to record at least 45 points and 15 rebounds. Gasol notched 46 points (career-high) and 18 rebounds in 38 minutes. On Feb. 15, Gasol was selected to his fifth All-Star game and suited up for his first start of the exhibition in his entire career. In the contest, Gasol recorded 10 points 5/7 FG, 12 rebounds, and two assists in 26 minutes of action. On Friday April 3 against the Detroit Pistons, Gasol not only recorded his 50th double-double of the season by scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but he became the first Chicago Bull to record 50 double-doubles (which leads the league) in a single season since Charles Oakley accomplished the feat in the 1986-1987 NBA season. Pretty impressive stuff from the big man, and we will have to see if he can help the Bulls to their first championship since Jordan. That would be three titles and counting for the Spaniard. Are you not entertained?

*stats are accurate as of Tuesday, April 7.

Next: Jimmy Butler Inspirational Journey to the NBA

More from Pippen Ain't Easy