The Greatness of Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol had his jersey retired by the Los Angeles Lakers last night before their game with the Memphis Grizzlies and it took me down memory lane seeing him being honored. I wanted to share the four key characteristics I believe that contributed to his success and what make him a generational player.
Skill and versatility: Gasol was a highly skilled player with a versatile skillset. He was an excellent scorer, rebounder, passer, and defender, and he could play both inside and outside on offense. Gasol had a wide range of moves in the post and was also an effective mid-range shooter, making him a difficult matchup for defenders. His ability to be a multifaceted scorer and facilitator added a nuanced wrinkle to the triangle offense that never really received wide spread notoriety.
Intelligence and basketball IQ: Gasol was a smart player who had a great understanding of the game. He had a great court vision, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions allowed him to excel as a playmaker. Gasol was also a great team player who always put the success of the team first.
Work ethic and dedication: Gasol was known for his dedication to his craft and his relentless work ethic. He was always looking for ways to improve his game and was willing to put in the time and effort required to do so. This allowed him to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career.
Leadership and character: Gasol was a respected leader both on and off the court. He was known for his positive attitude, professionalism, and commitment to his team and community. Gasol was also a two-time NBA champion and a six-time All-Star, which is a testament to his talent and leadership abilities.
Overall, Pau Gasol was a great basketball player with a unique combination of skill, intelligence, work ethic, and leadership that allowed him to excel at the highest level of the game. He finished his playing career averaging 17pts and 9 rebounds and holds a Top 50 win shares mark of 144 with a slew of individual awards and accolades.
Beyond the NBA Pau Gasol shined for the Spanish national team Baloncesto Espana playing at three World Cups, five Olympics and seven FIBA EuroBaskets. He helped Spain win silver medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and then bronze at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. To this day Gasol remains one of the most decorated players in the history of EuroBasket and will remain so for a very long time. And hopefully the next time we see him honored in public it is during his enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on his first ballot.
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