LeBron James coming back to Cleveland might not be the biggest free-agent acquisition this season. In fact, it might not even be the best in their own division. Pau Gasol has been a revelation in Chicago and has already staked his name in Bulls history.
During the team’s 95-87 win over Milwaukee Saturday, Gasol did something that hasn’t been done in Chicago since 1990, and that’s record 46 points and 18 rebounds in a single game. It’s worth noting that the player who recorded the 46/18 game in 1990 was none other than Michael Jordan.
Let’s not jump to conclusions, Gasol is obviously no Jordan, in fact Pau isn’t the best player on his team, that honor goes to Jimmy Butler, but so far Gasol has lived up to every penny of that three-year $22 million deal he signed in the offseason.
For the 2014-15 season, Gasol averages 18.7 points per game, his highest total since the 2010-11 campaign. In addition he pulls down a healthy 11.3 rebounds. According to teammate Taj Gibson, Pau has a great feel for the game of basketball, which was prevalent during Saturday nights masterpiece.
“One thing about Pau I notice, when he gets it going early it’s a wide open game for him. He started with the low post, and then was taking the mid range jumpers. He’s a legit 7-0, 7-1 guy with a long wingspan. And when he gets fouled he can knock down his foul shots.”
Gasol has firmly established himself as an All-Star this season, and could be the missing piece the Bulls need to make a run towards the title.