For 90 days get to know more about the international faces of the NBA. Day 36 brings...
Pau Gasol (PF/C, Chicago Bulls), Spain
Height: 2.13m, 7-feet | Weight: 113kg, 250 pounds | Born: 6 July, 1980
Pau Gasol gets better with age. Fourteen years into his NBA career and he has increased his efficiency.
Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.4 minutes last season compared to 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 36.7 minutes during his rookie 2001-02 season. A remarkably consistent performer over his decade-and-a-half in the league, he's put up 17.4 or more points in all but one season (2012-13) and 8.4 rebounds or more in seven straight seasons.
He's made his mark as a prolific post player able to knock down the mid-range jumper or operate under the basket. Along with his scoring ability and his top-notch passing skills, consider his defensive prowess - putting up 9.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 2013-14. Gasol's an all-around player.
Playing his first seven years with the Grizzlies, he solidified his No. 1 spot on the all-time leaderboard for points, blocks, rebounds. The following six years, he contributed to the Lakers' dynasty and claimed the 2009 and 2010 NBA Championships. Now, in 2014-15 the Windy City calls his name.
He brings his veteran and playoff experience to the Bulls, as the only player on the roster who's reached the NBA Finals. Chicago can only hope he'll continue producing a while longer, and take the rest of the team to the Promised Land.
Achievements/Awards:
- 2x NBA Champion (2009-2010)
- 4x NBA All-Star (2006, 2009-2011)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2002)
- Olympic Silver Medalist (2008, 2012)
Key Stats:
2013-14 Season: GP: 60 | MPG: 31.4 | PTS: 17.4 | REB: 9.7 | BLK: 1.5
Season Highlight: Gasol had a 38-game streak scoring more than 10 points per game in 2013-14.
Five Things To Know:
1. His favorite cereal is frosted flakes.
2. He's the Memphis Grizzlies all-time leading scorer.
3. His favorite movies are "Braveheart" and "Gladiator."
4. He was the first non-American player to win NBA Rookie of The Year (2002).
5. He's been a UNICEF ambassador since 2003.
Check out Gasol's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
Previous: Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies, Spain) | Next Up: Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs, Argentina)