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Playoff Picture: Chicago Bulls

By Luke Duffy

Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Go To Guy

Pau Gasol

It feels strange to be typing this, as the 34-year-old Spaniard was supposed to be over the hill and winding down his career. While he’s not the player he once was, he’s still a great addition for any team, and the Bulls are delighted to have him. Free from the toxic environment of the Los Angeles Lakers, he has flourished in the Windy City and all it took was a little bit of love.

He leads the entire league in double-doubles (50 and counting), which is quite amazing when you see the relative ease with which the likes of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins pile them up. His 1.9 blocks per contest is good for ninth among all qualifying players, and is his best personal tally since the 2006-2007 season (2.1). Talk about rediscovering your youth.

He is crucial to this team because he encapsulates everything Thibodeau asks for from a player, while also bringing his own signature style. Rose has been in and out of the line-up, Joakim Noah too, leaving Gasol and Butler to hold down the fort. The numbers show he’s doing it on the defensive end (11.4 rebounds per contest, fourth in the league), while his basketball IQ is constantly on show.

He’s been a model of consistency, and having played with Kobe Bryant for years, also doesn’t mind quietly going about his business while others get the glory. Both player and organization are perfectly fitted, and that’s a real concern for other teams.

Next: Underdog Status A Plus?

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