Hoops Habit
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NBA: Pending Free Agents Who Need A Change Of Scenery

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) fight for the ball during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) fight for the ball during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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"CLEVELAND,
"CLEVELAND, /

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

Contract Status: Player Option
Position: Center
Age: 35 (7/6/1980)
Slash Line: .469/.348/.792
Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 16.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 4.1 APG, 2.0 BPG

Pau Gasol is still one of the better big men in the NBA. He was an All-Star in both 2015 and 2016, averaged a double-double this past season, was incredibly productive in the way he blocked shots, and remains a masterful facilitator.

For as well as he played this past season, it’s clear that he no longer fits in with the Chicago Bulls.

Gasol, 35, ranked No. 5 in the NBA in blocks per game, No. 6 in rebounds per contest, and No. 7 in double-doubles. Amongst centers, he was No. 1 in assists per game, No. 5 in scoring, and No. 7 in free throw percentage.

Gasol will turn 36 in early July, but he’s very clearly still one of the most effective big men in the NBA.

Gasol’s options will be vast, including the eternally contending San Antonio Spurs. The reality is, there aren’t many worse options than the Bulls, which are promising, but not yet contending.

Gasol can help a team compete for a championship, and with two rings already, it’s hard to imagine he’ll accept anything less than an opportunity to win a third.

Next: A Chance To Win