The 75 greatest NBA players of the 2010s, ranked
By Cal Durrett
22) Pau Gasol
Former number one overall pick Pau Gasol played nearly two full decades in the NBA and was more than effective in both the 2000s and the 2010s. Gasol started the decade off with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning a championship in 2010 and making consecutive all-star appearances in 2009–10 and 2010–11.
He would go on to spend the first five seasons of the 2010s in Los Angeles, averaging 17.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists before signing with the Chicago Bulls. Even though he was nearing his mid-30s, he proved to be a valuable addition, posting 17.6 points per game while shooting 37.9% from three to go along with 11.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Gasol made the all-star team in both seasons in Chicago, then joined the San Antonio Spurs, who were already a title contender.
He replaced the retired Tim Duncan and did an admirable job while forming a terrific pairing with all-star LaMarcus Aldridge. The duo helped lead the Spurs to the Western Conference Final in 2016–17, though they came up short to the Golden State Warriors, who ultimately won it all that year.
He lasted two and a half years in San Antonio before being waived and signing with the Milwaukee Bucks to close out the decade and his career. With four all-star appearances and decade-averages of 15.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 642 games, Gasol was definitely one of the better centers of the 2010s.