Five Players The Houston Rockets Should Target In Free Agency
By Mario Hicks
Mar 14, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (right) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
4. Pau Gasol: 17.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 48% fg
Pau Gasol has had a tough last few seasons in Los Angeles, and is most likely looking for a new home. Gasol was no fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system as he was often the odd man out.
He thrives on the low post as he uses uses excellent footwork and array of moves to elude defenders and score. He also has the ability to hit mid-range jump shots to space the floor out for teammates. As an excellent passing big, his teammates will be able to cut hard to the basket and score because of Gasol’s great vision.
Omer Asik is most likely on his way out as well which leaves a void at the big man position. This is where the addition of Pau can come into play. He would start at the power forward with Dwight at the center creating a new addition of the Twin Towers that Rocket fans were able to enjoy in the 90’s. Two 7 footers in the paint would certainly help the Rocket’s interior defense.
Inserting Gasol in the starting lineup, Terrence Jones would be moved to a sixth man role. Jones would provide the energy and effort that lacked on the Rocket’s bench last year. His high motor would be an internal fix to the bench problem.
Gasol is an excellent teammate with a lot to prove as well as a competitor. During these last two seasons, Gasol’s productivity has dropped off and many are now saying his younger brother is the better of the two. Adding him to the Rockets would come at a decent price but it would be worth it due to the variety of skills he brings to the table.