Bulls' Gasol rocks around on the block
There are plenty of things we know about Pau Gasol.
He joined the Bulls as a free agent because he thought the team could contend for an NBA title.
He has been a pleasant surprise by even the most optimistic preseason predictions.
And, based on Instagram evidence, he attended a performance of "Newsies" at the Oriental Theater last week with his parents and younger brother Adria.
Here's one thing we don't know about Gasol: Why, at 34, is he blocking more shots than he ever has in the NBA.
The 7-foot Spaniard had a career-high 9 blocks when the Bulls beat Denver on New Year's Day and followed that up with 5 in Saturday's overtime victory over Boston.
He probably was even shorted a block or two against the Celtics. He appeared to stuff Jared Sullinger twice in overtime but only got credit for one. Regardless, Gasol ranks second in the league in blocks per game (2.35), trailing only New Orleans' Anthony Davis.
"It has been awhile since I blocked as many shots as I am right now," Gasol said after Saturday's contest. "Hopefully I'll keep it going. I think it's pretty remarkable."
Gasol did have 14 blocks in consecutive games once before, but that was way back in January 2007, when he played for Memphis and was just 26. He's on a streak of 12 straight games with at least 1 blocked shot.
There has been plenty of talk about Gasol feeling rejuvenated after enduring a losing record with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. That's probably true, but teammate Joakim Noah suggested another reason for the Gasol block party might be the way he's used here.
The Bulls have three mobile big men in Noah, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic who are able to guard quicker opponents, leaving Gasol to focus on protecting the basket. He doesn't have to chase the stretch fours on the perimeter.
"Over here, he's playing more of a contain role on pick-and-rolls," Noah said. "He's very big. He's a big boy. I think it's a little different than what he used to do in the past. They had him showing out there in the West, guarding fours. He doesn't have to do that here."
Gasol does have a remarkably long reach for a 7-footer. He can surprise opponents by swatting away shots while barely leaving his feet. With so much experience in the league, he knows how to defend and probably knows tendencies of most players in the league.
"He's unbelievable," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We see it night after night, just all the things he does on both sides of the ball. The way he plays gives your team a lot of confidence.
"He and Jo, the length is such a great asset to have. Then you throw Taj and Niko out there. I think the blocked shots are huge for our team. It gets us into the open floor."
The Bulls do lead the league in blocks per game at 6.7. Noah and Gibson rank 23rd and 24th, respectively, on the individual list.
The Bulls have had some ugly games this week but have won 11 of their last 13. After Saturday's win, Gasol talked about not regretting his free-agent decision last summer.
"I'm having fun, for sure. I love winning," he said. "We have a great group of guys. Very unselfish, who work hard. Guys are very humble, selfless and, to me, it's extremely rewarding to be a part of this team.
"I didn't come here for any other reason. I thought this team has the potential to win a title, and that's what we're working to."
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