Bulls try to match Spurs
Pau Gasol was asked Sunday about turning down a chance to join the ever-successful San Antonio Spurs two years ago in free agency.
"You kind of make your own path and stick with your decisions," Gasol answered. "Life goes on."
The main reason Gasol chose Chicago over San Antonio may have been evident on his Instagram account.
Gasol sent out a photo Saturday night after attending the Lyric Opera's production of "The Merry Widow." Gasol even posed with one of the cast members, Thomas Hampson.
Culture is important to Gasol, and there are more options in a bigger city. He's a regular at the opera, symphony, plays, concerts,
So one part of his decision to sign with the Bulls in the summer of 2014 has paid off. The basketball side gets another test when the Bulls host the Spurs on Monday at the United Center.
San Antonio has the second-best record in the NBA at 14-3 and has won five in a row.
This will be the Bulls' first home game in two weeks after returning from the circus road trip. They'll play nine of their next 10 at home.
"I do enjoy playing against one of the best teams in the history of the game," Gasol said of the Spurs. "They've been incredible for the last 16, 17 years now, since they won that first championship (in 1999).
"I'm really impressed with what they've done. I think everybody is trying to follow up on what they accomplished in building that culture and longevity."
The Spurs' nucleus has gotten older, with Tim Duncan now 39, Manu Ginóbili at 38 and Tony Parker 33. There are five players on the roster 35 or older, including former Pacers forward David West, Matt Bonner and Rasual Butler.
But San Antonio has done a nice job of adding younger talent.
Kawhi Leonard, 24, is averaging 22 points and appears to be on track for an all-star selection. LaMarcus Aldridge, 30, who jumped from Portland as a free agent last summer, is contributing 14.8 points and 9.1 rebounds.
"The Spurs are a machine," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. "They're playing great basketball on both ends. The biggest thing with them is the consistency they have with their offense and their defense. Those guys have been together for so long.
"I think it's kind of the model that everyone is looking for, to be able to have that type of roster and sustain success while keeping your core group together as long as they have."
The Bulls are trying to match San Antonio's blueprint. Lead assistant Jim Boylen spent the previous two years working with Gregg Popovich on the Spurs' bench.
But the Bulls have a long way to go with offensive efficiency. As of Sunday morning, they ranked 25th in the league in field-goal percentage at .422.
"They're a fun team to watch the way that ball moves, as unselfish as they are," Hoiberg said of the Spurs. "They play to their strengths. They defend every night. It's a great team to try to model after."
That last part is easier said than done. The Bulls could use a better showing against the Spurs after finishing the road trip with a lackluster effort at Indiana.
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Bulls scouting report
Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs at the United Center, 7 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: ESPN 1000-AM
Outlook: No surprise, the Spurs (14-3) appear to be Golden State's top challenger in the West. SF Kawhi Leonard has taken his game to another level, averaging 22.0 points and 7.8 rebounds. Newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge hasn't matched his Portland scoring, but he fits in well with 14.8 points and 9.1 rebounds. Tony Parker (13.5 ppg), Manu Ginóbili (11.5) and 39-year-old Tim Duncan (10.0) keep rolling along. San Antonio is riding a five-game winning streak. This contest begins a stretch of the Bulls playing nine of 10 games at home.
Next: Denver Nuggets at the United Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday
- Mike McGraw