Soaring Down South
Fansided

The Top 10 Centers in the NBA

ByTom Atkinson|
Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) rebound in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) rebound in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 11

  1. Pau Gasol – San Antonio Spurs

Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 36

2015-16 Per Game Averages: 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists, two blocks.

Career Per Game Averages: 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 blocks.

Age has caught up with Pau Gasol, as it does with every player, and it has caused his game to fade.

“Gasol is 36 now. His mobility, always his hedge against his relatively thin frame, has eroded. His rebounding numbers, though still gaudy, are largely the result of him being 7-foot with go-go-gadget arms, always standing, statue-like, around the rim. He doesn’t rebound in traffic and rarely boxes out,” Jason Concepcion wrote for the Ringer.

Indeed, his complete loss of pace, combined with a lack of strength, limits him in terms of interior defense and, as a result, he has become almost totally absent when the other team has the ball.

Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

It’s worth noting, though, that the later part of Pau’s career has, statistically at least, been as good, if not better, than his peak. He scored 16.5 points per game last year and that is near his career average but his rebounding was the third-best of his career. The last two drama-filled years in Chicago might not have been a great fit for Gasol, but despite that he averaged at least 11 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

And, much like his brother, Gasol is a superb passer for a big man, averaging 4.1 assists per game last year. You might even see Pau play on the perimeter at times and you have seen him combine with Butler for the alley-oop more than once, with the big man as the passer. The ability to spread play and move the orange from a big is a tremendous weapon and such an advantage for any team.

So yes, Pau is a top 10 center. He is a silky scorer with great control near the bucket and his rebounding continues to enjoy a renaissance in his old age. His passing is great and his shot blocking is solid, even if it does not truly represent his withering defense. Pau Gasol is a great teammate and leader and one of the best centers in the NBA, ready to go again.

In Pau’s own words:“I am still as driven as ever.”

Next: No. 6

Home/Hawks News