SpurNation
01-31-2010, 06:31 AM
It still significantly shifted the balance of the western conference at the time and Pop had every right to voice his concerns when it happened but...here's this article -
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jan/29/popovich-re-thinks-pau-deal/
SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich still believes the Grizzlies changed the landscape of the Western Conference for the foreseeable future.
Once a major critic of the February 2008 decision to trade Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers, Popovich now concedes Memphis also made out good in the deal.
"They gave up a great player but it helped them extend the franchise's success into the future," Popovich said. "It's shown that they've done a good job. Whatever they were thinking a couple of iterations ahead at the time has paid off for them."
Popovich's immediate reaction to the Gasol deal wasn't as kind.
Popovich, who also serves as the Spurs' president of basketball operations, called the trade that sent Gasol to the Lakers for draft picks and salary-cap flexibility an incomprehensible deal.
The Griz received Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton, the rights to Marc Gasol and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010.
"What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," Popovich said at the time. "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade."
What Popovich -- or no one -- could forecast is that Marc Gasol would evolve into a top NBA center, and the Griz could eventually use money under the salary-cap to acquire Zach Randolph in a trade.
Randolph is the only Western Conference player averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He was named a Western Conference All-Star for the first time in his nine-year career Thursday when the coaches voted him in as a reserve.
The Gasol trade was frowned upon nationally and locally in part because the Grizzlies' benefits would be seen over time.
"When you make decisions you try to make them good," Popovich said. "Obviously, the decision they (the Grizzlies) made then has served them well in the future, which is now."
Tip-ins: Popovich wouldn't reveal how he voted for the Western Conference all-star reserves. But he said Randolph was a deserving selection based on the Grizzlies' success. Said Popovich: "He's the biggest change in that franchise. He and Lionel (Hollins). They've changed them into a team that can win every single night no matter who they play." ... Marc Gasol celebrated his 25th birthday Friday. ... Randolph on what he plans to do with his roughly $330,000 bonus for making the All-Star team: "It's going in the bank. I wish it was more."
-- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jan/29/popovich-re-thinks-pau-deal/
SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich still believes the Grizzlies changed the landscape of the Western Conference for the foreseeable future.
Once a major critic of the February 2008 decision to trade Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers, Popovich now concedes Memphis also made out good in the deal.
"They gave up a great player but it helped them extend the franchise's success into the future," Popovich said. "It's shown that they've done a good job. Whatever they were thinking a couple of iterations ahead at the time has paid off for them."
Popovich's immediate reaction to the Gasol deal wasn't as kind.
Popovich, who also serves as the Spurs' president of basketball operations, called the trade that sent Gasol to the Lakers for draft picks and salary-cap flexibility an incomprehensible deal.
The Griz received Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton, the rights to Marc Gasol and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010.
"What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," Popovich said at the time. "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade."
What Popovich -- or no one -- could forecast is that Marc Gasol would evolve into a top NBA center, and the Griz could eventually use money under the salary-cap to acquire Zach Randolph in a trade.
Randolph is the only Western Conference player averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He was named a Western Conference All-Star for the first time in his nine-year career Thursday when the coaches voted him in as a reserve.
The Gasol trade was frowned upon nationally and locally in part because the Grizzlies' benefits would be seen over time.
"When you make decisions you try to make them good," Popovich said. "Obviously, the decision they (the Grizzlies) made then has served them well in the future, which is now."
Tip-ins: Popovich wouldn't reveal how he voted for the Western Conference all-star reserves. But he said Randolph was a deserving selection based on the Grizzlies' success. Said Popovich: "He's the biggest change in that franchise. He and Lionel (Hollins). They've changed them into a team that can win every single night no matter who they play." ... Marc Gasol celebrated his 25th birthday Friday. ... Randolph on what he plans to do with his roughly $330,000 bonus for making the All-Star team: "It's going in the bank. I wish it was more."
-- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353