Pop doesn't usually operate this way when a starter has had an extended absence, the team didn't exactly reach a new level while Gasol was out and Dedmon hasn't raised his level of play (his play has just been extrapolated over more minutes) . . . based on this, I now think they wanted to do this all along, but didn't know if Gasol's ego could handle it, so they figured they'd placate him to start and see how it goes. The injury gave them an excuse to do it and even though it's a small sample size, both the team collectively and him individually, look better off for it.
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/sp...witter-premium
“At the end of the day, we have to find the best way to be the best team,” Gasol said. “If that has to be the way we’re trying right now, it’s OK.”
“I think I’m at a point I can handle it well if that’s for the best of the team,” Gasol said. “What’s important is that you’re out there when the critical minutes are played and you’re making an impact.”
I actually don't think this is just lip service. He seemed frustrated and unsure a lot of times with the starters. With the bench, he get's to play his customary featured role, play with higher IQ players and not have his lead footed defense be as exposed.
Plus, he also gets to play with Ginobili and the crew that move the ball better. He seemed like an awkward fit with Aldridge offensively.
He seems more comfortable offensivley as a bench guy. I'm exccited to see what kind of damage this bench can do against GSW.
Glad to hear his ego can take it. That interview showed a great at ude and with games like he's having and that at ude I am happy he's back in the team.
The fact that he's playing fantastic even as a bench player shows that he at least understands its for the benefit of the team. Im sure he wants to start but it is what it is.Glad to hear his ego can take it. That interview showed a great at ude and with games like he's having and that at ude I am happy he's back in the team.
People who thought Gasol would "never accept a bench role"...
Good points. Agreed. It somewhat gives me hope he could renegotiate his deal to reup Dedmon. Gasol is in the downswing of his career while Dedmon is young and worth retaining. Without Manu next season the kind of offensive attention and game Pau has can help a bench stay afloat and thrive. I am really excited about this development.
He pretty much pulled a Kidd from a few years ago, though, when he said that he cared about closing, not starting. Pau probably wasn't going to be a consistent closer regardless just because of how many different potential options there were in addition to him being so shaky on D.
The problem now is... We are overspending on our bench. Pau will definitely opt in for all that cash, meaning our starter Dedmon will walk.
Plus... there's so much small ball to close, so much needing to defend the 3 that Pop has closed games with lineup with just one big, with Manu, with Simmons and Kyle even taking the spot of the other big. There are the regular closers but a guy or two that get in depending on situation.
Pau didn't say closing, but critical moments in the game. That's a fine at ude. If a dude is compe ive and experienced I would expect him to care about that.
Don't burst my bubble Darius, so early.
I still hope they can work things out to keep Dedmon.
They might be able to talk Gasol into pulling a Jefferson, in order to make it more palatable to re-sign Dedmon.
As far as the distribution of the money of the starters versus the bench, think of it more as two units. They're not exactly equal, of course, but Dedmon and Gasol will basically split time (like Green and Ginobili did, before the latter suffered further decline) and for the latter, that's not much different than when he started. He came into today averaging 26.4 mpg this season.
Hey the speculation was real man...
this is great news if true. dedmon is a great fit with the starters and pau should dominate bench bigs
What makes you think he accepted anything? It's been two damn games. Spurstalk
“I think I’m at a point I can handle it well if that’s for the best of the team,” Gasol said. “What’s important is that you’re out there when the critical minutes are played and you’re making an impact.”
^ What was he suppose to Say? Did you expect him to and moan about It? I'm glad fans eat up every word an athlete says as if it were gospel.
Knowitalls getting munged on ITT
Looks good coming off the bench. I think it helps mills as well.
I think he can be more aggressive off the bench and not have to worry as much about Kawhi/Aldridge getting shots. As far as off the bench goes he could easily turn into the #1 option on the bench. Dedmon/Pau gives us our own Adams/Kanter type of rotation.
One of the few issues on ST ever about which opinions are almost unanimous - Deadman should start and Pau should play with the second unit. It, therefore, goes without saying that Pop will return Pau to the starting line up soon.
I like the explosiveness of a Parker/Gasol one-two punch.
I do, too - on the second unit.
LOL. No doubt but...I do, too - on the second unit.
LOL. No doubt but...
I do, too - on the second unit.LOL. No doubt but...
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