Should the Celtics go after Pau Gasol?

Pau Gasol at 35-years old is the oldest player on the Chicago Bulls’ roster. However, he is by far the most effective big man for Chicago. The Spaniard is averaging 17.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in almost 32 minutes per game. He seems to have at least a couple of years left at the highest level and he is likely looking to take another shot at a championship run.

If Danny Ainge manages to land Gasol, it will definitely be an upgrade at the center position for the Celtics. Pau Gasol’s value and quality are indisputable around the league as he has proven himself throughout the years. In his 14 years in the NBA, the six-time all-star has won two championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gasol is the type of big guy that gels well with the Celtics’ roster and philosophy on the court. Pau is an established scorer, averaging 18.2 points in his NBA career. He can be a real force in the low post, using his experience and technique. He is also a very good mid range shooter for a big guy and that’s something that Brad Stevens will certainly want to utilize.

We have seen the Celtics try to space the floor with bigs like Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger and even Tyler Zeller, as all of them have the ability to hit mid-range shots. Pau Gasol is very consistent with his shooting and that’s something you cannot ignore. This season with Chicago, Gasol attempts 33.2 percent of his field goals between 16 feet and the three-point line. He is quite effective from that distance as he is shooting with over 45 percent.

Pau is also a great rebounder, averaging 9.5 per game in his career and certainly much better than Boston’s current big guys. Rebounding is an area that the Celtics need improvement and a Gasol signing can guarantee that.

Apart from all these, Gasol’s passing ability is what makes him special compared to other centers. He is a great passer for his size, with high court vision and basketball IQ and after all these years in the NBA, he knows how to make plays for his teammates. Boston’s offensive philosophy with constant ball movement, as well as off-the-ball movement, will certainly benefit form a passer like Pau.

However, the most important thing that Pau Gasol brings to the table is his so called intangibles. Pau is a great leader on and off the floor, he has won championships and he can be a real inspiration for the young Celtics. It’s something that Boston needs in order to move towards a championship run – a guy that has been there, done that and knows how to guide his less experienced teammates. His recent performances last summer with Spain’s national team in the Eurobasket were legendary.

Of course we cannot deny that Gasol is not the player that he used to be. He is much slower and it’s sometimes hard for him to keep up with many of the quicker bigs in today’s game. He faces and will continue to face problems with his pick n’ roll defense, even though he is a reliable rim protector.

His age might be a deterring factor as he cannot be considered part of a long term plan for the team. Maybe the Celtics might consider signing him if the also select to draft a young big guy such as Jakob Poetl or Henry Ellenson, who may benefit from Gasol’s presence both in the locker room and on the court.

Next: What's the Key to a Deep Playoff Run?

In my opinion, Boston’s top priority for the center position must be Al Horford. Atlanta’s center, maybe one of the most underrated players in the league, seems to be the greatest fit for Boston’s system. However, in case they won’t be able to sign Horford, Pau will certainly be more than great as an alternative solution.