This one hurts... will make it one less player that will fall. From ESPN Insider: F.C. Barcelona forward Pau Gasol is pulling out of the NBA Draft, a source close to Gasol told Insider. Gasol was hoping that one of several teams chasing him would trade up into the top six picks in the draft, he and his agent, Herb Rudoy, weren't convinced that the Celtics or Rockets, Gasol's two main suitors, would make the trade. The 7-foot-1 Gasol plans to play out his contract in Spain, bulk up and then re-apply for the draft next year. With another good year, he could be a top-three pick in the 2002 draft. ------------------ "Basketball players win basketball games. Athletes win track meets."-- Shane Battier Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more!
That is bad news. Even if the Rockets didn't make a run for him he would at least drop someone down that they could get. I read an article(I think it was on ESPN) that said his buyout was around $2.5 million and he wanted to go in the top 6 to make sure he could pay it and still have some money left over. CK ------------------ CC.Net Sim Homepage For stats, standings and team information.
Don't understand this.... he'll still go top 6. His buzz may never be this good... (then again he could be the #1 pick next year) Bottom line: If he drops out, it hurts big time. ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET
If he drops out, I imagine Radman's stock will rise a bit, being the only really good European player in the draft. ------------------ CC.net's most courteous driver Oh yeah, and I'm looking for a job right now, so hire me please
This makes little sense, unless Gasol is trying to avoid being drafted by a specific team or he just wants a guaranteed higher pick. The mathematics of his buyout...aside... He can still play in Europe and make that money and stay in this draft. He must think that he could fall significantly if teams think he won't play for a year. I doubt that. He still goes top 10 just like any project would that can't pay off for a year.
Yeah, and the question becomes what happens to Jefferson now. I don't think this impacts the quality of player we will draft, nor will it force our hand, but we may be forced to change directions at the 13 slot. ------------------ humble, but hungry.
I heard that he would have to pay $2.5 million of his own money for his contract. That's a helluva lot of money. The guy is only 20 years old and could probably bulk up a bit and improve on his game. He would spend most of the year learning the NBA style anyways. So how good is this kid. Nobody's worked him out, just seen him play against other European leaguers. There is still a huge question mark here. What if Langhi played in Spain- what kind of numbers would he put up? Would he be the best in Spain? Would he be as good as he was at Vandy? Would he be as hyped as Pau Gasol? I think so. Better pass on this one, and go for a sure thing like Joe Johnson. ------------------ "Oh No..." -Bill Walton in 97 just before Stockton's buzzer beater
Clutch- There's no way that Gasol is the number 1 pick in the draft next year. Jason Williams and Yao Ming will be the first two picks. ------------------
Terence Morris and Chris Porter were supposed to be sure-fire lottery or top 5 picks too, remember? Things change over the course of a year... with Gasol's size, physical abilities, and overall game, if he made improvements in his game over the next year he might definitely stand a chance at the #1 pick. ------------------ "Basketball players win basketball games. Athletes win track meets."-- Shane Battier Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more!
I don't think he could get to #1 even if he played like a god. Williams or Yao go one and two. You've got size and a proven point guard in a proven league. Those two will be automatic unless something tragic happens. Gasol could go maybe as high as 3, but I doubt he'll go that high because he's untested. ------------------ humble, but hungry.
But he can still enter THIS YEAR'S draft, get drafted Top 10, and play in Spain. No buyout is necessary then, he bulks up, and the team who drafted him retains his signing rights for next year when his contract ends. If the report is true, it sounds to me like he is playing with fire trying to engineer a high pick for the most money, and if he doesn't get it, he will try next year. Gasol is playing with fire!
I wouldnt bank on this as 100% legit yet. I remember clear as day last year that nbatalk made a huge report that Stromile Swift had called a press conference to announce he was pulling out of the draft. Indeed he did call a press conference, but it was to announce he was officially in. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
I agree with m&m... this isn't over yet. Why would the guy really pull out? He's trying to force a team into committing. There's no way he sacrifices a strong pick this year just for financial reasons.... the guy's friggin' willing to spend $2M to buy himself out. No sane person would risk the potential drop. The guy's a friggin' euro, it's not like his dying grandma wants him to graduate from college.
disregard what I wrote... ------------------ When this guy started smoking 40 years ago, people had no idea it was bad for you. People had to guess based on the hacking cough, shortness of breath, and bloody phlegm girl you looks good won't you mock that draft up?!
i dunno. yao's upper body makes Shawn Bradley look like The Rock in comparison: [This message has been edited by outlaw (edited June 20, 2001).]
Woohoo! This helps big time. I knew something was going on, because about 30 minutes ago that article I posted suddenly disappeared off the ESPN insider site. Good find floyd. ------------------ "Basketball players win basketball games. Athletes win track meets."-- Shane Battier Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more!
Gasol will not withdraw, he stays in the draft. Well, that's what he say to spanish media this afternoon here in Spain For example: (all in spanish) http://www.baloncesto.as http://www.elmundodeporte.com/ http://www.marca.es/marca_usa/nba/01/06/20/20gasol.html [This message has been edited by McArron (edited June 20, 2001).]
