I agree, but I think Swift decided that by opting for a one-year deal. Once that was resolved, Memphis went ahead and locked up Gasol. I'd love to try to get Swift, but there's no chance of that happening unless Swift really wants to come here, and even then, it would still have to be a three-way, because there's no package we can offer that would interest Memphis (our TE won't be big enough for a simple S&T)
I'd take Ak-47 over Gasol in a heartbeat. And I even think Gasol is a pretty darn good player, especially after his Olympic performance
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_3225044,00.html Gasol inks 6-year extension Deal totals some $86 million; forward says he's up to the challenge it brings By Ronald Tillery Contact October 2, 2004 Pau Gasol finally received what he has worked the past three seasons trying to earn. Respect. That's how the 7-foot Spaniard equated his lucrative contract extension with the Grizzlies. Gasol, 24, signed a six-year deal that sources say is worth the maximum amount the Grizzlies were allowed to offer. The contract totals an approximate $86 million -- a figure computed within guidelines of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. So with Cottonwoods Golf Course at Tunica's Grand Casino serving as the backdrop, Gasol teed off on the notion that money will suddenly define expectations for him on the court. "It's not about money. It's about respect and the team showing that they want you to be here for a long period of time as the cornerstone. That's all you can ask. I'm real happy and proud," Gasol said Friday before participating in the Memphis Grizzlies House Golf Classic. "I know I'll be the guy everyone is going to criticize. I'm ready for that. I love the pressure. I live for it. I love to be in the (position) that everyone is looking at. That's how I am. So I'll react pretty good." Contract negotiations went relatively smoothly once Gasol hired an agent in August. He entrusted Arn Tellem's SFX Sports Group after a mutual separation with agent, Mark Termini during the spring. Gasol's new contract makes him the NBA's second-highest foreign player behind Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki. The Griz are counting on Gasol to show the steady improvement he's displayed since joining the NBA in 2001. "His play in the Olympic Games this summer displayed his value, while showcasing his talent to people throughout the world," Griz president Jerry West said. "Pau is a dynamic player, and we are happy to have him in Memphis as the cornerstone of our franchise." West has made it no secret that the franchise would build around Gasol. The 2002 Rookie of the Year has led the Grizzlies in points and rebounds in each of their three Memphis seasons -- the length of Gasol's NBA stint. Gasol's career averages are 18.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 50 percent shooting. In four playoff games with the San Antonio Spurs last season, Gasol averaged 18.5 points, five rebounds and 57 percent shooting. He led the Grizzlies during the regular season by averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. "He's one of the premier power forwards we have in the league," Griz coach Hubie Brown said. "And then you put the factor of his age into that. What we have is our team leader and our go-to guy. I'm happy for Pau and his family. Also, I'm happy for the Grizzlies because what we now have is a stabilizing force. He knows his worth." Gasol's role as an iron man shouldn't go understated. He has only missed four of 246 possible regular-season games in his career. A sore right foot near the end of last season snapped Gasol's streak of 240 straight games. The streak was the league's sixth longest at the time. Gasol now has another chance at longevity in a Grizzly uniform. "I've been here from the beginning, when this team was winning 23 games," Gasol said. "And it's nice to be a part of the progress that this franchise is making. It makes me appreciate it more. ... I can't wait to start playing. I'm going to go out there and prove to everybody that I deserve what I got. They won't ever doubt me as a player and as a professional. I'll produce as much as I can." -- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "It's not about money. It's about respect............ " Yeah but $ is the only way to show the respect u want
I don't care about expensive things, Cashmere coats, diamond rings, Don't mean a thing. All I care about is love...
yeah it is stupid players always say it is not about the money. It is about the money, if it wasn;t about the money, they can sign for a minimum so that theyr team can sign other very good players.
I would rather have Gasol than Kirlenko, Gasol works on the block and demands a double team. Kirlenko is a great support player, but not one that you can build around. DD
I have to disagree with you there. As much as I hate the Jazz, I consider Kirilienko a top 10 player. He can do almost anything Pau can do and is a defensive beast on top of that. Oh, and by the way, there is an NBA team that is building around him.
The difference between Gasol and AK47 is similar to the difference between Duncan and KG. While KG is more versatile, Duncan is a low-post big man where you can build championship teams around. Gasol is a whinning b**** no doubt, but he is a legit low-post big man. I would take Gasol.
Why is it never about money? Clue in, guys: EVERY player says it's about respect. EVERYONE. But Gasol couldn't very well have said, "That's why it was so important that I act like a b**** at the Olympics and show Yao Ming how well I can play----never mind my team was very good and he was the only player on his team. It's about the money. The---how do you say?---the 'cha-ching.'"
Pau Gasol...worth every penny. Gasol or AK47? Hmm, I really haven't seen enough Jazz games to make that decision. However, I haven't seen a game in which AK47 actually dominates offensively. Although defense wins championships, the team with the most dominant offensive player usually wins its fair share especially if that player is in the low post. I find it hard to believe AK47 is a top 10 player though.
I'd take Kiri over Gasol. PG: Nash SG: Peja SF: Kiri PF: Dirk C: Yao Ming 6th man: Gasol That team would beat any other team in the world.
Top 10 player?!? He's good, but who does he knock out of this top 21 group? Shaq Kobe Yao T-Mac Peja Garnett Duncan Nowitski Ben Wallace Vince Carter Francis Baron Davis Jermaine O'Neal Artest Zach Randolph Shawn Marion Marbury Carmelo Anthony (in just his rookie year) Kidd Cassell Brand Kirilenko is good, but with all due respect, I have to question your opinion of him being a top 10 player.
