3 Ways Gasol Can Justify New Contract

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3) Keep Shooting:

• Pau Gasol just inked a three-year 48 million dollar contract, is he worth it? Gasol came into the year surprisingly shooting the ball from distance over and over again. His shot was flawless from behind the arc and it was something that surprised fans. Gasol shot a blazing 54% from the three point line last year and he coupled that with shooting 50% from the field overall. For an aging player, his percentages look good and he is spreading the floor nicely.

2) Scoring Numbers:

• Gasol is one of the most efficient players on the team because he does a lot in a limited time frame. He only played 25 minutes per game and was still able to register 12 points and 8 rebounds night in and out. Putting that in perspective that is more rebounds than fellow big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who plays eight more minutes a game than Gasol. That is more than half a quarter and yet Gasol still out rebounds him. Gasol also dishes out more assists than Aldridge as well, so he brings a different dynamic to the floor that the Spurs need.

1) Increase Playoff Scoring:

• Gasol played really well throughout the year but in the postseason he fell flat, averaging only 7 points per game. He was able to maintain his rebounding numbers but without his scoring he was a liability on the floor. Gasol struggled to hit the three and even struggled to score in the paint even against smaller players. One thing that he can do to justify this contract is to maintain his level of play when it counts most, if he does that then he will be worth every penny.