Pau Gasol Looking To Make Chicago Bulls A Title Contender

Pau Gasol may have just joined the Eastern Conference’s newest powerhouse.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers were earning most of the press for drawing LeBron James back home, the Chicago Bulls were quietly building a title-contending team with the additions of Gasol and 23-year-old Nikola Mirotic this week. With a healthy Derrick Rose due back this season, the Bulls are now seen as one of a handful of teams likely to topple the Heat as the East’s best team.

For Pau Gasol, Chicago’s desire to win a championship was enough to draw him away from Los Angeles and lead him to turn down what would have been more lucrative offers. Gasol drew interest from the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, but said conversations with Rose and Joakim Noah helped him pick Chicago.

“It was a gut feeling. I thought Chicago was going to be the best fit for me,” Gasol said. “It’s a great challenge, but I’m driven by challenge.”

Though he is now 34, Gasol has a lot left in the tank. He averaged 17.4 points last season, just a shade under his career average, and added 9.7 rebounds per game.

Pau Gasol could also be a mentor to Mirotic, who like Gasol is a European native. Mirotic was acquired in a 2011 draft night trade with Minnesota, and last season averaged 12.4 points with Real Madrid. Mirotic has a strong shooting touch, drawing comparisons to Hedo Tukoglu and Ryan Anderson.

“I strongly believe that I am ready for this challenge,” he said through an interpreter.

Gasol said he liked the commitment he saw in the Bulls, who were ready to do the work it takes to win a title.

“How humble they were, I think that’s real important to be able to not have big egos, that makes things a lot easier,” Gasol said. “Their passion, their hunger as well. They’re hungry. They’re hungry to win.”

The Chicago Bulls are still looking to make more moves. The team used the amnesty clause to cut forward Carlos Boozer, and were reportedly in negotiations with free-agent guard Aaron Brooks to bolster the bench.

With Pau Gasol on board and Rose back, the Chicago Bulls might give LeBron and the Cavs a run for their money.