2. Gasol vs. Bosh
Fans of the league throw around the word “superstar” all too often. There are very few in the league who hold up to the title with their on-court performances. There is a clear-cut difference between “all-star” and “superstar” status. We need to start realizing Bosh is the former instead of the latter.
Lakers Nation enemy Bill Simmons started this sentiment on his Twitter page shortly following the nationally televised “Decision.” While it’s a miracle in itself that we agree on something NBA related, he brings up some very important facts. Bosh has never seen an NBA First Team selection in any form, has only experienced 11 playoff games in which he is 3-8, and has a career win percentage under 0.400.
While you could blame a weak supporting cast over the years, a superstar should be able to fill seats and guarantee wins. Bosh, over the past 7 years, hasn’t exactly accomplished these things.
Meanwhile, Pau Gasol typifies the things that are necessary in a big man performing on the big stage. Even before he became a Laker, Pau had experience playing in games overseas so he was no newcomer to crucial moments. Many try to wash Gasol’s numbers in comparison with Bosh, but statistics don’t lie.
Last season Pau was a force on the boards, averaging 11.3 per game versus Bosh’s 10.8. He has also owned a better shooting percentage over the past few years, topping it off with this last season’s 0.536 against Bosh’s 0.518. Gasol is also the superior passing big man of the two, averaging over 3 assists for the majority of his career and 3.4 last year as opposed to 2.4 from Bosh.
While Pau has been considered “soft” during points of his career, there is no question he is the most skilled big man in the league. He fits right into a triangle offensive system, and can spread the floor with his 15 foot jumper from the wings.
Let’s also remember Pau is showing these superior numbers while playing second fiddle to one Kobe Bryant. Maybe we should rethink who represents the real superstar here.