Rumors have been going around that big man Pau Gasol is eyeing a reunion with FC Barcelona. It was reported by Mundo Depotivo that the former Los Angeles Lakers champion signed a contract that would see him suit up with his old club for the 2020-21 campaign.
Through his official Twitter account, Gasol made some clarifications.
“After hearing the news out of Spain today, I wanted to share that I remain focused on my recovery and I am not ready to get back to competing just yet,” Gasol wrote.
After hearing the news out of Spain today, I wanted to share that I remain focused on my recovery and I am not ready to get back to competing just yet. As soon as I have something to announce, I will do so via my social media channels.
Thank you very much for your support!
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 20, 2021
This announcement does not exactly shut the door on a possible return, but the hype train has certainly slowed. Gasol's last NBA game was as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019. He is already 40 years of age and has seen many, many contests so the wear and tear are definitely there.
Gasol later signed as a free agent with the Portland Trail Blazers but did not compete in an NBA game due to a nagging foot injury. He was waived in Nov. 2019.
One of the things going for the Spaniard is that his game even in his younger years was not based on speed or athleticism—the first things to leave a player. Instead, he played with solid fundamentals with a certain finesse, which has led to him being called soft at times. Pau Gasol has a high basketball IQ and helped popularize the concept of a passing big man in the NBA. He was a double-double machine at his prime and a solid interior presence on both ends of the court. Also, yes, FC Barcelona is more than Lionel Messi and the soccer team.
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