Pau Gasol has had himself a really nice career in the NBA and when he decides to hang up the sneakers, there is no doubt that he will be a Hall of Famer.
Throughout his career, he has been blessed with good health and playing for some really good head coaches. He has played for Tom Thibodeau and Gregg Popovich, both guys who are well respected around the league and are a little quirky.
Gasol recently sat down with Nick Friedell of ESPN to talk about his time with the two men. One thing that Gasol really likes about both guys is the passion they have for the game.
“They bring a certain passion to the game,” Gasol told ESPN. “Maybe in different ways, but you see that emotion from both coaches. They both care truly and are devoted to the game.”
These are both guys who although quirky on the outside have a huge passion for the game of basketball, and spending many hours perfecting their craft.
After Thibodeau was fired by the Chicago Bulls, he spent the next year going from team to team trying to learn from every coach before going back to the Timberwolves.
For Gasol, it was also important that he and the head coach are on the same page, and he is with both of these guys.
“The conversations that I had with Thibs were positive. It seemed like we were going to be on the same page,” he said. “And when I decided to come to San Antonio, same deal. I knew Pop was an excellent coach, a guy that is at the top of the top, considered, I think, for most of us, the best coach that is out there today.”
On the court, Gasol respects both guys, but off the court, he really respects his current head coach.
Pop, I think, understands there are things that are bigger and better in life, and this is our job, and we're very lucky to do what we do, but it's nothing compared to tragedies and situations that people go through, unfortunately, too much in the world. So I think he has that maturity, or personal aspect, that makes him very special.”
As Gasol gets older, he understands how much more important things are off the court, especially relationships and he is so grateful to have a close relationship with each of these guys.