Several years ago Craig Coshun had to come to the defense of Milwaukee. It seems a potential free agent had bemoaned, “there’s nothing to do there”. Well, maybe he had a point. Can Milwaukee compare to San Antonio’s river walk? L.A.’s Madame Tussauds? Chicago’s pizza? Coshun argued Milwaukee has: the domes. But in Pau Gasol‘s eyes, the domes outshine the attractions in all three above-cited cities. The Bucks are glad to welcome the 18-year playoff veteran as they work on enclosing their eastern foes under their own suffocating fast-break dome.
PLAYOFF GLORY AND FRUSTRATION
Gasol was a lifesaver in the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant championship era. He scored 19 points and grabbed 18 boards in the final 2010 game. He put up some pinball numbers in other playoff games, including 36 points and 16 rebounds in the 2008 opener.
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By 2017, Gasol had slowed down somewhat but still battled valiantly as the Spurs fought a hopeless battle without Kawhi Leonard. But clearly (2:03) he became frustrated with an aging and fading franchise.
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GREAT PRAISE
After suffering a foot injury last November and clearly with no chance of getting past Golden State, Gasol requested a buyout. Greg Popovich, who never gives false compliments nor treats reporters well, was tellingly effusive with praise: “Pau Gasol is an exceptional individual and the ultimate professional. We are grateful for his contributions on the court, in the locker room and in our community.”
By now Gasol is one of just four players ever with more than 20,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, 3,500 assists, and 1,500 blocks. He brings so much experience to Milwaukee that some of his highlight videos are in black-and-white! OK, not quite black-and-white, but still very grainy.
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Same as new teammate Nikola Mirotic, Gasol’s first move with the change was thanking his old organization.
Two days later, work time began. Gasol promises to finally get the Bucks past the first round win a championship for Milwaukee.
Mirotic recruited Gasol to Milwaukee, who had to endure an “intense” transfer. But he’s extremely impressed with, “great chemistry, great individuals” and, “great coaching”.
With all due respect to the Milwaukee Parks system, Fiserv Forum may soon be a better attraction. Between amazing talent and two impressed new veterans, Milwaukee is now home to the NBA’s DunkDome.
