Bulls' Gasol admits he talked to Derrick Rose about health before joining team
Pau Gasol chose the Chicago Bulls as his new home in the offseason and did so carefully. He knew if he joined the Bulls he would be playing with the oft-injured Derrick Rose.
A healthy Rose means the Bulls instantly jump into the title conversation, and his injury history is weighing on Gasol's mind. "It’s important to the whole team, for sure," he told NBA.com.
I talked to him before I made my decision. He’s eager, he’s hungry. He’s been working extremely hard to be where he’s at today. Playing in the World Cup in the summer helped him, to be able to get some rust out. I think he’s ready.
Gasol entertained offers from the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks before opting to sign with the Bulls.
"Unfortunately I could only play with one team," Gasol said. "So I picked a great situation, a great team, a great franchise, a great city."
Gasol's three-year, $22-million deal will give him plenty of time to help Rose to another MVP season. Barring another injury, of course.