NBA: A Look at Rookies of the Year from 2000 to Wiggins
By Nick Fritz
Feb 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
2001-2002 Memphis Grizzlies: Pau Gasol
Rookie Stats: Averaged 36.7 minutes in starting 79 of 82 games for the Grizzlies. Gasol averaged 17.6 points, 2.7 assists and 8.9 rebounds per game. Shot .518 from the field and averaged 2.1 blocks per game.
Hoopshype.com Scouting Report: Great low-post scorer… Can face the basket or play back to it using more his quickness than his body… Excellent hook shot… Difficult to block… Can score with both hands… Nice mid-range shot… Good coordination… Goes to the line very often… Good passer… Smart… Makes good decisions… Very unselfish… Decent defensive player… Toughness has been questioned.
Career Averages: 18.3 points – 2.1 blocks – 2.7 assists – 8.9 rebounds – 35.6 minutes – .514 field goal %
2015 Status: Has started 57 games for the Chicago Bulls, averaging 18.2 points, 2.1 blocks, 2.8 assists and 12.1 rebounds (career high) per game.
Next: 2002-2003