I don’t like his complains either, but I’m afraid its something cultural that will extend in the NBA with some european players. Be afraid of Paploukas, for example, if he comes.

I respectfully disagree that the Grizzlies are a horrible mess of a team, though they surely looked like one this season. They have a lot of promising pieces to the puzzle, but they’ll need time for all those youngsters to develop. Also, let’s not forget they’re likely going to land either Oden or Durant next month.

A starting lineup of Rudy Gay, Gasol, Oden, Mike Miller and a point guard TBD doesn’t sound half bad to me. Throw in Hakim Warrick, Kyle Lowry, Alexander Johnson, Dahntay Jones, and Tarance Kinsey–that’s not a bad core to build around. Of course, all these guys need to continue to improve for that to happen.

When I say Gasol is “perpetually bitchy,” I’m referring to his constant complaining the past few seasons, his on-court demeanor, and his general lack of leadership skills (that I’ve seen). Don’t get me wrong, he’s very talented… I’m just not convinced.

The thing with Gasol is that he can’t defend, but is a great shooter, with Ben Wallace on his side, this would not be so problematic. He is growing as an specialist so it depends on how you use him.

Is unfair to judge him according the Grizzlies results because the role in Chicago would be another (not even the leader), and because the Grizzlies are just an horrible mess of a team.
You can’t say that Garnett’s Timberwolves are a succesful bunch either, and that does not deny KG skills.