It's no surprise that San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol is having a great season. After all, Pau Gasol has been consistent on all the teams he's played for his entire career. But one big factor this season for Pau Gasol's performance is the San Antonio Spurs. After playing for the Chicago Bulls last season, Pau Gasol became a free agent last summer and signed with the San Antonio Spurs. But before signing with the San Antonio Spurs, Pau Gasol has one team on top of his list.
Pau Gasol hoped to sign with the New York Knicks last summer, according to a report from the New York Post. Pau Gasol waited for the New York Knicks' president of basketball operations Phil Jackson to call, but the call never came.
"No, no contact," Pau Gasol said. "I was surprised, too."
Pau Gasol considering the New York Knicks is no surprise. Pau Gasol and Phil Jackson do have a history together.
Pau Gasol played for Phil Jackson with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2008-2011 and won two NBA championships together with Kobe Bryant. Current Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss once said that Pau Gasol was Phil Jackson's favorite Los Angeles Laker to coach.
The addition of Pau Gasol to the New York Knicks would have been a big help especially to their young frontline duo of Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez. Pau Gasol has always been intrigued of playing for New York Knicks to mentor Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez.
Instead, Phil Jackson chose a younger and more defense oriented Joakim Noah rather than the older Pau Gasol. Pau Gasol is 36 while Joakim Noah is only 32.
Judging from the way things have gone for both Pau Gasol and Joakim this season, Phil Jackson may regret that decision. While Pau Gasol has been a major contributor for the San Antonio Spurs, Joakim Noah has been a bust for the New York Knicks.
Joakim Noah has been often injured and has been a disappointment this season. Joakim Noah has recently been suspended 20 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy, as reported by ESPN.
Fans of the New York Knicks could now only dream of what could've been. Who knows, Pau Gasol would've been the difference for the New York Knicks to make the playoffs.
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