Despite Jimmy Butler’s recent injury update, there is still a little hope for the Chicago Bulls fans to enjoy the All-Star weekend. Within an hour after announcing that Butler is going to be out for at least a month, the Bulls’, Pau Gasol was named as Butler’s replacement in the All-Star reserves. Most would say that it was well deserved for the Bulls’ big man, and they are right with the season he's having this year.

Pau Gasol Has Gotten What He Rightfully Earned

This season, Gasol is averaging a double-double with 17 ppg, 10.9 rpg, and 3.3 apg. Basketball fans were surprised that the  enter wasn’t chosen to be a reserve for the East. Los Angeles Lakers’ HOF Earvin Magic Johnson has this to say about Gasol being snubbed on being named as a reserve via twitter “…no question, should be in the NBA All Star game in Toronto with the season he’s having!” 

With NBA fans looking into a fast pace type of game and the growing importance of the three point shot, thanks to Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, it was somewhat easy to see why Gasol got snubbed in the All-Star voting ballot to be named as a starter.

However, the Eastern Conference coaches were thinking the same way, and overlooked Gasol when they were choosing the players to be named as the reserves for the East.

Gasol expressed his opinion about the All-Star berth, “I’ve played at a level where I should be recognized.” He also had this to say about being left off the All-Star team originally: “It’s unfortunate. But congrats to the guys who were selected.”

Despite the Bulls having a terrible season by their standards, one thing is for sure, that Gasol has been one of their most consistent players on the team and is having yet another career season. If Butler’s absence turned to be a blessing in disguise for Gasol, maybe it could be the same for other players on the team to have their moment to shine. As they always say; anything can happen in the NBA. It goes to show that big men in the league are still apreciated...to an extent.

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About the author
Alvin Smith III
I am a college. I love to play basketball as well as knowing more about basketball.