Blake vs. Gasol Argument...

[Section31]

I don't mean this as a jab really, but the ONLY people who would take Gasol over BG are Laker fans. I even mean RIGHT NOW. I bet there's not a single coach or GM that would take Gasol. BG has been pretty much unguardable -ESPECIALLY when Gordon has been healthy to pull the defense away from the paint. Could you imagine what he'd do on this Laker team today??? Especially with Bynum healthy.

This is a silly argument and I imagine no one will concede their side, so I'm not sure anything can be proven.

EDIT: I will concede that BG is not a defensive stopper, but he also plays on a crappy team that doesn't play defense. Put him on a solid defensive team (ala the Lakers) and his defensive efficiency would go way up.

 

[MercedeSooner]

I disagree and think your argument is moreso because you're an OU/BG fan as opposed to what you say about people taking Gasol as Laker fans.

Gasol last year in the playoffs was arguably the Lakers best player, he carried them in large stretches. He impacted the game on many levels including averaging almost 3 BPG in the finals.

I despise the Lakers as much as I hate Duke basketball but I don't think right now there is a better all around big man then him in the NBA when he wants to play aggressive. Defensively to just say if Blake was on the Lakers he would be a better defensive player isn't giving Gasol near his due. He covers PF's, he plays C when Bynum is on the bench and/or hurt and he does both at a high level.

It's not a coincidence that Kobe had a drought from 2002 on and wasn't able to win a title until Gasol hit town.

EDIT - Of course this is only for this season's playoffs.

 

[AdaSooner]

I'm not sure it's possible to make a comparison between two players with vastly different games. Gasol is far more skilled than Blake at this point, and as 152219 said, he's a better defender. Griffin is the ultimate warrior who exudes power, toughness and athleticism in a way that Gasol can only dream about. Pau Gasol is athletic, but he also plays soft.

If BG improves his outside shot, becomes a better defender and works to expand his repertoire of post moves, he will be the league's best power forward in time.

 

[MercedeSooner]

I'm not sure it's possible to make a comparison between two players with vastly different games. Gasol is far more skilled than Blake at this point, and as 152219 said, he's a better defender. Griffin is the ultimate warrior who exudes power, toughness and athleticism in a way that Gasol can only dream about. Pau Gasol is athletic, but he also plays soft.

If BG improves his outside shot, becomes a better defender and works to expand his repertoire of post moves, he will be the league's best power forward in time.

Ada, Gasol plays soft during the regular season, but anybody who has seen the Lakers in the playoffs the last 2 years knows how good of a player he can be when he really brings it every night.

Nobody in their right mind would take Gasol over Blake long term but there was talk early in the season this year that Gasol was the best player on the Lakers.

 

[bocabull]

The argument was whether Blake's first year numbers would be better than Gasol's career averages.

This was the EXACT argument and I was the one who initiated it. It was a total quantitative analysis.

Of course as it appeared that I would be right once again, all those who are regularly wrong tried to add non quantitative hypothetical scenarios into the equation.

The writer who stated pre season that Blake Griffin was the second best player in LA was accurate, as was I.

 

[afaSooner]

Well argue smargue all you want, clearly Blake's play and persona far makes up for any defensive liability, difference in numbers, and/or impact on his team vs ANY other center or power forward in the NBA through their rookie seasons, their careers, and in their dreams. :facepalm

FWIW the defensive liability accusation is a reach and I would be willing to bet VDN would rather Blake NOT foul out thus being a "defensive liability" and instead stay on the floor where he is an absolute NIGHTMARE for everyone on the floor NOT on HIS team. Give me a break with the "defensive liability" stuff. If I'm Blake's coach I pull him aside if he's out there trying to be the next Mutombo. Teams are already doing everything they can to tick tack foul him off the floor because he's that valuable on the offensive end. If he's out there trying to be a defensive allstar, he's not having the impact on the game that he could have otherwise because he will be in foul trouble and that's fact. I watch almost every Clippers game I can, Blake clearly gives up on a guy when he has beaten his man and seemingly his only option pretty much is to foul. My guess is he is handling those situations how he is being rightfully told to by a smart experienced coaching staff. As far as Blake's ability to play defense, you have got to be kidding me if you think he just doesn't know how to??

Sorry but people clowning on Blake's defense irks me like nothing other. If Blake wanted to risk more fouling his defense would be stellar but he'd be stupid for doing it. It's Chess not Checkers.

 

[Section31]

I stand by my assertion. I believe Kobe and Phil would trade Gasol TODAY for BG...and they wouldn't hesitate.

Oh, and it has ZERO to do with my OU-fandom...the whole friggin NBA is in love with the guy.

 

[JBaker]

Well thank God the Lakers got Gasol's 6 playoff points today.

 

[Dr Sleep]

I would take Blake over Gasol in any situation. 80 years from now, i would take Blake's tombstone over Gasol's. The only way I would take Gasol over Griffin, was if we were talking about their brothers.