By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Pau Gasol shared his insights on the immense physical demands of operating as a two-way force in the NBA, drawing striking parallels between his own legendary career and that of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
During an interview with Drafteados on Thursday, the Spanish icon reflected on the young center’s grueling workload following a spectacular Defensive Player of the Year campaign and an NBA Finals appearance.
“He has a very high competitive drive, and he’s still very young, so he’s gradually channeling that energy that comes with youth,” Gasol explained regarding the French prodigy’s intensity.
“He is decisive when he’s able to be near the basket on both offense and defense, using his wingspan to disrupt and dominate the game. As much as he can shoot from outside, where he’s truly decisive is in the paint,” noted the 46-year-old legend, emphasizing that Wemby’s true dominance remains inside. “He needs to prepare himself physically to better absorb that pressure and have more stamina there.”
The Barcelona native also drew from his own storied past, specifically his 2008 transition to the Los Angeles Lakers, where pairing with Kobe Bryant required a massive defensive shift.
“More than because of Kobe, I think that the year I arrived at the Lakers, I was used to carrying a bigger offensive load. I think I knew, and I was asked directly or indirectly, that I had to take care of the best interior players on the opposing team,” the two-time NBA champion recalled. “Defensively, I took a step forward and was able to channel some of the energy I used on offense into defense.”
Make