They're Raving About Pau

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/home/nba_news.cfm?source=st&cont_id=61366

What about Pau?
May 23, 2001
BY FRANK BURLISON
FOXSports.com

Just how talented is 21-year-old basketball star Pau Gasol of Spain?

The 7-footer is so gifted that some NBA scouts believe he might be the
top prospect available in the June 27 draft.

But if Gasol -- seen more as a very mobile and skilled forward rather
than a low-post player -- is to play in the NBA next season, it’s going
to cost a lot of money.

His own.

According to media reports in Barcelona, Gasol has a year remaining on
his contract with the F.C. Barcelona franchise he currently plays for.

And the cost to buy his way out of that final season?

Approximately $2 million-plus.

NBA franchises can pay a maximum of $350,000 to free up a draftee from
an overseas contract.

But some NBA clubs think he and his agent might be willing to buy out
the contract if they believe that Gasol would be picked early in the
lottery.

For example, the guaranteed first-year salaries of players selected in
the first round of this draft will range from $744,480 (the last pick)
to $3,697,440 (the first pick). Each 1-7 selection is guaranteed $2
million-plus in that first season.

The thinking of some in the NBA is that although it would cost him a
great deal to get out of the contract and get to the league next season,
he might be willing to make that sacrifice because it would put him one
season closer to free agency. Then he could cash in on the really big
bucks, NBA style.

Several scouts who have traveled to Europe to watch him play believe he
could be among the top three selections in the draft.

Unlike the college and high school players who are expected to be early
first-round selections, Gasol won’t be available for individual workouts
for NBA clubs since his Barcelona team’s schedule will run deep into
June.

But all of the teams with lottery selections have already scouted him
extensively, in person and via videotape.

Like college underclassmen, Gasol has the option of withdrawing his name
from draft consideration on or before June 20, and enter the 2002 draft
pool.

Should he remain in the draft but elect not to buy out his contract in
Barcelona, the NBA team drafting him would retain his rights.