Milwaukee Bucks 2018-19 Season Review: Pau Gasol

Summer focus and final grade

Gasol’s recovery from his stress fracture has already sidelined him from appearing in this year’s FIBA World Cup with Spain as John Askounis of Euro Hoops relayed late last month:

"“I’ve already went through the worst part of the surgery. I’m now looking forward to recover and start working at the gym. However, my injury won’t allow me to be with the Spanish National Team at China for the World Cup. I wish the best of luck to the National Team” Gasol said. “This summer is going to be difficult, because I would have preferred to be with the National Team” he continued and explained: “For me the National Team has always been important. I’m always very proud to compete for the National Team and achieve successes.”"

While that settles one part of Gasol’s summer plans, the topic of his NBA future, much less him potentially returning to the Bucks, is clouded with plenty of mystery.

Everything hinges on how Gasol will respond after healing from his most recent foot surgery and with plenty of miles and wear and tear on his body, it’s far from a given that the Barcelona native will be able to handle the NBA game at this point in his career, even in a minimal role off the bench.

Whether Gasol would accept such a role once he returns with a clean bill of health is also a question of its own, considering that’s what spurred his arrival to Milwaukee following his buyout with the Spurs.

In any regard, it would be a shame to see Gasol go out like this wearing an NBA uniform and while it’s debatable how much he has left in the tank, his influence both stateside and globally speaks for itself and a spot in Springfield will certainly be waiting for him when he does call it a career.

BTBP Final Grade: (shrugs)

Stick with us as we’ll wrap up our season review series for the 2018-19 season Friday afternoon.