Pau Gasol Admits He Is Not In The Best Shape

Pau Gasol spoke with the Spanish media at the teams training camp in preparation for the Rio Olympics and admitted that he is not in the best shape for the upcoming Olympic games.

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Via EuroHoops

: “We would have liked to have all our players in every preparation game preparation, but for one reason or other we couldn’t. On Thursday we play against the Ivory Coast and that will be the first time that all the players have been practicing together for the past four days. This is a significant disadvantage, however we will try to do our best and use the opportunities to get into a pace and shape for the championship”.

Gasol later went on to speak on himself and how he is “not at 100 percent”. He though expects to improve during the training camp and will be able to compete at a high-level for his team when they begin their quest of Olympic Gold.

“I hope this game helps me to continue to improve and be ready for the Games. My challenge is to help the team win and finish as high as possible. It is my challenge in every championship to do it right, lead the team as best as I can and reach the top positions”.

Gasol was sought out by the Spurs before signing with the team over the summer. He has already stated that he is ready for this new found chapter in his career. Gasol took to The Players Tribune, the same platform Durant used to make his decision, to write a piece entitled, “Driven as Ever”. 

In the piece Gasol takes readers through his decision-making process. Alot of variables came into play when deciding whether to leave the Chicago Bulls after spending the past two years, to take a leap and join San Antonio where he looks to win a third NBA championship.

“I am still as driven as ever,” Gasol wrote. “I still need challenges. At the age of 36, the furnace of my competitiveness is still burning as hot as it was when I was a rookie in Memphis.”

There is no doubt that Gasol will work harder than ever to get himself back in basketball form so he can contribute for the Spain in the Olympics. Heading into his 15th season in the NBA, Gasol definitely wants to be in the best shape of his career once he steps into camp with his new team.

“Throughout my career in the NBA, my desire has always been to be an instrumental part of a team with a chance of winning the championship. That’s really important for me,” Gasol wrote. “Winning on the court takes precedence over anything else, and obviously this continues to be the case with my decision to join the Spurs. I am incredibly grateful for this tremendous opportunity and I will do my very best to contribute my experience and work ethic to help this extraordinary franchise achieve its goal.”

Gasol certainly says the right thing. It is only a matter of time when we can see it all in action.

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