The Final Score: Gasol Redefines “Siga" in the NBA

LOS ANGELES - We have an image of what’s tough. Batista is tough. We have a concept of strongmen so hardwired in our brain, we consider it authentic. Most tough guys in movies have bulging muscles, trouble written all over their faces, tattoos, brass knuckles, wild beards and crazy eyes. Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers has none of these qualities. He’s neither B.A. Barracus nor The Joker (the brilliant yet lunatic Heath Ledger version). As such, Gasol isn’t expected to punch holes through walls like The Incredible Hulk.

After a 23-point 14-rebound effort in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Gasol is credited for his “new-found" toughness. He scoffs at the idea. He’s been trading vicious elbows and forearms with the strongest players in the NBA for the last 8 years and he wonders why some members of the media recognize his fortitude only now. Perhaps he doesn’t strike anyone as the vicious type. He’s a lanky 7-footer with long locks and a beard that’s more Ashton Kutcher than Kimbo Slice. Even England’s Wayne Rooney, a 5’10" footballer, looks more menacing. Dominant big men in the NBA should look like Greg Oden. If appearances could kill, Gasol will forever be innocent of murder. “I was just ready to play," Gasol said moments after Game 1. “I like the challenge, and I’m ready to step up and play. That’s all I did." There is exasperation in Gasol’s voice. Is it his fault that he wasn’t sculpted out of granite like Kendrick Perkins? Or that the name Pau Gasol, which sounds like a new signature cologne, isn’t as edgy as Rampage Jackson? He seems sick of the notion that all European players avoid contact, conflict and combustion. It’s a notion Philippine Teams, pros and amateurs, past and present, who have felt the back-breaking crunch of Euro-ball, will readily contest. Ultimately, he wonders if he needs to shatter a backboard just to shatter the image. “You know to be honest I don’t really pay a lot of attention to (trash-talking by opponents)," Gasol explained. “I’m just trying to play my game. I guess I’m not that kind of player. I don’t talk trash. I don’t need to talk to you to do anything. But that’s just me." Gasol, according to some coaches, is the best big man in the NBA. He has led Spain to undeniable success. The Lakers signed him up so they could win a championship. He averages 20 points and 11 rebounds in the 2010 Playoffs. Yet parts of the NBA universe aren’t satisfied. He’s redefining what it means to dominate without looking destructive. And people are still catching up to the idea. “Gasol’s far more aggressive," Boston Head Coach Doc Rivers admitted after Game 1. “If you heard for two years what you couldn’t do, you’re probably going to come in and try to prove that, and I thought Gasol proved a lot (in Game 1)." Gasol believes he has nothing to prove. He only knows he has a championship to win. -- Mico Halili, GMANews.TV