Pau Gasol joined a rare group of players when he registered his three thousandth assist Saturday night against the Indiana Pacers.

The Spanish big man is now one of only six NBA power forward/centers to have recorded 16, 000 points, 8, 000 rebounds, 3, 000 assists, and 1, 500 blocks.

Honored to be a part of this group of great basketball players. Thank you for your congrats! Let’s keep it going! pic.twitter.com/utMfDGtVxI — Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 17, 2014

Lakers Could Use Him Now

Given that, it’s hard to believe this is the same guy who as a member of the Lakers had been involved in trade rumors for years and was consistently bashed by the Los Angeles fan base for being “soft.”

Surely, in an attempt to assuage any doubts Gasol may have had in the Lakers’ brass, Los Angeles reportedly offered Gasol a two-year $20 million contract which included a no trade clause, to which he obviously replied thanks, but no thanks.

Unlike those fans, however, Bulls faithful know the difference between a soft player and a great player.

(Cough, cough) Carlos Boozer.

By the way, how’s that working out for you L.A.?

The Lakers could sure use him now, as they are 1-9 with no hope in sight.

Sweet Home Chicago

Through his first 10 games, Gasol seems re-energized as a member of a Chicago Bulls organization that is off to its best start since the 1997-’98 season. So far this year, Gasol is averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.

If he keeps that pace, 2014-’15 will be his best statistical season since 2010-’11.

Also, he hasn’t averaged more than two blocks per game since 2006-’07 when he set a career high of 2.1 bpg as a member of the Grizzlies. Right now, his chances of eclipsing that mark look very promising.

If nothing else, Chicago fans should be happy to have Gasol and quick to congratulate him as the Bulls big man joins a rare group with hopes of adding more to his resume sporting Chicago red.