Gasol believes he's earned All-Star bid

The NBA will announce the East and West All-Star Game reserves on Thursday night, as each conference will round out their roster with an additional seven players.

Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol doesn't know whether his name will be one of those called, but does believe he's earned a spot with his stellar play.

"I've played at a level where I should be recognized," Gasol said, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson.

Gasol has been a key component of the Bulls' success this season, averaging 16.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and shooting 46.8 percent from the field.

A 14-year veteran, Gasol has been a member of the All-Star Game on five occasions, including in 2015 when he was voted in as a starter for the East.

The 7-foot Spaniard disagrees with the NBA's decision to remove the center position from fan voting, arguing that, "It's a game where people want to see those flashy guys."

If the NBA decided to keep centers as a required position, Gasol would likely have a better chance of making the team. Gasol ranks fifth among Eastern Conference centers in points per game, third in rebounding per game, second in blocks per game, and first in assists per game.