Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol to donate $1K for each point scored on Friday

It is a strange way to donate to charity, but you can't argue with the sentiment. Chicago's Derrick Rose and Los Angeles' Pau Gasol will be donating one thousand dollars to Japanese earthquake relief efforts for every point they score on Friday. Considering that Rose averages about 25 points per game, and Gasol about 19 a game, there could be some rather large checks being written later Friday night.

Rose and Gasol aren't alone. Atlanta Hawks All-Star Al Horford, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, Washington's Javale McGee, high-scoring Portland big man LaMarcus Aldridge, and Oklahoma City All-Star Russell Westbrook will also be contributing at that rate.

And if there is one thing to quibble over, it would have to be the point situation. Sorry for being the guy that brings this up, but we were all thinking about it.

Does this make Marc Gasol a jerk if he blocks one of Rose's shots on Friday night, when the Grizzlies play the Bulls? Should Westbrook be breaking plays to add up the funds? Both Rose and Pau are noted for their all-around play, Pau might be the best passing big man in the NBA, but should they be gunning? Couldn't these guys have just gone with a stock number? And what happens if they're in a blowout? Kind of a tough position to put a coach in, should they decide to rest legs and ward off potential injuries by taking these stars out during garbage time.

Players like Brian Scalabrine, DJ Augustin, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Tyreke Evans, Danilo Gallinari, Xavier Henry, Antawn Jamison, Jason Kapono, Quincy Pondexter, Etan Thomas and Ben Wallace have avoided this conflict by donating a set amount.

Chuck a few pieces of crumpled-up paper into the recycling bin, add to your point total, and make a donation of your own�at Direct Relief.

Nate Thurmond Wes Unseld Bill Walton Jerry West Lenny Wilkens