Marc Gasol – stepping out from Pau’s shadow
Since the ‘Rudy Gay Trade’, Marc Gasol has elevated his already polished game, he is now averaging more points, rebounds and assists per game for the Grizzlies. The often overlooked Spaniard almost cracked his first all-star game, however that honour went to Memphis’ other big man, Zach Randolph. Yet it used to be that Marc Gasol was always caught in Pau’s shadow, somehow his talent was only fully appreciated by Grizzlies fans and those living in West Tennessee. Marc is now emerging from Pau’s once domineering shadow.
Gasol’s versatility means he is one of Memphis’ most important and best players. He has proven he is one of the best centers in the league.
Marc loves to set up the offense from the elbow position, from here he can see the floor and the defense’s movements. The elbow area allows him to utilise his vast array of skills whilst creating space under the basket for Randolph. From this high post position, Gasol can pass, shoot, screen or cut to the hoop. These wide range of contrasting abilities explain Gasol’s unusual mix of statistics for the season, 14.3 PPG, 3.9 APG and 7.7 RPG.
Gasol’s solid screens create clear passing and driving lanes which were not previously present. His concrete screens combined with his superb ability to score from the elbow (104-210 on shots from the elbow, as of 14th March) demands respect from defenses. If required, Marc can even drain a 16-23 foot jumpshot, as he has been shooting 49% in this region for the season. Gasol is the heart of the Grizzlie’s offense, one that keeps beating and churning away without Rudy Gay on board.
If the offense is struggling and Gasol’s screens aren’t proving as fruitful as usual, then he can take the ball to the low block, post up and use his sheer size to back down his man and score an easy basket. Gasol thrives in the high post area and is one of the best passing big men in the game. From this position he can wait for cutters to attack the basket and utilise his 7! 1″ frame to make passes that smaller players wouldn’t be able to see.
The Barcelonian sustains his high levels of energy on the defensive end with his high basketball IQ. He doesn’t average the most blocks or rebounds, but he executes other significant defensive plays with exquisite timing. The little things Gasol excels at on defense are things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. When the opposition sets a strong pick and Gasol is forced to either play help defense or stick with his man, whichever option Gasol chooses, he makes the opposing team’s possession a tough one. Gasol’s positioning and ability to read what the offense is running prevents numerous opposition baskets each game.
Since Rudy Gay was traded, the Grizzlies have gone on an 18-9 record which would have included a 15 win streak if not for a loss to Miami, who were on a streak of their own. Marc Gasol is undoubtedly one of the key reasons Memphis have remained one of the best teams in the West.
