4 Reasons Why Marc Gasol Should Leave the Memphis Grizzlies

Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) as guard Kyrie Irving (2) looks on at FedExForum. Cleveland defeated Memphis 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) as guard Kyrie Irving (2) looks on at FedExForum. Cleveland defeated Memphis 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Dec 17, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Vince Carter (15) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward Tiago Splitter (22) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Grizzlies won 117-116 in triple overtimeMandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Vince Carter (15) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward Tiago Splitter (22) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Grizzlies won 117-116 in triple overtimeMandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Has Failed To Surround Gasol With Sufficient Shooters

When the Grizzlies traded for Courtney Lee last season, they had hoped to acquire a viable perimeter shooter to rectify their faltering offense; thus far, he’s done a mediocre job. Lee, who started out the season scorching hot from downtown, has shot a measly 30.9 percent from beyond the arc since the All-Star break, per Basketball-Reference.

Memphis signed Vince Carter with similar offense-boosting aspirations this year, and they’ve experienced similar disappointing results. No longer an athletic freak, Carter has added a jump shot to his arsenal to extend his career, but injuries have prevented him from showcasing his shooting skills consistently.

Carter is averaging just 5.9 points on 29.7 percent 3-point shooting in the 57 games he’s played in. His shooting sins will quickly be forgiven if he turns the heat on in the playoffs. If not, then his signing was a bust.

Jeff Green was also added to bolster the Grizzlies’ wing rotation, but he never has been (and likely never will be) a proficient shooter.

Mike Conley has been decent from the outside, but he can’t single-handedly ameliorate the shooting dilemma. Consequently, opposing defenses can simply pack the paint, swarming Gasol in the process, and stifling the Grizzlies’ offense.  Memphis’ unreliable 3-point shooting aggravates the big man’s workload.

Next: The Grizzlies Are Getting Old