Hoops Habit
Fansided

Playoff Picture: Memphis Grizzlies

By Luke Duffy

Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Mar 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Go To Guy

Marc Gasol

Not much math required on this one. The once pudgy, younger Gasol brother, is now the better of the two and the leader of this team. There’s not much he can’t do on the court (except shoot the three ball, but that’s really not his place). He owns the paint most nights, but it’s not just brute strength alone that has allowed him to do this. That is what Randolph is for.

Screen Shot 2015-04-10 at 18.37.04
Screen Shot 2015-04-10 at 18.37.04 /

His passing and footwork are fantastic, as is his basketball IQ. So oftentimes it’s a case of beating his man to his spot, rather than bullying his way in there, which he can also do. He’s a legitimate two way player, and a fantastic rim protector. His 7.9 rebounds per contest is lower than previous seasons, but it is by no means a bad number either.

His Player Efficiency Rating of 21.5 is an All-Star number too. His team’s defensive efficiency of 99.9 is good for fourth in the league, and Gasol is a key reason for this. Offensively this is a team near the middle of the pack though (13th in the league) but Gasol is the one who has those go-to banker moves that keep this team ticking over.

Right now he’s the most complete center in the NBA, his array of offensive and defensive skills blending with the experience he now has in the league to give him that accolade. Thankfully for Gasol, it’s not all on his shoulders, unlike some other franchises, as he has a great support system around him. In this league though, few players fit together as well with their franchise as this guy.

That will matter in the playoffs.

Next: Defense The Calling Card Once Again

Home/Memphis Grizzlies