NBA Player Power Rankings: MVP Candidates Continue To Clash

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots over Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Center
Age: 31 (1/29/1985)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .456/.383/.831
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 19.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 3PM

Marc Gasol has returned to form as an All-NBA center and the Memphis Grizzlies are 25-19. He’s scoring at a career-best level, facilitating the offense, anchoring the defense, and has helped Memphis overcome injuries to multiple key players.

Whether or not you have Gasol in your Top 10, the belief that he’s a Top 20 player is far closer to fact than it is unfounded opinion.

Gasol plays defense like German superstar Manuel Neuer plays goalkeeper in world football. He covers an obscene amount of ground, utilizing his footwork and timing to disrupt the best efforts of elite offensive units.

Gasol’s presence is a primary reason for the Grizzlies ranking No. 3 in points allowed per game and No. 4 in points allowed per 100 possessions.

On the offensive end of the floor, Gasol is averaging a pair of career highs with 19.4 points and 4.3 assists per game. Those averages were aided by the six assists he tallied during Memphis’ win over the Houston Rockets, as well as the 28 points and seven assists he posted against the Washington Wizards.

Gasol is the ultimate team player and should be a genuine lock to play in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.