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NBA Player Power Rankings: 2017 All-Star Weekend Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) fights for position with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) fights for position with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Center
Age: 32 (1/29/1985)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .466/.385/.846
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.4 MPG, 20.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 3PM

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most consistent teams in the NBA for what’s approacing a decade. Memphis has reached the playoffs in six consecutive seasons and is on pace to do so again in 2016-17.

Gasol’s shooting touch has been off in recent games, but his ability to score, facilitate, and defend at elite levels for his position are invaluable strengths.

Gasol is essentially the NBA’s version of Manuel Neuer. Rather than staying in his lane and filling the duties of a conventional defensive player, he freelances on defense and covers enough ground to influence everything the opposition attempts to do.

Memphis ranks No. 4 in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions and it’s Gasol who anchors that dominant defensive front.

On the offensive end of the floor, Gasol can score from anywhere on the court and is a phenomenal passer with guard-like vision. The numbers prove it. Gasol is No. 3 amongst centers in both points per game and points created via assists per game.

If the Grizzlies are going to close out the season strong and make it seven consecutive postseason appearances, Gasol will be the key.