NBA Player Power Rankings: Superstars Keep Making History

Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shake hands after a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shake hands after a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Center
Age: 32 (1/29/1985)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .460/.381/.830
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 19.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 3PM

The Memphis Grizzlies are close to clinching a seventh consecutive postseason appearance. At the heart of that tremendous streak has been center Marc Gasol, who’s positioning himself for a third career All-NBA nod in 2016-17.

Though the 32-year-old missed this past week due to an ankle injury, he should be back soon and thus holds on to his spot in the Player Power Rankings.

Gasol’s ability to cover ground on the defensive end of the floor is nothing short of insane. Forgive the crass adjective, but Gasol can seamlessly transition from protecting the paint to running out on shooters to disrupting the pick and roll—all in one possession.

It’s a primary reason why Memphis has become one of the best defensive teams in the NBA since his arrival in 2008-09.

If the Grizzlies are going to shock the world during the 2017 NBA Playoffs, Gasol will be the driving force behind the team’s success. He’s not only a dominant force on defense, but a versatile offensive threat who can consistently get his shot off from anywhere on the court.

Gasol is one of the most exciting players to watch and one of the most valuable players a team could possibly have on the court.