Memphis Grizzlies: 2017-18 player grades for Marc Gasol

Weaknesses

In the absence of his best roster buddy, Gasol played much of the season like this: getting doubled or nearly tripled-teamed in the post, before watching his teammates give up an easy transition layup:

Gasol not getting back on D there is a microcosm of his effort level this season. That is what makes his season so hard to analyze. How much of his statistical decline is due to a loss of talent vs. just a general lack of effort?

One sign of a loss of talent: Gasol’s shooting percentage has how worsened in three consecutive seasons, with this year’s 3.9 percent drop from 2016-17 being the biggest decline yet.

Most of this drop in shooting percentage can be found in the mid-range. Gasol shot under 40 percent from 3-16 feet for the first time since, well, ever. Some of this can be attributed to no Conley. Some is a loss of skill. Either way, this trend was concerning for Gasol.

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Many stats fall into that category of the confounding variables with Conley. Passing stats are one example. Gasol had his second highest assists per 36 minutes, but his most turnvoers per 36. This is because he played the role of the lead creator instead of Conley, made more passes, and thus, committed more turnovers. It is unlikely he became more careless with the ball this year.

Something discouraging: Gasol had his second-worst free throw rate this season. If his shot isn’t falling and he isn’t getting to the line, he can’t be an effective scorer.

The concern with Marc Gasol is on offense. If he can’t be clever and score anymore, his value will quickly deteriorate — so much so that he could opt into his player option for the 2019-20 season. However, if Conley’s return helps Gasol be the player he used to be offensively, we will forget this season even happened. Gasol could be falling off, but we will find out more next year.