Marc Gasol Finally the Clear-Cut Captain of the Grizzlies?

Jan 21, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game against the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Now that Marc Gasol has signed a five-year maximum deal, is he automatically considered as the face of Memphis Grizzlies’ franchise?

On Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies formally announced Marc Gasol’s signing of a maximum contract which keeps him in Memphis for another five years.

This means that Big Spain is officially the Grizzlies’ highest-paid player on their current roster. He will be making more than two times as much as the next highest-salaried player on the team, who has been an integral part of the franchise’s history and record books.

Power forward Zach Randolph has been the Memphis Grizzlies’ true leader on and off the court ever since his arrival in Memphis in 2009 via trade.

Feb 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the game at FedExForum. Los Angeles Clippers beat Memphis Grizzlies 97-79. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Z-Bo has transformed the Grizzlies from an overlooked lottery team to a true championship contender. While always underrated, Memphis and its team has made upset after upset–in triumphant fashion–to become the elite team that they are known as today.

While Z-Bo could not have done it all by himself, he has won over the city and the Memphis Grizzlies’ fans. He is a fan favorite. There is little doubt–if any–that Z-Bo has solidified himself as the best Grizzy in the franchise’s history. He has been the face of the franchise–scowl and all.

However, times are forever changing.

The Grizzlies pride themselves on playing big. Their offense primarily is sought through the painted area. They are a frontcourt team–the entire association knows it, too. Over the past couple of seasons, there has been a major emergence in order to give the Grizz an additional threat on the floor–a threat that is dangerous on both ends of the floor.

The name? Mike Conley.

Conley has greatly improved his jump shot from his pre-NBA days. It has consistently became more lethal by the year. In the 2014-15 season, he nailed 38.6% of his outside attempts. This is all while he snagged 1.3 steals per game. MC can score from all over the court in virtually every way possible for a 6’1″ point guard as well as assist Tony Allen in shutting down elite backcourt scorers.

May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) handles the ball in the first quarter against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Mike has been snubbed multiple times now from being named an NBA All-Star. While he is still waiting for the recognition, he boosted his level of play to MVP-like in the 2015 NBA Playoffs. From going down with a brutal injury that should have ended his season to showing pure leadership, strength, and toughness, “Clutch Conley” stunned the basketball world. Who is this guy? He’s the Memphis Grizzlies’ floor general–as calm and collected as they come.

Conley put up an amazing fight in the postseason. Without MC, the Grizz would have fallen flat on their faces against the Golden State Warriors and most likely would have been swept in the second round. Grizz Nation was able to witness the greatness and importance of Mike in this past season. Perhaps Mac-11 is taking over the reigns from Zach Randolph? Or does this role still belong to someone else?

In 2015, Marc Gasol became an NBA All-Star for the second time of his career. This round was even greater for the city of Memphis than the initial appearance by Big Spain. Why? Not only did Gasol take part in the annual festivities, but he voted into the game as the Western Conference’s starting center by fans all across the world.

Marc is a global icon. The Memphis Grizzlies are, in return, gaining worldwide acknowledgement.

The max contract shows a turning of the tides–from Z-Bo to Big Spain. Conley is the perfect right-hand man for the All-Star center. Next season, 2015-16, will showcase a superior supporting cast for M-Town than that of 2014-15.

As a group, the gregarious Grizzlies of Beale Street are incredibly difficult to beat, whether in one game or a seven-game series. Their roster looks to have taken another step forward in the right direction. As for Gasol?

How about this?

Yes, there will be a lot more of that in the near future, Grizz Nation.

And how about this?

Marc Gasol is a leader.

This squad is in great hands with Big Spain at the helm. The team may not have a set “captain,” but MG is not afraid of taking big shots–final shots. He wants to win and will do whatever is necessary in order to reach the NBA Finals and beyond. Gasol will make his negotiations with the Memphis Grizzlies worth every penny.

Nov 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11), forward Zach Randolph (50) and center Marc Gasol against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Marc knows best. He could have easily left the Grizz to go to another team in search of his first championship ring; however, Memphis is the city for him. This roster is built for defense and compliments his game best. The fans are all-in for the team and Big Spain.

So, is Marc Gasol now the clear-cut captain of this Grizzly team?

You make the decision. When you think “Memphis Grizzlies,” what or who comes to mind besides “Grit-‘N’-Grind?”

Rather than being a captain, though, look at Big Spain as a veteran leader that can bring the band together in rough times or the best of times. A go-to guy. A winner.

Grizz Nation, the best of times have just begun.

Go Grizz!

Next: How well will former Grizzly Kosta Koufos fit in Sacramento with the Kings?

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