Dec 19, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol was named as an NBA All-Star starter this week–an accomplishment that no other Grizzly has reached in the franchise’s history. This raises the question: Over the years, which brother has been the better player for Memphis?
Marc Gasol was elected via fan voting to be a starter in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, which New York City will host. His older brother and former member of the Grizzlies, Pau Gasol, was voted into the annual game by fans to be a starter for the Eastern Conference. Marc, of course representing the Grizzlies in the West, will be a part of basketball history when the Marc meets Pau at the starting center position on Sunday, February 15th.
Feb 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) hug after the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Los Angeles Lakers 108 – 103. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Pau Gasol had an excellent career for the Grizzlies. Although he was primarily a power forward while in Memphis, Pau has been transitioning into the center position in his older age. The two Gasol brothers have differed in their game styles–Pau being more lean, adding finesse to his craft, whereas Marc is a more physical, stout player while also owning smooth skills.
The two frontcourt stars perhaps own the finest post moves of this generation. From footwork to passing to pump fakes in the paint–and even turnaround jump shots–the Gasol brothers have been providing jaw-dropping plays for NBA crowds ever since Pau entered the league in 2001.
Clawing at the Stats
Pau Gasol spent seven seasons in a Memphis uniform. Over that span, Pau appeared in 476 total games for the Grizzlies while shooting better than 50% from the field and scoring a total of 8,966 points. He also collected 4,096 total rebounds, dished out 1,473 assists, poked away 247 steals, and swatted 877 opponents’ shots. To say that Pau Gasol was a big piece of the Memphis Grizzlies’ franchise is an understatement. At times, he was a valid league MVP candidate. Pau even earned four NBA All-Star selections while residing in Memphis. Astounding.
Similarly, Marc is in the middle of his seventh season with the Grizz. To compare him to his older sibling, MG has played 478 total career games–all with the Grizzlies. He has collectively shot 51.1% to tally 6,684 career points up to this very day. Besides scoring, Marc Gasol has attached 3,785 boards, 1,402 helpers, 444 rips, and 742 swats to the Grizzlies’ statistical leaderboard. Marc will be participating in his second All-Star selection this year, although this is the first time a Grizzly has ever been a starter in the game.
Sir Charles In Charge
Overall, Marc may be considered the better defender and Pau the better offensive weapon, but it is incredible how identical both brothers have been behind the numbers while representing the city of Memphis. Marc could soon surpass his brother in multiple categories, especially if MG signs a contract extension to remain a Grizzly for future years.
Winning May Not Be Everything
It is almost unquestionable that Marc Gasol has been and is surrounded by far better talent than Pau Gasol had by his side when he was on the Grizzlies’ roster. Pau had never helped an NBA team win a single playoff series until the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers–in return for a package that landed Marc’s NBA rights on Beale Street. Marc Gasol, with major help from frontcourt partner Zach Randolph and other quality teammates, have defeated many teams and advanced many times through playoff rounds–even consecutively.
Nov 15, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) blocks a shot attempt by Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Gasol was the starting center a 2011 Grizz team that was eighth-seeded and managed to topple the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. He has helped lead the Memphis Grizzlies past contending teams of the OKC Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers in the toughest of contests.
How would Pau Gasol fare with teammates such as Z-Bo, Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and others? He may not be as physical as younger brother Marc, but the Gasols indeed post very similar statistics. The two are elite basketball talents. Even if Marc would wind up surpassing Pau in all the major career statistical categories, he may still not be the clear-cut better brother.
The Gasols have been a blessing for Memphis. Pau lit the torch and carried the franchise for seven years. He handed it off to Marc and another seven years later, an NBA World Championship is in sight and within reach.
Though history is still writing itself for Marc Gasol and his Grizzlies’ career, there is one guarantee: Another classic head-to-head matchup is brewing between the Gasol brothers to conclude All-Star Weekend 2015–one that Memphis Grizzlies fans should very much enjoy.
Go Grizz!