Deciphering Whether Memphis Grizzlies’ Gasol is Best Center

Marc Gasol’s Case

Big Spain is averaging his career-best in scoring this season, which is major reason as to why he is the Grizzlies’ MVP thus far.

When it comes down to the Grizzlies scoring the basketball, MG is sometimes option 1-C, where Randolph might be 1-A and Mike Conley being 1-B. Now with the addition of Jeff Green, it adds another big-time scorer to the mix.

Other than scoring the basketball in which Marc has a plethora of moves, he is also a solid passer/playmaker. He has been one of the top defensive centers over the past several NBA seasons, too. It is hard for anyone to top his current 1.8 BPG average.

While the Grizzlies’ center is 7’1″ in height, he only averages 8.0 rebounds per game. The reason for that? His hardnosed teammate–Zach Randolph. Z-Bo is the playground bully in the paint–gobbling up rebounds left and right. Once Z-Bo gets his boards, there are not many left for anyone else.

Feb 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and forward Zach Randolph (50) celebrate after a play against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Atlanta 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Gasol’s assist numbers would make you think he was a starting point guard–nearly four helps per game. This aids in his Player Impact Estimate rating–which is high amongst all other top NBA centers, rightfully so, at 15.5%.

Put all of these categories together, and you will see that Big Spain is averaging an incredible 22.24 Player Efficiency Rating. In an age where true centers are becoming more and more rare, this stat fact becomes even more impressive.

Marc Gasol is the real deal. Do any other true centers rival his play and production?

Let’s find out.

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