Into the Bears’ Den: Memphis Grizzlies midseason review
MVP
Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA): Marc Gasol.
The Grizzlies wouldn’t be where they are without their All-NBA center. Gasol is averaging career-highs in points, assists and three-point percentage. In addition, he’s anchoring an elite defense. The expansion of his range has been a major key for this team. Not only could he make a team pay for leaving him open, but he could also take them off the dribble. It’ll be a complete travesty if Gasol doesn’t make the All-Star team.
Blake Meyer (@buhhlockaye): Marc Gasol.
Not to copy Parker or anything, but Gasol has been basically the entire team. With Randolph relegated to sixth man and Conley missing a few weeks due to injury, Gasol didn’t miss a beat. He has the ability to be an elite defender, rebounder and scorer. In addition, he may be the best passing center in the NBA. This team would be far worse without him.
Taylor Buckley (@sctaylor94): Zach Randolph.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: how can the guy coming off of the bench be our MVP? But, that’s exactly why he’s my pick for MVP. Randolph coming off the bench has been invaluable for the Grizzlies. He easily could’ve been opposed to the move to the bench, but he accepted it and took it in stride. While his numbers have dropped some, due to fewer minutes, he has been a beast off the bench. His per-36 numbers show just how dominate he has been this year, averaging 21.2 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Without Zach willingly going to the bench, the Grizzlies wouldn’t be where they are right now.
Ryan Schmitz (@XC_Gang_Schmitz): Marc Gasol.
With Gasol’s improved range, he has only added another weapon to carry the team. Gasol is the Swiss-army knife of this team. He shoots, goes inside, passes, rebounds and provides interior D. When he struggles, the team does too. The Grizzlies are 5-4 when Marc scores 16 points or less compared to 19-11 when he scores more than 16. The team is also 0-2 when he doesn’t play so if that doesn’t prove his worth, I dont know what does.
Jackson Munyon (@Jackson_Munyon04): Mike Conley
Sure Mike has missed some time, but he can’t help that. He is a true star for the Grizzlies, and his play is proving it. He’s averaging just under 19 points a game to go along with 6 assists, but most importantly he’s getting the ball to Big Spain. Marc has been outstanding this season, after completely reinventing his 3-point ability, but Mike has been the one to set up the plays to get him the ball. We, also, can’t fail to mention his ability to knock down a shot when the game is on the line. He wasn’t given the nickname “Captain Clutch” for nothing.