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Memphis Grizzlies: Is Marc Gasol or Mike Conley more important?

By Demarius Davis

Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) celebrates after a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) celebrates after a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Without Marc Gasol or Mike Conley, the Memphis Grizzlies would be nothing. Who’s more valuable to this team though? Big Spain or Money Mike?

We can all agree that Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are the two most important players for the Memphis Grizzlies, but who is more valuable to the team’s success? Without either of them, they would be a part of the league’s bottom tier. However, could they survive without one of them? If so, who is it?

Case for Marc

The Lakers selected Marc Gasol in the 2nd round of the 2007 Draft, with the 48th pick. After being considered an afterthought in the Pau Gasol trade, he has become one of the best big men in the game.

He’s a unique player, with the size to punish down low, the range to be a pick-and-pop threat, and the passing vision of a point guard. Big Spain is finally playing with the confidence to be a go-to scorer in the this league. He has extended his range to beyond the arc and had a career season last year because of it.

Accomplishments

Marc has hauled in the accolades over his career, being named 2nd Team All-Rookie (2009), Defensive Player of the Year (2013), 2nd Team All-Defense (2013), and 1st and 2nd All-NBA teams in 2014 and 2013, respectively. He has also made the All-Star squad three times (2012, 2015, 2017). He’s currently on a 5-year, $110M deal that he signed in 2015. Marc is definitely the most accomplished Center in franchise history, and an argument could be made for greatest Grizzly ever.

Case for Mike

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Mike Conley 44 spots ahead of Marc Gasol, with the 4th overall pick in the 2007 Draft. Mike has developed into the traditional floor general for the Grizzlies over his career. He picks and chooses his spots when to attack or facilitate. Coach Fizdale has given Conley the green light this past year, and urged him to be more aggressive. As a result, he broke out as one of the league’s best point guards.

Accomplishments

Mike will forever be labeled underrated even when he produces. He has been named 2nd Team All-Defense 2013, finished top 10 in Assists (2012), and top 5 in steals three times (2011, 2012, 2013). Money Mike has established himself as a two-way stud in this league. Mike signed a huge five-year, $152.6 Million contract in the 2016 offseason. To this point he has earned every penny of it.

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What’s the decision?

Both Marc and Mike have firmly placed themselves atop the Mount Rushmore of this franchise. Marc was once considered a throw-in, in the trade for his brother Pau. Now he’s a top 5 player at his position and a top 15 player overall. Many considered Mike a bust because he failed to live up to his draft position early on. Now he’s one of the league’s premier two-way point guards.

These two have navigated us through the greatest era in franchise history. But who do you believe is more important?

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