What will be Marc Gasol’s impact on the Memphis Grizzlies’ upcoming 2017-18 season? Whether traded or not, he’ll be huge in this pivotal season.
Marc Gasol has been a cornerstone of the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent era of NBA relevance, carrying on a proud family tradition. Traded to Memphis for his brother, he evolved into one of the league’s best all-around big men, winning a Defensive Player of the Year with numerous All-Star nods.
As beloved as he is on Beale St, the 2017-18 season must be a stern evaluation of Gasol’s viability to the franchise. He holds value to the team both as a player and trade asset; which of those is greater might be out of his hands.
The Grizzlies are at a definite crossroads, and if this year’s roster struggles to compete, there’s definitely an argument for dealing Gasol and hitting the rebuild switch. Considering all possibilities, here’s how his season could play out:
The Rebuild Begins
As much fight as the Grizzlies have in them, the West is a murderer’s row right now. Barring a miracle return to form from Chandler Parsons, they may struggle to keep their playoff streak alive.
Under a wide range of outcomes, it may be plausible to explore dealing Gasol and building equity for the future. Such a trade would immediately plummet Memphis into the lottery, allowing them to cash in on a draft rich in big men.
Gasol’s under contract at a great price through 2020, meaning his trade value won’t be killed by flight risk (see: George, Paul). It wouldn’t be unreasonable for Memphis to expect a package built around a lotto pick, young stud or some lesser combination of the two in return.
Stays In Memphis
If the Grizzlies can exceed expectations and entrench themselves in the West playoffs, it’ll be impossible to justify dealing a franchise player. Assuming Gasol does stay, he’ll serve an immense role. To understate things, he’s a vital talent and veteran presence on this young new roster.
Memphis is also short on reliable big men, dogged by both injury tendency (Brandan Wright) and inexperience (everyone else). Gasol may have to get comfortable banging the glass again (career-low 6.3 rpg last year), or the Grizzlies’ rebounding could fall off a cliff with Z-Bo and The Grindfather gone.
Other than that, you know what you’re getting from Gasol: Elite defense and playmaking. High-IQ positioning on both sides of the ball. An array of moves inside 20 feet, and a feathery touch that extends even further.
If healthy, he’s capable of winning games in a variety of ways, which is crucial for a roster with as many uncertainties.
Will He Be Healthy?
This of course is the token issue surrounding the 32 year-old who’s logged many superfluous international minutes. Now playing in a more uptempo system, Gasol has shown a recent propensity for foot injury, which isn’t great news for a 7-footer who will likely be running more.
The unfortunate truth is that Gasol hasn’t strung together consecutive seasons of 70+ games once in his entire career. So many absences could very well mean the difference between playoffs or not — if he remains in Memphis. Another injury would clearly have implications for his trade value.
Coming off a deep run in FIBA Eurobasket, he had little time to rest in this shortened offseason, perhaps putting him at greater risk. Unfortunately, for this Grizz team to compete, he probably won’t be getting much respite.
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Final Thoughts
Whether or not Marc Gasol is traded, this will be a season of speculation for Memphis. Success won’t be measured in wins or losses, so much as answers to questions:
Are Tyreke Evans and (praying hands emoji) Chandler Parsons healthy? Is Ben McLemore’s career salvageable? Can JaMychal Green ease the pain of the Z-Bo breakup? Do James Ennis and Wayne Selden have another level? Does Andrew Harrison belong in the NBA?
Even as a franchise player, Gasol carries with him many question marks about his future. A potential trade wouldn’t be popular, but those skeptical of an unpopular trade’s potential benefit need look no further than Gasol’s own arrival in Memphis.