Memphis Grizzlies Duo Exemplifies National Best Friend Day

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are a tight-knit tandem that continue to carry the franchise during the transition of eras.

When you think of the best days of the Memphis Grizzlies, you probably imagine Zach Randolph. Perhaps Tony Allen, “The Grindfather.” There is plenty of grit mixed within lots of grind. To complete the franchise’s legendary core of four, you can never leave out center Marc Gasol and point guard Mike Conley.

Though Zach and Tony were the innovators of “GNG,” Gasol and Conley are one-half of the winning equation that has remained on Beale Street. Business factors (and age) have factored into the split of the Memphis Grizzlies’ core, which would best be described as a brotherhood. On the court or off it, the word “family” comes to mind, though no blood relation exists amongst these four ballers.

Look at the dramatic change in the Memphis Grizzlies’ winning percentage, even from a mediocre season in 2016-17 to the lottery-bound year Grizz Nation most recently experienced in 2017-18. From 52.4% to 26.8%, that is a 25.6% decline. The reason for the drop is not hard to explain.

Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies’ brotherhood saw a subtraction of two of its veteran leaders. However, the franchise’s focus and forward movement is placed upon having faith in their three-time NBA All-Star center, Marc Gasol, and incredible two-way point guard, Mike Conley.

Did you know that June 8th is celebrated as National Best Friends Day? If you did not, then now you do. From a Memphis Grizzlies perspective, this star-powered duo perfectly exemplifies this national day, whether widely-celebrated or not.

These two Grizzlies complement each other exceptionally well on the court. For some Grizzlies fans, they know no other Memphis than one featuring “Big Spain” and “The Conductor.” Gasol, playing his first NBA game in 2008, has been Conley’s teammate for 10 consecutive seasons. Plus, the ride is not over yet.

In the summer of 2015, Marc Gasol signed a five-year, $110 million contract to resign with the Memphis Grizzlies. Though he could have chosen to move to a larger market, such as New York, or land with a championship contender, by the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, “Big Spain” kept true to his heart. He re-upped with Memphis, his home away from home. But more importantly, he made a commitment to Mike Conley.

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One year later, Conley hit the free-agency market. Much like Gasol, he had options on the table. Yes, more money was in the works if Mike would choose to return to Memphis, which he obviously did. However, the bigger picture is that “Mac-11” returned to the Grizzlies and returned the commitment to Marc. Mike wanted to finished what he started in 2007 when the Grizz selected him with the fourth overall pick of the NBA Draft.

No. 11 and No. 33 have been inseparable. Barring an unexpected trade, this combination of Grizz stars will play at least one more season together. In the summer of 2019, Marc Gasol will have to make a decision on what to do with his Player Option. If he locks in with Memphis once again, he will not hit free-agency until 2020. Mike Conley’s current contract does not end until the 2021 offseason.

With Zach Randolph in the Memphis Grizzlies’ past, Gasol and Conley continue to climb up the franchise’s all-time record books. These two guys rank first and second — in alternating order — in total games played, total minutes played, field goal attempts, points, and assists. From an advanced stats point-of-view, Marc and Mike also lead the franchise in all-time defensive win shares, offensive win shares, and total win shares. If considering the Grizzlies’ best player in franchise history, you should look no further than these two Memphis icons. Among this duo, you could begin to argue.

Imagine if Conley had not missed 70 games this season. He would own greater numbers, and Gasol likely would too — reaping the benefits of having Mike creating plays for him. Their win total would have been much greater, too, and an eighth consecutive playoff berth probably would have been clinched by the Grizzlies.

With a healthy Conley returning to the lineup next season, the NBA world should instill their faith in the Grizzlies once again. When Memphis’ center-point guard pairing plays at their peak, anything is possible. Perhaps the franchise has not yet reached their highest point with the names “Gasol” and “Conley” on the roster. That is why this franchise remains all-in to win now.

Go Grizz!