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Memphis Grizzlies: New Season to Be Filled with Unpredictability for Marc Gasol

By Ed Memphis

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 12: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies gets introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets on October 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 12: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies gets introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets on October 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018-19, and a lot of the items directly or indirectly involve center Marc Gasol.

The 2017-18 NBA season was a roller coaster to say the least for the Memphis Grizzlies‘ Marc Gasol.

On one end, Marc had a relatively healthy season, appearing in 73 games during a “tank” of a season. His stats of 17.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and nearly two blocks per game are solid numbers even for a max player like “The Wendigo.”

On the flip side of things is that the Memphis Grizzlies only won 22 games of 82. Marc and former Head Coach David Fizdale’s relationship finally took a chance for the worst in the early portion of last season’s schedule. The Front Office decided to part ways with Fizdale after just one season and less than 20 games into the second campaign.

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Marc’s career-long sidekick of a point guard, Mike Conley, going down with injury for the season did not do the team any favors either. The show was running rapidly downhill.

Fast-forward beyond the 2018 NBA Draft where we got not one, but two top tier talents at steal value. A “money ball” themed free-agency saw the Grizzlies get pieces that will complement Marc Gasol on his quest for postseason play.

With management bringing in character-plus-skill guys like Garrett Temple and Kyle Anderson will not only prove to help Gasol on the court, but also off it.

Another one of Marc Gasol’s new teammates — Jaren Jackson Jr. — was selected in the aforementioned NBA Draft. Jackson Jr. is one phenomenally talented rookie, which earned him the honor of being selected fourth overall.

Jackson’s ability to protect the rim, switch, rotate, and then stretch the court gives Gasol a potential match made in heaven this season depending on the kid’s learning curve. The quicker the rookie gets acclimated, the better this team will be come April.

Having a healthy Mike Conley on the court leading the way is a huge relief to Gasol. You see, Marc is a brilliant passer for a big man with assist numbers on par with an average starting point guard. However, it was not nearly enough to replace what “The Conductor” brings as a floor general. In the Western Conference, it takes much more than one star in order to compete.

This season could be the turning point in Marc Gasol’s career in a multitude of ways. For starters, if the Memphis Grizzlies fail to reach the NBA Playoffs AND Mike Conley does not prove to be healthy, then Marc may very well skip town to join a contending team such as the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Alternatively, if Memphis endures a magical run and Jaren Jackson Jr. excels alongside Gasol, in addition to the rest of the components, then Marc may decide against uprooting his family. This could lead to a Beale Street ending to his NBA career. I certainly would not mind it, especially if his deal is had at a great rate versus the production found within his stat line.

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