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Memphis Grizzlies: Raptors Decisively Win Marc Gasol Trade

By AJ Salah

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 4: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on February 4, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 4: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on February 4, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol
Memphis Grizzlies Traded Marc Gasol on Thursday (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Memphis Perspective

Even before they publicly put Marc Gasol on the trading block, it was obvious that the Memphis Grizzlies needed to deal him. They had Step 1 of a rebuild in place (rookie stud Jaren Jackson Jr), with every sign around him pointing to blowing this roster up.

With that said, they possessed a value trade chip in Gasol. Sure, other franchises might have balked at his age, but there is little evidence of any regression on Gasol’s part. Both his basic and advanced statistics strongly support this theory. Also relevant are genetics; Marc’s brother, Pau, played into his late-30s before falling off significantly.

Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley Reacts to Marc Gasol NBA Trade Rumors. light

Yes, his scoring numbers are down in a cement-paced system with few threats to create space or prevent double teams. But virtually every other Gasol stat — and makes his presence felt everywhere — is near or above his peak level. He still rates as one of the NBA’s top defenders, and is the best-passing center outside Nikola Jokic.

As recently as seven weeks ago, before Memphis plummeted down the standings, Marc Gasol was a sure-fire NBA All-Star and DPOY front-runner. A couple months of internet inundation and a 34th birthday can change a lot in people’s minds.

With such an asset, Memphis should have looked to nab future assets that helped them build long-term. Instead, they were force-fed a cold bowl of Masai Stew.

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