Pau Gasol vs. Marc Gasol: A Classic Tale of Sibling Rivalry
The Gasol brothers are one of the few pairs in the NBA to have both earned All-Star recognition, though they have yet to accomplish the feat in the same season.
Quality big men are hard to come by in today’s NBA. Players like DeAndre Jordan are paid millions a year by virtue of being tall and athletic. In an era with few dominating seven-footers, the Gasol brothers have proven not only successful, but are two of the very best.
The brothers are linked by more than just blood. Marc Gasol made his way to the NBA in a trade involving his older brother. Many, myself included, viewed the 2008 Pau give-away as an absolute steal for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Memphis Grizzlies traded away Pau for the draft rights to brother Marc and a heap of unserviceable players: Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and Aaron McKie.What was Memphis thinking?
Towards the future, apparently.
Pau’s production has dropped this year, a result of Andrew Bynum’s increased touches in the offense, as well as season-long trade distractions. Marc has gotten better each season, culminating in an All-Star selection while Pau watched on at home.
With Marc’s play improving, did the Lakers pick the right brother?
Absolutely. And not because Pau is the better player.
The Lakers already have arguably the best post-up center in the league, Andrew Bynum. Bynum’s also capable of spreading the floor, evidenced by his increase in three-point attempts. (Too soon?) Were the Lakers to retain the rights to Marc, their frontcourt would be intimidating, but ultimately one-dimensional.
The 7'0", 250 pound Pau is a natural power forward, though certainly still effective as a center, with range that extends out to the elbow. He’s extremely versatile. Pau defends and rebounds well, but really excels offensively. He has a soft touch around the rim, good mid-range jumper and passes very well out of the high post.
Behind Pau as the No. 2 option and, at times, the best player on the team, the Lakers won two NBA Championships. The results speak for themselves.
In contrast, Marc Gasol is an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier. Marc embraces the role of being a bruiser and is undoubtedly a back-to-the-basket post player.
Though excellent players, neither is perfect. While not necessarily fair, Pau has earned a reputation of being “Gasoft.” Marc’s weaknesses are his two left feet. In a defensive switch onto Chris Paul, the giant looks like he’s a teenager learning to dance at his first ball.
Four years later, the Gasol swap does not look nearly as lopsided. They may even quiet the discussion once and for all in April. The brothers are likely to face off in the first round of the postseason.
