Why the Memphis Grizzlies Are Still the Best Team for Marc Gasol

The Memphis Grizzlies remain the best fit for Marc Gasol due to his comfort with the organization, as well as with the team’s style of play and surrounding personnel. 

Gasol is expected to agree to terms with Memphis on a new deal no later than Thursday, according to Turner Sports’ David Aldridge: 

The center made it clear that he has no interest in leaving the Grizzlies, as he did not seriously entertain offers from any other teams, according to ProBasketballTalk’s Kurt Helin: 

Update: It took longer than expected, but Gasol has reached a deal with Memphis:

Gasol’s comfort with Memphis played a large role in his decision to re-sign with the team. The Spaniard has been connected to the team since his high school days, when brother Pau Gasol played for the Grizzlies, as noted by ESPN.com’s Marc Stein. 

Gasol really has no reason to leave the only home he has known in the United States. Teammate and star point guard Mike Conley told Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck in February that Gasol has come to embody what it means to live in Memphis. 

"Marc won't tell you, but he's from Memphis," said Conley, one of Gasol's closest friends. "We say that all the time, man. He embodies everything this city is about—the toughness, the blue-collar work ethic, all those things that this city's about, is how Marc carries himself.” 

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

That comfort has certainly been evident on the court throughout Gasol’s stellar career in Memphis. He has averaged 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and three assists per game in seven seasons. He enjoyed a career-best year of 17.4 points per game last season, earning first-team All-NBA honors. 

His teammates make him better as well. No other big man in the NBA is a better fit playing next to Gasol than Zach Randolph. 

As a bruising, powerful force in the paint, Randolph demands double-teams when he has the ball close to the rim. This allows Gasol space to find an open pocket down low for a pass or an offensive rebound, as well as letting him step out and hit mid-range jump shots, a skill which he has come to master during his career. 

It also works the other way. Gasol frequently draws multiple defenders in the paint. This allows him to find Randolph or other open teammates for easier shots. As you can see here, Gasol is one the league’s best passing big men: 

One of Conley’s best assets is creating penetration or getting out on the fast break and making plays. Gasol also benefits from this by receiving open looks from his point guard and making more space himself to create plays for teammates. Here is a great example of such a play: 

The Grizzlies play through their big men, which makes Gasol the focal point offensively and defensively. 

Besides his scoring numbers, his central importance is evident in the team’s defensive strategy. Memphis has two of the league’s best perimeter defenders in Conley and guard Tony Allen. The team uses these two to lock down jump-shooters and force them to drive. This then allows them to funnel opponents inside to Gasol and Randolph. 

Gasol is an athletic and rangy shot-blocker who can really get up to defend shots. Just ask the high-flying Russell Westbrook: 

This strategy played a key role in Memphis' taking a 2-1 series lead over NBA champion Golden State in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, as the team was able to frustrate Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. 

Moving forward, the Grizzlies must make additional moves in order to truly contend for a league title. The team is currently projected to have a similar roster to past squads, which have only made it past the conference semifinals once in the last five years. 

The team plays a gritty style that is well-suited for the playoffs, but they need more scoring on the perimeter to complement Conley’s slashing ability, especially to keep up with high-scoring units like Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers. 

A player like former San Antonio Spurs sharpshooter Marco Belinelli would be a great fit to space the floor for the team and be an option for Gasol to pass to out of double-teams. 

Another player who could provide a spark on the perimeter is J.R. Smith. Although his history of attitude problems and defensive struggles may not be ideal for Memphis, there is no doubt he is a talented shooter, which the Grizzlies need. 

Gasol is a great fit for the Grizzlies on and off the court. The team will need to make some improvements, but with him Memphis will be in good shape in the vaunted Western Conference.