Not since Tim Duncan in 2002-03 has a centre been crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies is on track to change that, and in doing so, break the hot streak of guards and small forwards including Kevin Durant (2013-14), LeBron James (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2012-13), Derrick Rose (2010-11) and Kobe Bryant (2007-08).
Unlike most talked-about MVP candidates, the 7’1″ Spaniard isn’t in the top 10 in points per game leaders (Gasol is equal 19th with 19.9 ppg), nor top 10 in rebounds per game (equal 25th with 8.1 rpg), or one of the leaders in blocked shots (15th with 1.5 blkpg).
The 29-year-old All Star and younger brother of fellow NBA player Pau Gasol (Chicago Bulls) may not be leading in the stats department, but he is definitely the leader of the league’s equal-best team at 12-2, 8-0 at home (the Toronto Raptors lead the eastern conference with the same record).
Memphis made it to the playoffs by a mere two games last season, finishing seventh ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns who missed the cut. The Grizzlies were on track for a 56-win (projected) season prior to their big man’s year coming to an end after a career-low 59 games due to a knee injury.
With Gasol in the line-up, Memphis recorded a solid 40-19 (.678). However, when in a suit and tie on the sidelines, the Grizzlies went 10-13 (.435). The previous season, the 2008 Spanish League MVP earned All-NBA Second Team honours and was named Defensive Player of the Year. The numbers and awards speak volumes of Gasol’s importance to Memphis’ championship contention.
Not too bad for a guy selected 48th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers before his draft rights were traded to Memphis.
On Monday night (AEDT), Gasol continued his aggressive start to the season, dominating the Los Angeles Clippers’ front court of DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Spencer Hawes and Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis off the bench. Gasol posted 30 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 assist in 34 minutes – Gasol has become a much-loved addition for fantasy players.
Last week, the best from the west (Memphis) went head-to-head against the best from the east, the Toronto Raptors. The Grizzlies battled their way through the game with a shortened roster after five players were ruled out of the game with a stomach virus, spending time in the Toronto hospital. Gasol scored 22 and pulled down 12 rebounds, however missed two vital free-throws late in the game in a very solid game.
Memphis – depending on the roster staying healthy – is a top-four seed in the western conference; they’d likely finish as the fourth seed if Gasol didn’t miss 23 games. With similarities with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls, Gasol is surrounded by a highly skilled group including Zach Randolph (the two forming a formable big man duo), shooting guard Courtney Lee who is presently putting up career-high numbers, Mike Conley at the point guard position, and Tony Allen adding value.
Off the bench, the Grizzlies bring in eight-time All Star Vince Carter and four-time All Defensive Second Team honouree Tayshaun Prince, a member of the 2004 Detroit Pistons championship team.
If Memphis is to bring championship number one home, Gasol needs to be on the court and off the injury list. He is more important to his team than LeBron James (a four-time regular season MVP) or Anthony Davis, as they won’t play in the post-season. Others in the MVP discussion are Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors) and Kyle Lowry (Toronto).
However, the season is still very, very early.
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