One of the main storylines from the early portion of the season has been the strong start for the Grizzlies. At 12-6, they sit second in the Western Conference, just a 1/2 game out of the top spot in the standings.
The Grizzlies’ offseason was executed with a focus on revitalizing grit and grind, and the results have been very promising so far. Heading into Sunday’s game, the Grizzlies owned the league’s second-ranked defense, which has allowed them to overcome their 24th ranked offense.
A key to this strong start is that the team’s best players are healthy and playing at the levels they did when the Grizzlies last made the playoffs in 2017. Mike Conley is averaging over 20 points and 6 assists per game, while Marc Gasol is having his best season in years after slouching through last season’s tanking and turmoil.
Gasol is averaging 17.6 points, 9.8 rebounds (a career-high), and 3.9 assists per game this season, and he has returned to his Defensive Player of the Year levels as the true anchor of the defense. When Gasol is on the floor, the Grizzlies’ defense improves by 8.5 points per 100 possessions. Lineups with Gasol at center have posted a defensive rating of 102.9, which would be the best rank in the league by nearly two points per 100 possessions.
What should give the Grizzlies (and their fans) confidence is that the pairing of Gasol and Jaren Jackson has had tremendous defensive success. Lineups with that pair on the floor own a defensive rating of 95.4, which is a testament to the strong defensive play from their starting frontcourt. Finally, Gasol tops the league in defensive real plus-minus (+4.72) by a wide margin, highlighting his ability to impact and lead the Grizzlies’ elite unit.
With all that being said, it’s time that Gasol is mentioned in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. If Gasol and the Grizzlies continue with this level of defense over the course of the season, Gasol should be a top candidate for the award. While one would think that a ground-bound big man like Gasol would struggle in today’s NBA, the Grizzlies have surrounded Gasol with enough defensive talent to support his incredible basketball IQ and size to stifle opponents.
What do you think about Gasol’s resurgence and defensive impact this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Marc G is good every other year, and this is a Big Spain year.
+/- for the last 7 years starting 2012/13:
6.1, 2.9, 4.8, 1.0, 4.2, 1.5, & 5.2 so far this year.
One of the Bigs that has wasted away in the West. If he was traded to the East in his prime, maybe would have been able to make a run.
He is a real star, he always delivers the goods, shame he hasn’t had more team success, but DPOY & 1st All-NBA team aren’t too bad, probably should have been all-star a few more times. But he really has a very high basketball IQ, just see the way he has become a sharpshooter from long distance, his high APG, the guy is just great to watch. Always competes & try his hardest.