Memphis Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol returns to full practice on Monday

November 20, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) and center Marc Gasol (33) celebrate after a basket during overtime against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 88-81 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Memphis Grizzlies have been without their best player, center Marc Gasol, since November 22nd, but they received some fantastic news on Monday in the form of their leader back on the court.

Gasol returned to full practice with the team on Monday, and there were reportedly no restrictions to his activity. As quoted above by Rob Fischer, Gasol felt no pain in his knee despite returning from a strained MCL, and that is the best possible sign in his recovery.

Prior to the injury, the Grizzlies were 7-5 in games where Gasol was available for the duration, and they are simply a better team with him in the middle of everything they do. The 28-year-old big man from Spain is the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and while he isn’t the biggest “stat guy” (14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds last season), he is one of the game’s best players who is always in the right place at the right time.

There still isn’t a clear timetable for Gasol to play in real, live NBA games, but this is a fantastic start for the player and the organization.

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