Fansided

30 players who define each NBA franchise

By Adam McGee

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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C. Memphis Grizzlies 2008-present. Marc Gasol. #33. player. 211.

Honorable Mentions: Pau Gasol, Mike Conley, Zach Randolph

May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Before this past summer it would have been almost impossible to separate the Gasol brothers in terms of their importance to the Grizzlies. Now with Marc Gasol’s decision to re-sign and to continue building upon his growing legacy in Memphis, it seems like he’s grabbing the mantle away from his older brother.

When Marc arrived in Memphis as part of the trade that saw his brother move to LA, I’m not sure what many in Memphis, or indeed around the NBA expected. Sure, he was Pau’s brother, but it wasn’t anticipated that he could reach anywhere near the same heights that his sibling had climbed.

In reality, the low-key younger brother was just what the Grizzlies needed. Eventually paired alongside the fiery Zach Randolph the two would combine to not only create one of the league’s best frontcourts, but also establish the Grizzlies identity as a franchise too.

He wants to make everyone better. I know he makes me better. – Mike Conley

Gasol has all the heart, grit and determination in the world, but he’s also not lacking in size, skill or intelligence. That makes him the perfect face for a Grizzlies team who always seems capable of finding a way to win.

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