It is now time for Marc Gasol’s latest health update.
The big man, who is rehabbing a broken right foot, keeps himself motivated while walking on the treadmill by listening to The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” presumably on a loop.
This is a real sentence. And it comes accompanied by very real Instagram evidence:
Just so we’re clear, the caption “#believememphis” does not pertain to the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-round playoff bout with the San Antonio Spurs. They are down 2-0 in the series, losing both opening tilts by a combined 58 points. For the record, that’s a lot. And the Grizzlies, who are also without Mike Conley, are toast—less than a steppingstone on San Antonio’s path into the second round.
Which is why this Gasol update comes at a perfect time. It’s something marginally happy—a distraction from not only the push and pull and crap fest that is Memphis’ playoff crusade, but a diversion from other realities, such as Conley’s impending free agency and the fact that the grit ‘n’ grind Grizzlies have burned through their entire title window. Gasol may be 31 years old, prepping for the back end of his prime. But he remains a pivotal part of Memphis’ long-term plans. If Conley bolts in free agency, he will be the team’s lone star and sole franchise cornerstone (my apologies to Zach Randolph).
That he is making progress with his recovery, however slight, is huge. That he appears in good spirits during this long, winding road back is even bigger. Foot injuries are fickle setbacks for bigs, and if the Grizzlies are to make any noise in the Western Conference for the foreseeable future, they need Gasol to be Gasol upon return. So keep your fingers crossed that his recovery goes as well as this phenomenal Instagram post.
This has been your latest Marc Gasol health update.
You may now return to normal playoff programming.