Marc Gasol’s Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have always been somewhat of an underdog in the highly competitive Western Conference, but with their dominant start to the season and the MVP caliber play of Marc Gasol, they’ve finally received their share of respect. With a 21-7 record, they stand at 3rd place in the West, above fellow conference giants such as the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets.
Gasol has been exceptional, and is playing at the best level of his career. In just one more minute of playing time than a year ago, he’s found an extra five points per game to contribute, to bring him to an average of 19.9 per game in 2014.
As always he’s excelled at finding teammates from the top of the elbow or when he’s posting-up under the basket (3.8 assists per game), he’s rebounding better than he has in three years (8.1 per game) and he continues to be the dominant defensive anchor to the Grizzlies’ gritty defense.
There are other stars like James Harden, John Wall and Anthony Davis in the MVP race, but Gasol is only second to Steph Curry due to the success of his team. I know Memphis has lost their last three games, but the Chicago Bulls and Cavaliers are tough opponents (the Utah Jazz is a one off) so you can expect them to turn it around soon.