Knicks: Top Free Agency Targets After Goran Dragic Trade
Feb 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol during warmups prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Center
Age: 30
2014-15 Slash Line: .491/.167/.819
2014-15 Season Averages: 33.9 MPG, 18.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.5 ORPG, 1.7 BPG, 0.9 SPG
For fans of international football, or soccer, Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies is the Manuel Neuer of the NBA. Much like Neuer, Gasol plays a protective role, but fills it differently than the average.
Gasol will not only anchor the interior defense, but he’ll improve the perimeter attack and serve as the perfect fit in the triangle offense.
Gasol’s name alone sparks interest, as his brother Pau Gasol won two NBA championships under current president of basketball operations Phil Jackson and alongside current Knicks head coach Derek Fisher. In this scenario, Carmelo Anthony would play the role of Kobe Bryant.
Much like his brother, Gasol is a skilled post player who can execute from the elbow or the low-block with immaculate efficiency.
Unfortunately, Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports reports that the Knicks only have so much of a realistic shot at landing Gasol.
"The Memphis Grizzlies big man who is less than five months away from hitting the open market certainly enjoyed his time in the Big Apple, especially since it meant hanging out with his older brother and fellow All-Star, Pau. But every last outsider who endured the worse-than-normal weather was left to wonder — if only in that moment — why they’d ever come back. Add in the fact that the hometown Knicks aren’t putting on the kind of show that entices top-tier players this season, and it’s safe to say that Phil Jackson’s hopes of pulling Marc out of Memphis are far from promising. But alas, there’s this slice of hope for Knicks fans: Marc loves New York City sushi."
At least there’s sushi.
Gasol, 7’1″ and 265 pounds, is 30 years old, but he plays a game that’s predicated on his size and fundamentals. He thrives with his back to the basket, is an excellent facilitator and dominates defensively.
Many expect the Grizzlies to retain Gasol, but the possibility remains for the Knicks to land the former Defensive Player of the Year. Fisher and Jackson have a great relationship with his brother, and Jose Calderon, who’s still in New York, has played with Gasol since 2006 on Spain’s national team.
It won’t be easy, but Gasol should be a top target.
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