Marc Gasol Discussion: The Rain In Spain Falls Mainly On The Plain

I think he's been fine on the PnR: more of an issue as a weak side rim protector. He was never a great leaper but with his massive size he had quick enough feet to help. Now not so much.

Still his job is eat regular season minutes till the Lakers go AD for 40+ mpg in the playoffs. If he can do that even against just weaker teams like the Wolves it will be fine

 

I'll take smarts over speed, especially in the post season. The longer he's here, the more he's going to be on the same page with teammates. We saw it offensively with Bron tonight and the D looked better tonight, too.

 

And this is why I think he can have a career high season in assists with us this year...

 

One for the record books

 

He looks and plays so much like old man Sabonis on the Trail Blazers. Sits at the top of the arc orchestrating the offense while little guys swirl around him cutting

 

Can’t be. It was declared he’s washed and no improvement possible after 2 games. When the guy was at the 96th percentile on D this past season for his position. Also buried 3 3s including a 35 footer. The offense has 2 dimensions added with he and Shroeder breaking down the defense in addition to LeBron. Shroeder doing it regular season not having to wait for the playoffs like Rondo.

 

Is he as good a passer as Jokic or should I ask it the other way around? Honest question.

 

This is the difference with Marc. D12 and McGee are read and react players, for better or worse. Their athleticism and length lead to blocks and highlights. Marc is an anticipatory defender. He is playing chess while they're playing checkers (I felt like that should be used for the 1 zillion and 1th time here). He reads what's ahead. He'll get the rip, the stop, and the ugly block that won't be on ESPN highlights.

 

man those give-n-gos with lebron are so fun to watch. hopefully this is the start of him meshing with the team

 

I think he's better and smarter with the pass. Jokic watches Marc and Sabonis tape. He might be quicker with the execution and he should be, he's only 25.

 

Biggest advantage Jokic has with passing as he's a great passer on the move and in the old man Sabonis role. I haven't seen Marc be as good with the ball once he gets his body going: probably has to concentrate more on just getting his big body just going lol

 

Seems to me, AD and Harrell are his Kryptonite, as long as he doesn't play with those 2

 

Pass to Gasol at the top of the circle, cut to basket, easy 2. Rinse and repeat.

Gasol looking good with everyone cutting around him is more evidence to play AD as a true 5 imo.

 

Not sure what you’re saying? But makes me think what if Marc helps teach AD how to play similarly from same position and execute same type passes for a different AD look any time they want it. And keep the great movement off ball going. Look at LeBron enjoying the heck out of being on the receiving end of give and go’s with another great passer. Change it up whenever. Might be what you are saying too as opposed to “stretch 5”?

 

He needs mobile guys to make his passes, I don't think AD and Trezz are compatible to Marc's game

 

the sabonis comparisons are spot-on

they really don't even need him to score

 

Sorry, I was thinking a little too far ahead without explaining. I was thinking in terms of rotations. A starting lineup with Gasol and AD seems like we're playing both of our centers with no backup. I wouldn't mind seeing a lineup where we start Trez & AD at center. Call Trez the center, who cares. AD wants to be called DPOY so it might not matter what position he plays. Gasol coming off the bench would really unlock the offense for both squads, and the lighter minutes load could suit him at this stage of his career. He looked incredible as a focal point in the offense, I think he should be the guy to relieve AD. Just a thought.

To your point about executing passes, we've definitely seen Trez throw some nice passes from the top like Gasol. They might be training out of same position in practice. I have no doubt AD could do that too.