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

really confused as to what people want. dwight howard, dwayne dedmon, and javale mcgee are inferior players to (even bloated) marc gasol. you want more centers so we can play more slow guys? you need one. we have the best one that was available.

 

He's doing what's being asked of him and our team defense with him on the floor shows he's getting it done.



D still respects his range, whereas the D will not leave the paint for McGee or D12. His defense isn't flashy or highlight material, but the wall is solid and it works. McGee and D12 had the benefit of AD playing DPOY caliber D. AD hasn't been that guy this year and we're still at the top defensively (that's scary!)

My only complaint and I think we'll get more of it as the team continues to have more practice time together is I want him facilitating more at the top of the key.

D, rebounds, passing, and screening... that is his role. With the offensive weapons we have, we do not need him to be a scorer. There's only 1 ball.

 

just don't think he provides enough of a defensive presence compared to someone like Howard.

I think the lack of rim protection has been the number one factor why we've been struggling with average to bad teams lately.

 

The lack of rim protection is in part due to AD's slow start, it's not all on the lack od DH. Besides, we are playing different defense this season, you will give up points somewhere and our D overall is still very good to great (when they decide to show up).

Once AD is back to full form, our interior D will be great again, no doubt about it in my mind.

 

we've been allowing penetration from the perimeter all season, pretty much. at this point, i have to think it's at least partially by design. maybe they've decided limited three point opportunities is more important?

i don't know. i just know we have the #1 defense in the league and marc gasol outgrades the guys people are constantly whining about missing.

 

i think vogel answered it: they don't want him to. he pulls people out of the paint to contest his three from the head of the key (i'm waiting for some teams to start daring him, but they haven't yet), which opens up the floor for everyone.

 

Marc Gasol is like a security camera. Yeah, it's not going to physically stop you from burglarizing someone's home but it's a preventive measure. The threat of being a passer, floor spacer, and big body who would hurt you if you attack the rim does have some value even if it doesn't show on the box score.

 

His passing talent with those mostly perfect bounce passes is something else. Still think he may have a slightly higher gear when we get to the playoffs.

 

i think the real question is whether he'll be able to knock down a few threes if and when people start really testing him. if they won't chase him to the arc, it hurts his passing ability/angles, so it's important they still fear him out there. nobody has really decided not to go out after him at all yet.

i'm not worried defensively. the ways he gets beat are the same ways howard and mcgee got beat (none of them can defend in space, period). i'm only worried that his being out of shape will lead to injury, and we can't have harrell and nobody else. but again, the buyout market will probably have a big body to chuck at your jokics for the 20mpg you want to save AD.

 

At least once a game he makes a pass only a handful of players in the league are capable of making and that might be generous to the rest of the league.

 

yeah, i've been pretty clear that i think he's underappreciated here. if you like terrance ross or zach lavine or clint capela, marc's not your guy. but the lotto is your home.

 

Are we going to talk about Marc Gasol after every single game ?

He's only 7th when it comes to minutes played on this roster...