The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t had a true, dominating center for quite some time, and Marc Gasol could finally give them that.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, recently losing to the Brooklyn Nets 98-88 at home. Before the losing streak, the Grizzlies were 7-4, and now they are 7-12 and headed to a downward spiral. Could the Cleveland Cavaliers benefit from that.
During the loss to the Nets, Gasol was benched during the 4th quarter, and it did not sit with him well as he talked about it postgame.
It has been reported in the offseason that Gasol is untouchable, unless he asked out. The writing could be on the wall on the Gasol-Memphis era if this downward spiral continues. The Grizzlies the next day fired head coach, David Fizdale.
The only team so far that could be interested in Gasol is Boston, however, they are pretty much interested in every star/superstar that is available. It is not known what Cleveland’s interest on Gasol is.
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Gasol adds a dynamic piece the Cavs have not had in a long time. During LeBron James first two stints with the Cavs, he and the team has not had a physical, dominant starting center like Gasol. Gasol stretches the floor, creates more space for James, Isaiah Thomas, and Kevin Love to operate.
Gasol also has a three-point shot, which not many centers in the league have. Gasol is shooting 32.2 percent from three this season so far. Albeit, it is not a great percentage, but it is still effective enough for teams to guard him on the perimeter.
With the Grizzlies having a down year, Gasol’s defense is having a bad year as well. Gasol’s defensive rating when on the floor is 105.7, according to NBA.com STATS. Gasol’s offensive rating when on the floor is 100.8. Gasol’s usage when on the floor is 28.7 percent and his true shooting percentage is 52..8 percent. To compare usage percentages, LeBron James usage percentage is 30.4 percent, while Kevin Love’s is 25.5 percent.
Here is Gasol dominating the Golden State Warriors at the start of the season.
Here is Gasol dominating against the Houston Rockets.
However, here are three possible trades the Cavs.