It Took Three Years, But the Marc Gasol Trade May Finally Be Paying Off
NBA, Video May 1st. 2011, 12:45pm
Three years and three months ago, the Lakers pulled off one of the biggest heists in NBA history – they plucked Pau Gasol from the Grizzlies for four players (one of them was his brother, Marc Gasol) and two first-round draft picks. The Lakers lost in the Finals in 2008, then won the title in 2009 and 2010. In that time span, the Grizzlies didn’t make the playoffs.
Finally, this season, the deal is starting to pay dividends. In addition to that trade, the Grizzlies made some other moves – chiefly, acquiring Zach Randolph – and had a couple nice drafts (Hasheem Thabeet, who has already been traded, does not count), and presto, they captured their first postseason series in franchise history.
The Grizzlies open the conference semifinals at 1 today against the Thunder. Memphis is a 6.5-point underdog in the opener.
Before anyone removes the “heist” label from the trade, let’s see what happens next year with Memphis. Was the first-round win over a creaky top seed just a fluke? Were the young, athletic, tough Grizzlies just a terrible matchup for San Antonio?
Since Memphis has already given lucrative extensions to Zach Randolph and Mike Conley, and resigned Rudy Gay last offseason, how will they find money to pay Marc Gasol? They’ll definitely lose Shane Battier this offseason.
Even though Memphis won three of four games from Oklahoma City this season, I like the Thunder in five. Perkins and Ibaka play much better interior defense than Duncan and McDyess, so I don’t expect Randolph to average the 26-13 he did against the Thunder in the regular season. Tony Allen vs. Kevin Durant should be fun.
- Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- LeBron and Wade (with Help From Udonis Haslem) Beat Pacers in Game 4, 101-93
- Here’s a Great Photo of Dave Cameron, Barack Obama and Angela Merkel Watching the Champions League Final
- Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl Ring Sold For $230,401
- Kings-Coyotes Begins A Busy Day At Staples Center, Which Ends With Clippers-Spurs Tonight . . . Maybe
- mizerle06 is sarah phillips on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- kaiserwilhelmreems on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- spencer096 on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- squawkbox on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- payaso on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
87 Responses to “It Took Three Years, But the Marc Gasol Trade May Finally Be Paying Off”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Schilling Defaulted on $75 Million Loan [bigleadsports.com]
%'s Favor Pacers, Will They Beat Heat? [bigleadsports.com]
Charissa Thompson, ESPN's New It Girl [bigleadsports.com]
Agassi on Olympics & The State of Tennis [bigleadsports.com]
Andre Dawson Talks Cubs, Biz of Baseball [bigleadsports.com]
MLB Could Alienate Fans With TV Move [usatoday.com]
May 1st, 2011 at 12:52 PM
More to the point, Ibaka and Perkins play much better defense than Green and Krstic did. Thunder up
May 1st, 2011 at 12:53 PM
So…when was Marc traded?
May 1st, 2011 at 1:01 PM
I guess it’s time for the Grizzlies to trade Marc to the Lakers for Derek Caracter, Luke Walton, Adam Morrison, and a first round pick.
/inevitable’d
//don’t know how many of those guys are still on the team
May 1st, 2011 at 1:03 PM
The only way this trade pays off is if the Grizz win two titles (as of now) in a row. The younger Gasol might be becoming a better player, but Pau was one of the two key players to an incredible run in the NBA.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:06 PM
Good defense can force a player to take unorthodox shots. Good defense isn’t going to have as much of an effect on Randolph, because that’s what he takes anyway. Good for the Grizzlies that they play in Memphis where they get the chance to develop a squad. That couldn’t have worked in NY, where the media would have had Gasol under the same type of scrutiny as Eddy Curry
May 1st, 2011 at 1:08 PM
I again offer up my service to TBL to be the blog fact checker…this run of screwups could have been prevented
May 1st, 2011 at 1:09 PM
eddy curry wouldn’t have succeeded in kalamazoo, darrell. he was/is a slug
May 1st, 2011 at 1:10 PM
So…when was Marc traded?
I again offer up my service to TBL to be the blog fact checker…this run of screwups could have been prevented
what’s with the harsh standards? posts are just for comenters, and commenters love to point out mistakes
/;
May 1st, 2011 at 1:14 PM
I don’t think it’s harsh for a headline to be correct, if my standards are too high, then oh well.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:18 PM
chief i thought you had a sense of humor
May 1st, 2011 at 1:18 PM
I’m going to go ahead and expect that the President’s and Seth Myers’ numbers at the White House Correspondents Dinner will be in the roundup tommorow.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:18 PM
never mind chief. it is possible i’m not funny
May 1st, 2011 at 1:20 PM
funny stuff geoff, as was trump’s face. wtf was he doing there anyway?
nothing beats colbert’s appearance a few years ago tho
May 1st, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Your humor must’ve lost me, Vez. I didn’t see it.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:22 PM
no worries chief. see comment 12
i just think this happens so often it can be made fun of. have we not come to expect a low bar for ‘journalism’ here? and one of the basics of journalism is accuracy, spelling- and fact-wise
May 1st, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Yeah, that was unbelievable. I still can’t believe the Bush White House invited Colbert to speak at that.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:24 PM
because there are so many spot-on commenters, we know somebody will correct a post’s mistakes, and everyone will end up with a good chuckle and the right info.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:30 PM
geoff, one of the best things i read making fun of bush’s lack of refinement was an article in the onion envisioning bush hostng a dinner for diplomats and artists in which he quoted virgil and was the perfect intellectual host
May 1st, 2011 at 1:32 PM
I am confused by the comments. Are you guys claiming that Marc Gasoline wasn’t traded to the Grizzlies, or is it something else I don’t see?
May 1st, 2011 at 1:36 PM
I again offer up my service to TBL to be the blog fact checker…this run of screwups could have been prevented
Besides the grammatical error and punctuation failures, you seem like a great candidate.
/bring something a little stronger next time junior.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:37 PM
/submits request for Hernia to captionate that photo
May 1st, 2011 at 1:39 PM
A simple basketball reference search earlier would’ve shut me up, but I’m going to blame my hangover on this one. I could have sworn Marc was on the Grizzlies beforehand. Butters had the same thought, so I don’t know what his excuse is.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:40 PM
my excuse was that i don’t know better than to believe guys i think know better. i was just commenting on post mistakes here in general, and i stand by my bs
May 1st, 2011 at 1:42 PM
I again offer up my service to TBL to be the blog fact checker…this run of screwups could have been prevented
Besides the grammatical error and punctuation failures, you seem like a great candidate.
/bring something a little stronger next time junior.
scripty what were butters’ mistakes?
May 1st, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Too good.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Seriously, it is so stupid that you can already vote for the MLB All-Star Game. We’re a month into the damn season. They should start it in June.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Geoff- How ya feeling about that Game 1 romp yesterday? Timmy Thomas looked strong, B’s offense came to play. They were just throwing things at the net and against those Philly netminders, that’s the best plan of attack. Lavvy is going to have one helluva decision to make for Game 2. Can’t keep playing musical chairs in the crease.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:50 PM
Seriously, it is so stupid that you can already vote for the MLB All-Star Game. We’re a month into the damn season. They should start it in June.
The Indians 3B is a minor leaguer who has played no games with the big league ball club. Heinous.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Real nice first half for Memphis. Westbrook can’t finish
May 1st, 2011 at 1:54 PM
Before anyone removes the “heist” label from the trade, let’s see what happens next year with Memphis. Was the first-round win over a creaky top seed just a fluke? Were the young, athletic, tough Grizzlies just a terrible matchup for San Antonio?
There’s no way that Memphis can do anything that will make the Pau Gasol trade anything but a heist. They gave away one of the best big men in the league for spare peanuts.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:55 PM
Jack Supermannahan was too long of a name for the ballot.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Maybe it’s because no one refers to it as “the Marc Gasol trade.” Personally, I like to call it “the Javaris Crittendon trade.”
May 1st, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Doubt am the first to say this, Thunder won’t succeed till Westbrook is gone. Or changes his hero ball attitude. Another Carter, Igoudala type, lots of flash short on substance.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:58 PM
I’m feeling very good about it, and I got drunk in a celebratory mood last night. They should definitely continue shooting at will because it is paying dividends.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:59 PM
That’s a little bit of an exaggeration I’d think.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:00 PM
Seriously, it is so stupid that you can already vote for the MLB All-Star Game. We’re a month into the damn season. They should start it in June.
The Indians 3B is a minor leaguer who has played no games with the big league ball club. Heinous.
i’ve never liked that fans have a vote and as far as i know there’s no regulation on ballot stuffing. popular players win more times than they should. players/managers/gms should pick. what exactly are fans going to do if they don;t have a vote, not watch the game or go to it?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:04 PM
Apparently you can vote up to 25 times for the All-Star game.
All I ask is why?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:06 PM
So we can see JETER!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 2:09 PM
lol. now that is funny.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:10 PM
chief, what’s happening with morneau–low numbers caused by layoff? and what’s the word around there on mauer and him playing OF sooner than later?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:13 PM
never mind chief. it is possible i’m not funny
lol. now that is funny.
it can;t be funny unless it’s partially true right?
i’m listening to weei on itunes. weird listening to other cities’ sportsradio. these guys are yelling at each other over the heat’s big 3 versus the way the celtics put together its roster
May 1st, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Morneau missed a week with the flu and with expected days off, he’s been hitting the ball hard, just right to the guys. Not sure the reason for no HR’s to this point, but nobody on the team is hitting HR’s.
Mauer, people are going crazy over. After the trainer said he wasn’t ready for the season to start and Joe himself hasn’t said anything to this point, fans are calling him selfish, egotistical, not a leader, and should be doing more for the team while he’s currently out. I don’t know about the position change, I’m sure he’s staying at catcher for a few years more, and I’ll keep it at a wait and see after that.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:22 PM
I’ve not heard fans say much, the sportswriters and radio morons (KFAN) have been beating that drum though. Getting very tiresome.
And I think the odds of Mauer moving to the outfield anytime soon are…low
May 1st, 2011 at 2:22 PM
cool. just heard that tall catchers are more prone to injury, and he’s had problems
May 1st, 2011 at 2:27 PM
I know fans that are eating the shit up.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Crap. Masses are listening.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:40 PM
The NBA has to do something about the Durant swing through move foul. It’s not a foul. The defender is entitled to a defensive stance. Defensive players (in most cases) have arms attached to their body. If the arms are set and Durant swings into them, that’s NOT a foul. That call is seriously making a mockery of the game. To see the instances where they’re just giving Durant three free throws is as bad as it gets.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:49 PM
Holy hell, I actually agree with you on something Cursed! I love watching Durant play, but that move pisses me off too. Should not be a foul.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:50 PM
So…Memphis is kinda for real huh?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:52 PM
Randolph, Gasol … everyone’s hitting. OKC must have missed 10 shots in close and the turnovers are brutal.
Where’s James Harden?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:52 PM
OK LLW i’m switching my stance just so we can debate. Love the move. Durant should get 4 free throws
May 1st, 2011 at 2:53 PM
So how much of a cancer was Rudy Gay exactly? Why are they so good w/o him?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Damn, the Grizzlies are taking Durantula and the Thunder to the woodshed.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:56 PM
got to admit, I’m shocked Thunder haven’t rallied to take over this game yet. Memphis play with sick confidence. up 17!
May 1st, 2011 at 2:58 PM
The Grizz are just eating the Thunder up inside.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Oklahoma City Jumper
May 1st, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Durant is horrendous at defending the post. HORRENDOUS. Out of position constantly.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:04 PM
You realize Kobe basically invented this move. He used to do it all the time when he was younger. I don’t know why he stopped doing it as much.
Bitch, bitch, bitch. Every time a star gets traded in the NBA the deal is for ‘spare parts’.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:05 PM
yeah I just don’t like the move. But you’re right, Kobe has been getting away with it for years, and Durant is now taking it to the next level.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Durant is now taking it to the next level.
so, durant>>>>kobe
May 1st, 2011 at 3:10 PM
/baby brain’d
May 1st, 2011 at 3:10 PM
I have no problem saying Durant’s jumper is better. It’s ridiculous.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Bitch, bitch, bitch. Every time a star gets traded in the NBA the deal is for ‘spare parts’.
Because in the NBA, it’s stars and everyone else is spare parts to compliment those stars.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:12 PM
Marc Gasol is an RFA. That should keep his cost down. The Grizzlies should have around $15M before the luxury tax – isn’t that enough to sign Gasol & Battier?
May 1st, 2011 at 3:13 PM
The Grizz could not build a team around Pau. He’s not a No. 1 on a contending team, he just isn’t. So at least with Marc, you have a guy making a fraction of his brother’s contract, and you can build pieces around him.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:14 PM
No if this is the first time you’ve seen Memphis, understand that they’re physical inside, they’ve got some young guards, they’re well coached and they get at it in the defensive end of the floor.
/Hubie’d
May 1st, 2011 at 3:14 PM
The Grizz could not build a team around Pau. He’s not a No. 1 on a contending team, he just isn’t. So at least with Marc, you have a guy making a fraction of his brother’s contract, and you can build pieces around him.
Pau is a good #2. That’s why the trade worked for the Lakers.
As for the Grizzlies, Gasol fits because the offense doesn’t run through him. It goes through Z-Bo.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Great half court sets for the Grizz. They love putting Marc at the top of the key and their guards can back cut. He’s adept at making the right pass. And if it’s not there, Z-Bo can pin a guy on the backside to get open right near the bucket.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:25 PM
Westbrook, You are not taking the ball from Mike Conley, just aint happening.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:26 PM
It goes through Z-Bo.
i guess only question is how long is this guy the player he’s been this year and not the mope he has been. how about after he gets paid again?
May 1st, 2011 at 3:27 PM
i can’t mentally wrap my head around Memphis playing in the conf finals yet. but geez, what a performance
May 1st, 2011 at 3:29 PM
If that happens, looks like the Lakers will coast to the Finals after struggling in the first round. Oy.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:29 PM
i can’t mentally wrap my head around Memphis playing in the conf finals yet.
do it physically then, and take pictures
May 1st, 2011 at 3:30 PM
Jesus Christ, it’s one fucking game.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:33 PM
The Thunder will not win a title with no post game. I hate to simplify things, but you have to get easy points inside to win a title these days. Heck, every year except for maybe Detroit.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:33 PM
Vez, Morneau just hit a HR.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:34 PM
i can’t mentally wrap my head around Memphis playing in the conf finals yet. but geez, what a performance
Let’s not think that just yet. The Hornets shocked the Lakers in Game 1 and they’re home. The Thunder got the talent to overcome a Game 1 loss.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:35 PM
\
Absolutely..I still expect the Thunder to win the series. I’m just not giving them much of a chance against the Lakers or in the NBA Finals.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:36 PM
For whatever reason though, this win feels a lot more legit than the Hornets Game 1 win over LA. CP3 was out of his mind and the Lakers seemed disinterested. I think OKC can still win this series for sure, but I don’t think win is flukey at all.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Last season, the Lakers went 6 games, 4 games, then 6 games before getting to the finals. I can’t really see them sweeping either the Mavs, Thunder, or Grizzlies. There will be no coasting in the Western Conference.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:41 PM
I don’t think they’ll sweep, Ballz, but much like last year I think people are making too much of them losing two games in the first round. They’re getting to the Finals.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:43 PM
Maybe cause they just beat the #1 overall seed in 6 games, and it really wasn’t even that close
May 1st, 2011 at 3:49 PM
They would create just as many if not more matchup problems vs the Lakers than OKC. I can’t wrap my head around why no one can see this.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:53 PM
If Rondo struggles this much against Bibby all series, Celtics are in trouble.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:53 PM
Vez, Morneau just hit a HR.
for a fee, i’ll ask you about him every day
May 1st, 2011 at 4:01 PM
This is totally false. Westbrook burns the Laker PG’s. Perkins is perfect for defending and banging down low with Bynum. Ibaka is perfect for defending Gasol. The only problem on Memphis is Randolph, but that’s just until Odom gets in the game.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:09 PM
Out of all of these series where PG’s have given the Lakers so much trouble, exactly how many of them have the Lakers lost? Exactly. If Randolph is the only problem, which is false, then it’s a helluva only problem to have to face with or without Odom. Also, the teams have to play on both ends of the floor, so when Memphis has the ball, they are most definitely by far a bigger matchup problem for the Lakers in the paint than OKC.