Report: Spurs interested in pursuing Marc Gasol to replace Tim Duncan

[Budkin]

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/marc_gasol_spurs.jpg


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24817605/report-spurs-interested-in-pursuing-marc-gasol-to-replace-tim-duncan

The New York Daily News reports something that's been whispered about for a while, that the San Antonio Spurs have interest in pursuing Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol this summer in free agency.

[Mikeanaro]

Too old for my taste, he is a fatass and will need at least 2 seasons to get the system bad choice.

[RD2191]

Don't see any reason he would leave Memphis.

[Brazil]

Gasol has a good iq bb, he would adapt quick to Spurs system. He is gifted passer, does not need the ball too much and can anchor a defense. That would a very good signing but he won't leave Grizz

[BatManu20]

He's not leaving Memphis tbh. He loves the city and they can offer him more money than any other team. Moving on.

[Raven]

he's obviously a natural fit, an alternative is monroe.. other than that the market goes south in a very bad way..

[TampaDude]

He's not leaving Memphis.

[G-Nob]

No Aldridge, then?

Kthaxbai

[G-Nob]

Also, Spurs don't air laundry so not sure where the daily news is getting this crap.

[MI21]

Gasol went to high school in Memphis, has played his entire NBA career in Memphis, is on a winning team and can get paid. Don't imagine it's a situation he would be desperate to get away from.

[Diego20]

He's only a good defender, and in his prime he was only able to average 14,6 points per game. No thanks, next

[Dex]

Did TSpence report this?

[100%duncan]

Lol at the people saying no thanks.... are you even thinking? Gasol is a top 5 big and would be one of the best replacements for TD aside for my Top 1, Aldridge.


No guys, we arent getting Davis so better set your asses off for realistic options.

[DPG21920]

It's not that Gasol or Aldridge are bad players. It's just that how the Spurs have been winning is very unique and it would be very difficult to sustain anything close to that if you replace Tim with Gasol IMO. Good player and would be a very nice pickup, but this style of winning is rare and takes almost perfect execution/chemistry. I don't think it's wise to pursue older players and try to win the same way.

[Silver&Black]

:lmao Replace Tim Duncan....good one.

There's no such thing as "replace Tim Duncan".

[FireMicoHalili]

Was thinking either him or Monroe. Guy can play with Splitter since he has a midrange game.

[FireMicoHalili]

:lmao Replace Tim Duncan....good one.

There's no such thing as "replace Tim Duncan".
That's just semantics. They meant someone to play PF/C Jesus Christ aside from Phillip everyone here knows Teeds is the GOAT.

[100%duncan]

It's not that Gasol or Aldridge are bad players. It's just that how the Spurs have been winning is very unique and it would be very difficult to sustain anything close to that if you replace Tim with Gasol IMO. Good player and would be a very nice pickup, but this style of winning is rare and takes almost perfect execution/chemistry. I don't think it's wise to pursue older players and try to win the same way.

With that logic, then you basically predicted a loser team post Timmy...

[baseline bum]

If Tim retires I'd love to get Gasol, but why would he leave a good situation in Memphis?

[DPG21920]

With that logic, then you basically predicted a loser team post Timmy...

Not at all.

[100%duncan]

Not at all.

Yes Tim is irreplacable, yes our winning way.is very rare and unique but things change and people retire. You have to find a replacement atleast even if he wont be as good. Aside from LmA and Gasol, I cant see anyone better. I also dont see Davis coming here if you want "young/er" guys. So what's the plan then?

[DPG21920]

Yes Tim is irreplacable, yes our winning way.is very rare and unique but things change and people retire. You have to find a replacement atleast even if he wont be as good. Aside from LmA and Gasol, I cant see anyone better. I also dont see Davis coming here if you want "young/er" guys. So what's the plan then?

You're missing the entire point of my post.

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

Spurs will be the most handsome suitor for Monroe. He'll be in silver and black, and we'll be grateful to have him.

[DesignatedT]

If Pop stays, than I have no doubt that the Spurs will continue to be successful playing this style of ball. Of course he will continue to adapt as he does.

If Pop retires, I would expect the new head coach to have a say in who he wants and what style of basketball he plans to play.

[100%duncan]

You're missing the entire point of my post.

You said Tim is hard to replace. And we win in a unique way with him. Also, it's not wise to replace him with Gasol. Thus my points from my previous posts.

Please enlighten me. :bobo

[Janko]

al harrington anyone?

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

Kevin Love anyone?

[beirmeistr]

The lure of a possible ring will bring him here

[Mikeanaro]

Marc Gason replacing Tim? Fatty doing bankshots, hugging the ball and playing with a poker face? :lmao

[baseline bum]

Spurs will be the most handsome suitor for Monroe. He'll be in silver and black, and we'll be grateful to have him.

I'd much rather have Gasol, but yeah, Monroe is gone after signing that QO and he is a pretty strong possibility if Duncan and Ginobili retire.

[spurraider21]

how is Monroe defensively?

[baseline bum]

how is Monroe defensively?

Pretty shitty at PF where he'd play with Splitter.

[BillMc]

I asked Mike Wallace of ESPN about it on his chat:

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/51360/nba-with-michael-wallace

Here is the question and response:

Bill (Riga, Latvia)

With the way Tim Duncan is playing, do you think he's likely to retire at the end of this year? Seems like he could play 2 or 3 more. And if he does go, the rumor is the Spurs are after Marc Gasol. As good as an organization as the Spurs are can they pry him away from his adopted home in Memphis?
Michael Wallace (2:11 PM)


Marc Gasol would be an absolute ideal recovery plan should Duncan elect to retire after this season. I think if the Spurs win another title and repeat for the first time, Duncan might walk away while at the very top. But as he said, as long as his body feels good and he's having fun, why not riding it out as long as possible. If Gasol is the plan B if Ducan retires, the Spurs are potentially in a win-win situation.

[cjw]

Gasol went to high school in Memphis, has played his entire NBA career in Memphis, is on a winning team and can get paid. Don't imagine it's a situation he would be desperate to get away from.

Circa 2010, Lebron went to high school in Akron and played his entire NBA career in Cleveland... people do make decisions for basketball reasons. But agreed, it's not like he's in a terrible situation like LBJ was.

[spurraider21]

Pretty shitty at PF where he'd play with Splitter.
that's what i assumed, and it's why i really think his signing would just be a flash move that doesn't really help us get the big one. i mean i'd rather have him than not have him, sure. he's talented. but i'm not optimistic about our ability to compete... of course unless kiwi improves even more.

i dont think gasol and monroe are even close

[Uriel]

How is this news? Any casual observer with half a brain would've figured this out by now. :lol

[baseline bum]

that's what i assumed, and it's why i really think his signing would just be a flash move that doesn't really help us get the big one. i mean i'd rather have him than not have him, sure. he's talented. but i'm not optimistic about our ability to compete... of course unless kiwi improves even more

That's pretty obvious winning a title is out of the question without Duncan, even with Gasol over Monroe though. No way you're replacing Duncan and Ginobili with $15 million or so.

[spurraider21]

That's pretty obvious winning a title is out of the question without Duncan, even with Gasol over Monroe though. No way you're replacing Duncan and Ginobili with $15 million or so.
Marc does things differently than Tim. In some ways he's a better fit considering what we ask Tim to do. He's a better shooter from the top of the key area, and is a better high post passer. He's not as good a finisher near the rim though...

Defensively, he's not a liability when asked to move laterally. He's a much better PnR guy than Duncan at this stage, albeit he isn't the same rim protector.

i don't really see a player who can replace manu out there.

[Baam]

Pretty shitty at PF where he'd play with Splitter.

This team doesn't revolve around Splitter...

[gilmor2002]

You said Tim is hard to replace. And we win in a unique way with him. Also, it's not wise to replace him with Gasol. Thus my points from my previous posts.

Please enlighten me. :bobo

I think what Buck is saying is that with the way Spurs is playing nowadays, it takes years to build up that kind of chemistry/execution. if we get an older player, the up-side of him fitting into Duncan's role is extremely difficult, because he may not necessary open to the adaptations and changes. If we get a younger player, chances is that we can more flexibly adapt and the up-side of him morphing into Spurs system is easier..

[Baam]

Gastrong is a beta version of Tim, it's obviously the best case scenario but imo Tim isn't retiring at the end of the season.

Anyway I said it in the trade thread, the Spurs should try to go after someone like Mirotic who could hep both now and in the post Duncan era.

[100%duncan]

I think what Buck is saying is that with the way Spurs is playing nowadays, it takes years to build up that kind of chemistry/execution. if we get an older player, the up-side of him fitting into Duncan's role is extremely difficult, because he may not necessary open to the adaptations and changes. If we get a younger player, chances is that we can more flexibly adapt and the up-side of him morphing into Spurs system is easier..

I kinda got that though but like I said there's no young player out there now that can anchor a team even half as Duncan did besides from AD. In our case, we have limited choices and FatGas is probably the most realistic and best one.

[Baam]

I think what Buck is saying is that with the way Spurs is playing nowadays, it takes years to build up that kind of chemistry/execution. if we get an older player, the up-side of him fitting into Duncan's role is extremely difficult, because he may not necessary open to the adaptations and changes. If we get a younger player, chances is that we can more flexibly adapt and the up-side of him morphing into Spurs system is easier..

Not convinced, you simply need high bbiq and great passing and Gasol like Diaw has both...

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

I'd much rather have Gasol, but yeah, Monroe is gone after signing that QO and he is a pretty strong possibility if Duncan and Ginobili retire. Oh me too, but I'll be happy.

[BatManu20]

The difference between Gasol and Monroe is the Spurs might actually have a chance at Monroe... Might.

[100%duncan]

The difference between Gasol and Monroe is the Spurs might actually have a chance at Monroe... Might.

The difference between Gasol and Monroe is that Gasol is better.

There simple.

[unleashbaynes]

:lmao Replace Tim Duncan....good one.

There's no such thing as "replace Tim Duncan".

tbh

[Richie]

Obviously he doesn't have the leadership or the big game experience, but in terms of production a prime Marc Gasol (i.e. the player he is now) is about the same player as a 39 year old Timmy. He is every bit as good a passer, defender and mid range shooter that Tim is, possibly better in all 3 categories. Obviously he doesn't have the polished post game but Tim doesn't get the ball in the post so much these days, and Gasol is no slouch there either.

No other player in the league is a more perfect fit for the Spurs. He's big enough to anchor the defence alongside Diaw and has the mid range touch and passing so that he could play with Splitter. Very few players in the league have that combination.

[RD2191]

The difference between Gasol and Monroe is that Gasol is better.

There simple.
Monroe is only 24 though and can grow with Kawhi.

[BatManu20]

The difference between Gasol and Monroe is that Gasol is better.

There simple.

Far better. I really think the chances of Gasol leaving Memphis for anywhere is slim to none though, imo.

[100%duncan]

Monroe is only 24 though and can grow with Kawhi.

I heard he's also bad at D...

We need someone to anchor it on both sides imho.

[Richie]

Spurs will be the most handsome suitor for Monroe. He'll be in silver and black, and we'll be grateful to have him.


The difference between Gasol and Monroe is the Spurs might actually have a chance at Monroe... Might.


how is Monroe defensively?

Monroe would be catastrophic for us on both sides of the ball. He's not a good enough defender/rim protector to play with Diaw and he's a woeful shooter which means he can't play in an offensive system with Splitter.

I like Monroe, he's a good player and I suspect someone will be getting him for a bargain price, but he doesn't fit in the front court rotation here.

[RD2191]

I heard he's also bad at D...

We need someone to anchor it on both sides imho.
Of course he is. But besides Gasol/Howard/Davis name another 2 way big man in the league? We aren't getting anything close to Duncan that's for sure. Gasol is a dream. Unless he desperately wants a ring there is no way he comes here.

[100%duncan]

Of course he is. But besides Gasol/Howard/Davis name another 2 way big man in the league? We aren't getting anything close to Duncan that's for sure. Gasol is a dream. Unless he desperately wants a ring there is no way he comes here.

But that's settling for mediocrity when you have at least a chance albeit small at a 2-way big.

[Richie]

Of course he is. But besides Gasol/Howard/Davis name another 2 way big man in the league? We aren't getting anything close to Duncan that's for sure. Gasol is a dream. Unless he desperately wants a ring there is no way he comes here.

There's no point in spending money just to spend it, thats how you end up like the Pistons paying Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings a combined $80m. You only end up having to give up draft picks to get rid of them.

[100%duncan]

and also this ^

[RD2191]

But that's settling for mediocrity when you have at least a chance albeit small at a 2-way big.
Son, there is no chance. Thinking Gasol would leave Memphis for SA is frankly stupid. Grizzlies currently destroying one of the hottest teams in the league.

[RD2191]

There's no point in spending money just to spend it, thats how you end up like the Pistons paying Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings a combined $80m. You only end up having to give up draft picks to get rid of them.
What? I never said they should sign Monroe, I said he would be as good a fit as one can realistically expect.

[100%duncan]

Son, there is no chance. Thinking Gasol would leave Memphis for SA is frankly stupid. Grizzlies currently destroying one of the hottest teams in the league.

Then don't spend money at all for a one-dimensional big. And there's never not a chance son, don't pull that BS on me tbh.

AGree though, memphis looking good.

[RD2191]

Then don't spend money at all for a one-dimensional big. And there's never not a chance son, don't pull that BS on me tbh.

AGree though, memphis looking good.
Zero chance. Give me 1 good reason why Gasol would leave Memphis for SA?

When did I say they should sign him?

[Cklbmk]

Clearly we need Lamarcus Aldridge

[Cklbmk]

What about Dragic and Monroe.. Manu and Duncan replacements

[Johnny RIngo]

Marc and Tiago would make a nice combo. But they still won't be a real contender if Tim/Manu aren't on the team. TOSB Tony is only going to get worse with every passing year.

[taps]

Even AD is not as good a fit as tim duncan is now. Even though there may be a gulf b/w him and the other bigs, he is even further (downward) from Tim.

[spurraider21]

i'm not interested in Greg Monroe given his expected price tag tbh

[spurraider21]

Even AD is not as good a fit as tim duncan is now. Even though there may be a gulf b/w him and the other bigs, he is even further (downward) from Tim.
wot.

you make him fit. Davis is the type of player where its worth changing what you do to accommodate him. that being said, i don't see how he doesn't fit. duncan rarely posts up anymore anyway. he sets screens and takes elbow jumpers, or rolls and finishes. at this point Davis is the better shooter and the better pick and roll finisher. davis is also a better rim protector and rebounder than duncan is.

Tim is a better passer, but that's really about it. Davis on these Spurs would be unfair

[TampaDude]

Davis on the Spurs...NBA = FUCKED

Gasol would be a great fit on the Spurs, but NFW he's leaving the Grizz.

[Richie]

Zero chance. Give me 1 good reason why Gasol would leave Memphis for SA?

To play for an all time great coach, the youngest FMVP since Duncan who is also one of the best if not the best wing defender in the league, and a roster full of champions.

[Uriel]

I have a feeling this thread is going to reach 100 pages during the offseason. :lol

[spurraider21]

Davis on the Spurs...NBA = FUCKED

Gasol would be a great fit on the Spurs, but NFW he's leaving the Grizz.
this. Gasol would probably be the closest emulation of current Timmy.

Davis would be the next Spurs legend following Robinson-Duncan if that happened. there's realistically no way Davis ever plays for the Spurs unless he personally really really wants to

[Uriel]

EDIT: Wrong thread.

[BatManu20]

I think Davis goes to a major market if NO hasn't improved in 3 years. NY, LAL, etc.

[baseline bum]

This team doesn't revolve around Splitter...

Indeed, but who would you trade Splitter for then?

[100%duncan]

Zero chance. Give me 1 good reason why Gasol would leave Memphis for SA?

When did I say they should sign him?

Popovich, Leonard, Organization, more or less equal money.

When you suggested Monroe in my post.

[Mr Bones]

The New York Daily News is a tabloid.... they're always reporting unsubstantiated stuff that doesn't pan out. Totally unreliable.

[DPG21920]

I think what Buck is saying is that with the way Spurs is playing nowadays, it takes years to build up that kind of chemistry/execution. if we get an older player, the up-side of him fitting into Duncan's role is extremely difficult, because he may not necessary open to the adaptations and changes. If we get a younger player, chances is that we can more flexibly adapt and the up-side of him morphing into Spurs system is easier..

I C Wut U Did :tu

[DPG21920]

The point is much like the Spurs had to transition from David to Tim - Then with with Tim, transitioning from defensive to offensive, the Spurs will have to adapt greatly (IMO) post-Duncan in order to compete. Just trying to sign guys like Gasol/LA to reload if Tim/Manu retire is probably faulty logic and not a great idea.

Would I be upset? No. Spurs would still be a very good playoff team in the West, but it would be a very short-term solution with very limited upside. Spurs should adapt, evolve and do what they have always done (build through the draft) as much as possible. But more than anything, be flexible and adapt to what suits them best.

This is uncharted territory. Spurs, while having FA money before, haven't really had to deal with the possiblity of not having a franchise anchor that makes them a contender if they made the right moves.

[8FOR!3]

Zero chance. Give me 1 good reason why Gasol would leave Memphis for SA?

When did I say they should sign him?

The Spurs are a proven commodity. They've won in the past, made the finals recently, and won the big one this past year. Gasol's 10 years younger than Duncan so that leaves little to no drop off at that position bc he can produce at the level of a 38 year Duncan or better. What have the Grizzlies done to keep him? Show that they can get past a big team but not make it to the Finals. That's all that matters.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Monroe would be a horrible fit and would not allow Kawhi the freedom on offense he has when playing with spacing and passing bigs. Pretty sure people that suggest him have watched very little of the Pistons in the past couple of years, apart from boxscores possibly.

Gasol would be better obviously, but the Spurs will not be contenders in the immediate years after Tim and Manu retire, so whatever.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Smokescreen for the Aldridge signing, we dont sign guys that are reported on

[Holden_Caulfield]

jimmy butler and kawhi on the same team would be sick

[100%duncan]

jimmy butler and kawhi on the same team would be sick

Butler is too raw yet. High on him too but not sold yet either.

[TrainOfThought5]

i'm not interested in Greg Monroe given his expected price tag tbh

Franchise bigs make a lot of money. Expecting a Tim duncan level contract from All star is naive.

[Nero5]

anthony davis

[Fireball]

The only way I can see Gasol leaving Memphis is if they hold on to the top spot of the WC, but the exit the playoffs in the 1st or 2nd round ... chances are very slim though, Marc seems to be a one franchise player type like Nowitzki, Duncan and Wade ...

[benefactor]

Even AD is not as good a fit as tim duncan is now. Even though there may be a gulf b/w him and the other bigs, he is even further (downward) from Tim.
Do not talk about basketball with anyone ever again.

[SpursFan86]

I would absolutely love getting Marc, and he's probably the best candidate out there to replace Tim once he retires...but I'm not getting my hopes up for a second. He's played in Memphis for his entire career and by all accounts he loves it there. While they might not be as good as the Spurs, they have established a winning culture there and they're a solid team. They can offer him the most money. I just don't see him leaving there.

[hyhy]

Marc and Tiago would make a nice combo. But they still won't be a real contender if Tim/Manu aren't on the team. TOSB Tony is only going to get worse with every passing year.
:lmao

[xmas1997]

If the Spurs sign a major free agent like AD or MG, it will be the first time, they never want to come here.

[spurraider21]

Do not talk about basketball with anyone ever again.
his outlet passes aren't good enough.

do not want

[apalisoc_9]

Meh, this team needs a willing big man scorer..I like Gasol, but he's in his late twenties and he still plays like a 22-23 year old kawhi in terms of wanting to score.

By next year Parker would even be worse..kawhi will be better, but that leaves us with two great defensive players that have a tendency to not care much about scoring and a 33 year old PG as a second option.

Meh, I'd say...We already have a great defender in Splitter...Just find another scoring option.

[Mel_13]

A more accurate title for the article in the OP would be:

Report: Guy on the internet guesses that the Spurs will be interested in Marc Gasol

[Seventyniner]

A more accurate title for the article in the OP would be:

Report: Guy on the internet guesses that the Spurs will be interested in Marc Gasol

Pretty much. But it's at least plausible, unlike most articles you see.

[Mel_13]

Pretty much. But it's at least plausible, unlike most articles you see.

Plausible as conjecture, yes. The article, however, presents the Spurs interest as a fact.

We see this every summer with agents planting stories with lazy, but compliant, reporters. In this case, it appears the reporters are making the stuff up themselves and then citing those conjectures as 'reports'. As soon as enough outlets pick up the story, we'll get Broussard citing 'multiple sources' for his own 'report'.

[BatManu20]

:lol He's not coming here and I bet this thread still gets like 10+ pages

[mkurts]

Plausible as conjecture, yes. The article, however, presents the Spurs interest as a fact.

We see this every summer with agents planting stories with lazy, but compliant, reporters. In this case, it appears the reporters are making the stuff up themselves and then citing those conjectures as 'reports'. As soon as enough outlets pick up the story, we'll get Broussard citing 'multiple sources' for his own 'report'.

Tspence26 cited as primary source due to his unerring accuracy and mulitple GM contacts

[100%duncan]

:lol He's not coming here and I bet this thread still gets like 10+ pages

If TD retires this goes 200 pages

[NickiRasgo]

jimmy butler and kawhi on the same team would be sick

Well the Spurs have the chance to draft him last 2011 and they chose Cory Joseph.

[benefactor]

Even AD is not as good a fit as tim duncan is now. Even though there may be a gulf b/w him and the other bigs, he is even further (downward) from Tim.
Davis had 43/14 tonight. Still think he's not as good of a fit?

[Robz4000]

Keep Tim imvho

[Chinook]

Don't really want Gasol unless Splitter is part of a trade for a legit starting four-man. The Spurs will need to continue to move away from a two-center SL as Parker ages and Kawhi post-ups become a stable in the offense. And I still prefer Lopez to Gasol as far as potential 2015 centers go.

[TD 21]

Obviously, a legit PF would be ideal, but they're not doing better than Gasol (not that they have any chance at him; I'd be shocked if he didn't re-sign), so I'd make an exception in his case.

He's got another year after this one, but Horford would be ideal. Spurs material on and off the court and can credibly play both big positions on both ends, so he'd work well with either Splitter or Diaw. Perfect third member of a new big three, too.

[Chinook]

Obviously, a legit PF would be ideal, but they're not doing better than Gasol (not that they have any chance at him; I'd be shocked if he didn't re-sign), so I'd make an exception in his case.

He's got another year after this one, but Horford would be ideal. Spurs material on and off the court and can credibly play both big positions on both ends, so he'd work well with either Splitter or Diaw. Perfect third member of a new big three, too.

Eh, I keep hearing about how Horford is a natural PF, but I've yet to see him look it in games. Dude seems to be an undersized center. I don't think he'd fit with Asik or Jordan, for example. He could make it work with Splitter, but I think that would be a step in the wrong direction for the team.

I wouldn't mind Al Jefferson. I know people complain about his D, but he's one of the top offensive players in the game, in my opinion. I think these last couple of years in Charlotte have really helped develop his game on both ends. He's not a good defender, but he'd be decent with Splitter.

[TD 21]

Eh, I keep hearing about how Horford is a natural PF, but I've yet to see him look it in games. Dude seems to be an undersized center. I don't think he'd fit with Asik or Jordan, for example. He could make it work with Splitter, but I think that would be a step in the wrong direction for the team.

I wouldn't mind Al Jefferson. I know people complain about his D, but he's one of the top offensive players in the game, in my opinion. I think these last couple of years in Charlotte have really helped develop his game on both ends. He's not a good defender, but he'd be decent with Splitter.

Then you must not have seen much of him. He is a natural PF and he's a near elite mid range shooter and a good passer. He's the rare big that could be paired with any big and make it work.

Jefferson wouldn't be as good a fit. He's a decent mid range shooter, but the bulk of his offense comes from the low post and Splitter obviously couldn't space the floor around his post ups. He also can't defend PF's anymore.

[ViceCity86]

Ideal replacement but you can search higher
Anthony Davis

[ElNono]

My issue with Horford is his durability. He's missed a lot of games in his 7 year career, including a couple of season where he couldn't crack 30 games. I also don't see him as a guy that can really get physical for the grind that's the playoffs.

The latter is also a concern with Al Jefferson. Frankly, Gasol would be a great addition, I just think it's a pipe dream at this juncture.

[Chinook]

Then you must not have seen much of him. He is a natural PF and he's a near elite mid range shooter and a good passer. He's the rare big that could be paired with any big and make it work.

The type of shot he shoots is one that most good offensive centers take nowadays. He might be really good at it, but I don't see that being what he expect from most PFs in the future (or even now). Every time I see him, he's picking up most of his points off garbage buckets. That's not a bad thing; it's just not what I really want in a member of the new Big Three. I'm not saying I don't like Al. I do, and if he were a free agent next summer, I'd want the team to be all over him. But that's just not the case.


Jefferson wouldn't be as good a fit. He's a decent mid range shooter, but the bulk of his offense comes from the low post and Splitter obviously couldn't space the floor around his post ups. He also can't defend PF's anymore.

Defense isn't really a big issue, since Splitter can guard both positions. Offense is the important part, though, I agree. I actually think Jefferson being a dominant post scorer is best for the team. He can completely define an offense with his skill on the block, and that's exactly what the post-Duncan Spurs will need to do. That's why I think they need to prioritize an offensive big over a two-way big. They simply need another dominant scorer to balance the team, and Jefferson is the best one who's potentially on the market. Incidentally, Lopez is the second-best while also being a good shot-blocker. That's why Brook was at the top of my Pick-3 list.

[TD 21]

Pectoral tears in back to back seasons are obviously a concern, but people have to be realistic: They're not getting a young Duncan. It's easy to poke holes in everyone else, but he's probably the best realistic candidate in the next few years.

You don't have to play a big that shoots threes for 48 minutes per game. As long as one of the bigs can shoot from 15-18 feet, pass and defend PF's, it can work. Horford can do all three of those things.


Splitter can guard most PF's now; but for how much longer? Once upon a time, Duncan was a C that could credibly guard PF's, until he got into his 30's and his mobility declined to the point that he no longer could. Going forward, Splitter will be better served guarding his natural position.

Jefferson is relatively young still, but has a lot of mileage for his age and has been an undersized big that plays a physical style for his entire career, so he probably doesn't have much time left as a dominant scorer.

[Baam]

Love could be available the way things are going tbh :lol

[Richie]

Defense isn't really a big issue, since Splitter can guard both positions. Offense is the important part, though, I agree. I actually think Jefferson being a dominant post scorer is best for the team. He can completely define an offense with his skill on the block, and that's exactly what the post-Duncan Spurs will need to do. That's why I think they need to prioritize an offensive big over a two-way big. They simply need another dominant scorer to balance the team, and Jefferson is the best one who's potentially on the market. Incidentally, Lopez is the second-best while also being a good shot-blocker. That's why Brook was at the top of my Pick-3 list.

I think you're flat out wrong. Pairing Splitter with Al Jefferson or Millsap? Welcome to a world with no rim protection whatsoever. Splitter is a good pick and roll defender but he averages a career 0.6 blocks per game. When Timmy leaves, our main priority will be to replace his defence and rebounding.

And when Splitter sits, we go with a 2 big man lineup of Jefferson and Diaw? It'll be a layup line in the paint all game long.

Brook Lopez and Al Horford are better options, but neither would fit in as seamlessly with Diaw and Splitter as Gasol would. I also think you underrate Gasol as a low post player, he's not his brother but he can score on the block with his size, although the Grizz would rather go to Randolph who is one of the leagues best.

[BatManu20]

Marc gasol is a free agent this summer and pretty much every team who has enough cap room will be after him. Larry H. Russell broke some news that Rajon Rondo went to upper management that he wants them to get Marc. Wallace put a definitive answer out there “We have every intention of re-signing Marc Gasol. So those teams are going to have to find another player.”

CLNS Radio - See more at:
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.3C6a7o96.dpuf



He's not going anywhere tbh. He loves the city, they love him, and they have the best record in the NBA right now and will likely only be better next year.

[spurraider21]

i dont see how memphis gets any better going forward though

[taps]

Do not talk about basketball with anyone ever again.

Lol didn't you give up on Timmy like a decade ago?

[Outlier]

Marc gasol is a free agent this summer and pretty much every team who has enough cap room will be after him. Larry H. Russell broke some news that Rajon Rondo went to upper management that he wants them to get Marc. Wallace put a definitive answer out there “We have every intention of re-signing Marc Gasol. So those teams are going to have to find another player.”

CLNS Radio - See more at:
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.3C6a7o96.dpuf



He's not going anywhere tbh. He loves the city, they love him, and they have the best record in the NBA right now and will likely only be better next year.

The team that usually starts with the best record never ends with the best record. They will have
another exit in the playoffs and Gasol will think twice about staying. Likely be better? Thats always said about the Grizzlies.

[benefactor]

Lol didn't you give up on Timmy like a decade ago?
I'm glad he proved me wrong.

:lol deflecting

[wildchild]

The team that usually starts with the best record never ends with the best record. They will have
another exit in the playoffs and Gasol will think twice about staying. Likely be better? Thats always said about the Grizzlies.
Agree but Gasol will think if the Spurs will be the same champ team without Tim and Manu, too.

Spurs interested in Gasol, Pau said he can see his brother playing for NYK, Rondo said he wants Boston get Marc, Grizz said they will re-signing him...Should be funny summer.

[testies]

Don't really want Gasol unless Splitter is part of a trade for a legit starting four-man. The Spurs will need to continue to move away from a two-center SL as Parker ages and Kawhi post-ups become a stable in the offense. And I still prefer Lopez to Gasol as far as potential 2015 centers go.

:lol :lol
:lol

[testies]

wait, he prefers Lopez to Gasol, I need to laugh more at this

:lol :lol :lol

[Chinook]

wait, he prefers Lopez to Gasol, I need to laugh more at this

:lol :lol :lol

Actually pretty unabashed about it. I like Gasol, but he's also getting mad overrated.

[Uriel]

If we're going to have another 100+ page thread on a Gasol this offseason, this may as well be it.

599426540263247872

[BillMc]

If we're going to have another 100+ page thread on a Gasol this offseason, this may as well be it.

599426540263247872

Spurs are the pretty girl at the office who has all the wives worried.

[sammy]

No! He quit on them in the 4th quarter last night! Played half-assed no defense! Only one to play in that series was Conley & Z-Bo!

[CGD]

I don't think he's ultimately leaving Memphis, but he'll do his due diligence and might even meet with other teams. Memphis needs to show him that theyre going to add pieces to take them over the top. They've been toiling in the 4-7 seed range for five years or so without taking the next step. ZBo is getting older and Conley will be a coveted Free agent next summer.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

If we're going to have another 100+ page thread on a Gasol this offseason, this may as well be it.

599426540263247872
I know this team is going to blow up if Duncan leaves, but I would love for them to pick up Marc and send a package deal to Chicago to get Pau for the last two years of his contract. I think Chicago is going to try to rebuild and have some trade options.

Marc
Pau
KL
DG
TP

two great passing bigs who give great spacing, Pau being more offensive minded. Putting into account a small drop off for Pau due to age, I could see

Leonard 19/7/4
Pau 18/10/3
Marc 16/8/3
TP 15/3/5
DG 14/5/3

yoy can't expect the Gasoline brothers to carry a team, because they can't (as seen in FIBA) but as a 2-3 option they could really strive and push a team over the edge

[AFBlue]

I can't see him and Duncan playing together, but if course he'd be a great get for the team.

[Russ]

I can't see him and Duncan playing together, but if course he'd be a great get for the team.

I think they'd be perfect together. (Not that it will happen.)

[AFBlue]

I think they'd be perfect together. (Not that it will happen.)

Teams would employ small ball against them too successfully, forcing Pop to go with one over the other for stretches. Splitter works next to Tim because of his mobility on the perimeter. Gasol doesn't have the same mobility.

[RD2191]

:lolfat gasol is a choker.

[Raven]

aldridge/gasol/monroe + kawhi + green + cojo and it would be a great offseason

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

:lolfat gasol is a choker.

They just don't have enough offense. Not his fault.

[mudyez]

Spurs are the pretty girl at the office who has all the wives worried.

While actual beeing the best friend, which would like to be with her, but never gets her, coz of some steroid guy.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Spurs are the pretty girl at the office who has all the wives worried.

Spurs are the guy that invested wisely in particular assets and won repeatedly in life but never had the extra cash to go look for strange. Then his wife dies and capital is freed up to invest again.

[Clipper Nation]

They just don't have enough offense. Not his fault.
Gasol allowing a small forward to shut him down was part of the reason why they didn't have enough offense.

[coachmac87]

If you don't think Gasol would be a good fit you're a fucking idiot and don't know shit bout basketball

[100%duncan]

Quitter

[Dverde]

I'd rather see a Boris/Gasol combo then a Aldridge/Splitter combo.

[Outlier]

The team that usually starts with the best record never ends with the best record. They will have
another exit in the playoffs and Gasol will think twice about staying. Likely be better? Thats always said about the Grizzlies.

Lol I was right.

[tholdren]

Splitter/Parker/Joseph for Conley and Gaysoft

[Lakers999]

he might go to the lakers like his older brother

[Uriel]

1. Did Marc Gasol (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3206/marc-gasol) just play his final game in his adopted American home of Memphis?

That would be a rather dramatic conclusion to draw, based on the available evidence, but here's the thing:
Nobody knows.

Maybe not even Gasol himself.

And in the event Big Spain does have his looming foray into free agency all secretly mapped out, chances are he hasn't shared it with anyone yet apart from his representatives and brother Pau.

Marc Gasol's fondness for the Bluff City has been well-chronicled. He went to high school there when Pau was playing for the Grizzlies, wound up in the Grizzlies' organization via the same unforgettably controversial 2007 trade that sent Pau to the Lakers and, through an increasingly maniacal devotion to getting fitter and fitter, has seemingly shed half a person since his teen years to evolve into maybe the league's best two-way center.

The Grizzlies are thus understandably jittery about Gasol's looming turn on the open market and will remain so until they have him re-signed to a new max deal. San Antonio, specifically, is the team they fear most.

Yet it's premature to try to establish the Spurs as some sort of favorite to steal him away, since they're also widely expected to focus first on the guy perceived as this summer's more gettable superstar: Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge).

What is obvious to everyone some six weeks out, especially the Grizzlies, is that Gasol is irreplaceable. The mere threat of losing him is chilling, because there's no telling how long it would take Memphis to recover.

Most rival teams favor Memphis to ultimately win the Gasol sweepstakes because A) Gasol's ties to the city are legitimately deep and B) he's the unquestioned starting center on the NBA's "I Just Want To Win" team. Which is another way of saying that few league observers can picture him leaving when there isn't an obvious landing spot that immediately positions Gasol to do more winning than he's currently doing with the Grizz -- unless Tim Duncan (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/215/tim-duncan) retires to create a gaping hole in the San Antonio frontcourt.

Let's face it: If the Grizzlies could just find the means to acquire a quality shooter or two to add to their "Core Four" of Gasol, Mike Conley (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3195/mike-conley), Zach Randolph (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1017/zach-randolph) and Tony Allen (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2367/tony-allen), based on all the problems they managed to give Golden State without a long-ball threat, they'd presumably be closer to real contention than any of the teams expected to pursue Gasol hardest in free agency.

Knicks? Lakers? Who else besides San Antonio can mount a legit threat?

These Grizzlies just won 55 games and dragged the mighty Warriors to six games in the second round despite their obvious shortcomings on the perimeter, as well as the fact they had a team on fumes by the time Steph Curry and Co. were done with them thanks to the injuries carried by Conley (face, foot, etc.) and Allen (hamstring).

Yet we repeat: Gasol has given his own coaches and bosses no hints. Unlike Aldridge, who, according to league sources, hasn't been afraid to share the occasional whisper with a few well-placed folks about the prospect of leaving Portland, Gasol is saying pretty much nothing.

So it's going to be a long 43 days until July 1 for the Tennessee incumbents.

http://espn.go.com/blog/marc-stein/post/_/id/3848/steins-scoop-next-for-grizzlies-gasol