NBA Player Power Rankings: Ranking The League’s Top 10 Centers
By John Kim
3. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
May 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) pulls in a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Gasol is the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The Grizzlies are incredibly stingy on the defense end, and it is due to the effort of Gasol, who is one the NBA’s most noticeable when barking defensive assignments to teammates.
Gasol averaged 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steals during the season. The numbers are skewed due to Memphis’ second big man, Zach Randolph. Gasol is quite possibly the most dangerous center from outside three feet, as 68.3 percent of Gasol’s shots were jump shots, and he made 43.5 percent of them.
Gasol is an offensive and defensive threat that cannot be taken likely. It’s scary that he’s only number three on this list.