Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Who Has the Edge?
By Mike Dill
Jan. 28, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Center
Warriors: Andrew Bogut, Jermaine O’Neal, Festus Ezeli
Grizzlies: Marc Gasol, Kosta Koufos
Andrew Bogut and Marc Gasol are similar players. Neither is very athletic and they both are great defenders. The problem with Bogut, though, is his health.
Bogut has missed plenty of time over the years due to freak injuries. Although his playoff performance last season showed he can still play defense and rebound, he needs to prove himself over the course of a season.
Bogut was once considered one of the best centers in the league; he posted multiple seasons averaging double digit points and rebounds. However, his offense is not what it used to be. Some people think his elbow injury disrupted his shooting ability.
Gasol is a great shooter for a center. There aren’t many centers in the game that have his range. He is also a Defensive Player of the Year Award winner and has been healthy his whole career.
As good as Bogut was in the playoffs, he is not as good of a player as Marc Gasol.