Marc Gasol emerges from the shadow of his big brother, Pau Gasol
The Gasol brothers have both made it to the Western Conference semi-finals. However, while one is being cheered on by his team’s fans, the others is enduring some his toughest times as the Staple centre.
Marc Gasol has forever been in the shadow of his big brother Pau, especially in Memphis, a town that has seen the best of both. Pau Gasol started his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award
there, becoming the only non-U.S player to win the award and then went on to become the franchise’s first ever All-Star.
Pau led Memphis to the NBA Playoffs thrice, but failed to register a single win in post-season. But, where Pau failed earlier his younger brother has now succeeded. Marc Gasol helped the Memphis Grizzlies to their first ever playoff
game victory, followed by their first ever play-off series win and that too, over the No.1 seeded San Antonio Spurs.
The trade that took Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers also brought Marc to Memphis. Although it was heavily criticized by many at that time, the trade actually turned out to be a great piece of business for all the concerned
parties.
The Lakers won two championships with Pau in the side and Memphis have achieved great success this post-season, thanks in large parts to their post duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.
This has been the season that Marc has grown out of Pau’s shadow and made his own mark in the league. After averaging 11.7 points and seven rebounds per game during the regular season, he has elevated his stats to 14.6 points and
12.1 rebounds in the playoffs. His form has drawn many plaudits from all around, led by big brother himself,
"My brother has developed into a great player, so I'm happy for him," Pau Gasol said. "I know it's not easy to play in such a small market and put a competitive team together to be able to win."
Pau Gasol on the other hand is having a difficult time with the Lakers. After winning their first round series against the New Orleans Hornets in 6 games, the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the semi-final series.
During that stretch, Pau was specifically singled out by the fans for some harsh words. He was roundly booed in game-2 and one of the fans shouted, "Play like your brother, Pau!” In game three, he received an earful from his coach infront of the whole world
and in game four; he was again a shadow of himself with 10 points.
The brothers are, however, very different players. Pau is an inch shorter and 15 pounds lighter. He is a power forward and his game is based on skill. Marc is more of a brute, plays centre and uses his size and strength to his
advantage. This season, he has also added a bit more finesse to his game and now takes mid range shots that he earlier used to pass on.
Marc has come a long way, after being a 48th overall pick in the draft, he is now one of the better centres in the league. He is now his own man, after years of being Pau Gasol’s younger brother.
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