Gasol brothers - an accomplished sibling pair
Without doubt they are one of the best pair of siblings we have seen in the NBA. Their impact as great passing big men on their teams has been sensational.
In 2008, Pau Gasol was traded by the Memphis Grizzlies to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Kwame Brown, Aaron McKie, Javaris Crittenton, two first round draft picks and the draft rights to younger brother Marc Gasol who had been selected 47th overall in the draft by the Lakers. Only Memphis Grizzlies saw the potential in the younger Gasol.
The Gasol brothers going at each other in a regular season game at Staples Center in 2009.
Fast forward five years, Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion, four-time All-Star, three-time member of the All-NBA team, 2002 Rookie of the Year award and a key member of an ageing Lakers roster trying to make another championship run.
While Marc has evolved into a true star in his own right and has plenty to show for his efforts as well. Fresh of his first All-Star appearance, Marc won his first individual hardware this season to show winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and earning his first selection in the All-NBA second team.
What makes them so effective?
Despite contrasting styles of play, what the brothers bring to the table on the offensive end to their teams is quite similar.
Both are incredible passing big men and dishing the ball to their teammates for open looks whether it’s beyond the arc or a layup at the rim is an incredible quality which sets them apart from the rest of the centers in the league.
Their outside shooting is an incredible asset which makes them an outside-inside scoring threat helping their respective teams to spread the floor on offense.
What sets them apart?
Pau is a player with a finesse touch to his game with an extensive arsenal of moves and shots. He has the ability to shoot hook shots with either hand and has beautiful mid-range jump shot. He is extremely quick and athletic for a 7 foot center/power forward.
Marc’s physical build makes him a bruiser down in the low post and a huge defensive presence in the paint. He is an all out hustler and has an excellent post game to go along with his ability to control the boards.
They couldn’t be more different? Yet using their respective skills to perfection, the brothers are extremely effective in helping their respective teams obtain the desired outcome on most nights.
You can see that by comparing their first four years in the league, while Pau won the Rookie of the Year with his all round skills, Marc was named the Defensive Player of the Year on the back of his excellent defense whether it is in blocking shots or in the post.
What the future holds for the siblings:-
Really not much to look forward for Pau Gasol, he is a starting power forward on an ageing roster which is not likely to make it past the first round of the post-season if and when it does make the post season. Constantly distracted by trade talk regarding his position in the team, his game has taken a fall and is just a shadow of his stellar play during the Lakers back-to back.
Aged 33, this season was hampered by injuries allowing him to play a mere 49 games and although he is back to full condition after his knee surgery, expecting him to carry the team all by himself is asking too much from a player who from the looks of his performance is well past his prime.
On the other hand, Marc Gasol has to build further on his previous season and look to lead the Grizzlies to another strong and long post-season performance. For a player who looks to be reaching his prime reaching the Conference finals is certainly not his goal. A part of a Grizzlies roster capable of repeating their post-season performance from last year, Marc would love to put up a better show in the Conference Finals than losing in 4 games.
Commitment to the National Team:-
Their presence in the front court has been a huge factor to the rise of Spain as a contender on the international level. Winning a combined three silver and three gold medals for their country, the Gasol brothers have twice faced defeat in the Olympics in the Gold Medal round to the USA.
Who would you have on your team?
Tough Call!
While Pau took center stage right from the start from his career, being selected third overall in the draft and named the Rookie of the Year, Marc has gone one up in each category except the number of NBA Titles.
While Pau led the Grizzlies to their first Playoff appearance in franchise history, Marc led the team to their first ever Playoff series win.
Comparing their first four years in the league, Pau wins the first year without any competition. However, the constantly improving play, his ability to stay healthy and also earning his first All-Star selection in his fourth year while Pau took seven years to do the same.
However, Marc’s one dimensional play does lose out to the versatility Pau brings to the court and the impact of that can be seen in the Lakers performance in his first three years with them.