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Toronto Raptors: Whose stock is rising, plus Marc Gasol is settling in nicely

By Thomas Valentine

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Marc Gasol (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Marc Gasol

Six games into his Toronto career and Marc Gasol is settling in nicely.

Averaging 16 points, 10.2 rebounds, and seven assists per 36 minutes in his six games, Gasol has been a revelation for the Toronto Raptors so far.

This week, Gasol earned his first start for the Raptors against the Orlando Magic. Gasol was boosted to the starting line-up to counter the threat of Nikola Vucevic, who is having a career year.

In truth, Gasol struggled against Vucevic defensively, who finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Vucevic was a big presence in the paint and also hit 3-4 from downtown. It was a big game from him as the Magic ran out comfortable winners.

Gasol still had a good game on the other end of the court though, scoring 16 points in 23 minutes of action. The addition of five rebounds and five assists didn’t hurt either.

It’s rare that a center is often one of the best playmakers on the court but that’s exactly what Gasol is, whether it’s with his back to the basket or rolling to the rim, Gasol knows exactly where his teammates are and will almost certainly make the right read.

Gasol only had five points against the Celtics but once again, his passing took center stage, totaling eight assists.  His ability to read where teammates are on the court and where they’re going to be is exceptional, highlighted by the clip below.

Gasol picks up the ball at the top of the key, with Jeremy Lin to his left, guarded by Kyrie Irving, Gasol stares down Lin and forces Kyrie Irving to push onto Lin and close the passing lane. Lin immediately recognizes where Gasol wants him to be and cuts into the empty space and to the basket.

Next. Pascal Siakam at center is finished for now. dark

Marc feeds a bounce pass between Irving and Horford for Lin, who takes the ball to the hoop for a lay-up. A great read by Gasol, just one of many he made in this game. The Raptors have acquired a gem in Gasol, and that’s just the start.

That’s all for this week everyone, same time next week!

(All videos per stats.nba.com)

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