Toronto Raptors: End Of Year Report Cards
Marc Gasol
Initially, the Raptors’ acquisition of Marc Gasol was met with mixed reactions. Fans were torn over the departure of Jonas Valanciunas. The biggest question was: “Does this trade make the Toronto Raptors better?”
If you asked someone this question months ago they likely would not have had a concrete answer. However, if you asked them today the answer is without a doubt a “yes.”
Coming over from a smaller market put more eyes on Gasol than ever before. Many people knew Marc Gasol: Memphis Grizzlies star. It is unlikely that many people knew him as Marc Gasol: One of the smartest players in the NBA.
Gasol’s basketball IQ is off the charts. One second it appears as though he is driving aimlessly towards the net and then, he’ll make a ridiculously smart play.
The 34-year old benefited from no longer having to be a primary scorer. Instead, Gasol became the Toronto Raptors’ defensive anchor. While his offensive numbers have declined since leaving Memphis, Gasol’s defense is better than ever.
On the offensive end, he was also important. Toronto won six of eight postseason games in which Gasol scored in double figures. He scored a 2019 Playoff best 20 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Gasol holds a player option for next year. It would be in both sides favor for him to opt-in. He could continue to be Toronto’s defensive ace and a mentor for young big-men Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher.
The 34-year old will earn $25 Million if he opts in for next season. This is way more money than any team is likely to offer him as a UFA. It is a win for both sides.
Winning a championship cements his legacy as one of the all-time best. Marc and Pau Gasol are now the only brothers in NBA history to win championships.
The arrival of the 34-year old was met with criticism. However, it is clear that yet another gamble by the Raptors’ front office paid off.
Satisfying expectations: 9/10
Production relative to contract: 8.5/10
Overall output: 9/10
Total score: 26.5/30
Letter Grade: A+