by Marcel Mutoni / @ marcel_mutoni
According to multiple reports, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol will be named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year tomorrow.
Gasol anchored one of the League’s stingiest defenses — with him on the court, Memphis gave up 95.4 points per 100 possessions — while blocking 1.7 shots and snatching 7.8 rebounds a night.
Per the Commercial Appeal :
They gave up 102.2 points per 100 possessions with Gasol on the bench. Gasol is credited with being an above average pick-and-roll defender, and he moves around the lane to routinely and forcefully protect the rim. He’s vocal, too, calling out coverages and directing teammates to the right spot on the floor.
The Grizzlies benefited from three top-flight defenders this season. Point guard Mike Conley led the league in total steals and shooting guard Tony Allen earned a label as the NBA’s best perimeter defender.
The award will be presented to Gasol during a press conference prior to Game 3 of the Grizzlies’ first round matchup against the LA Clippers, which Memphis trails 2-0.
It should be noted that Marc Gasol had the most hilarious defensive play of the season, though how that factored into the DPOY voting is unclear at this point.
