While Grizzles Center Marc Gasol has always been the consummate professional, the relationship between him and the organization may be a little rocky at the moment.
The Grizzlies lost their 8th straight game on Sunday, at home to the Brooklyn Nets (yikes) and Marc Gasol was benched the entire 4th quarter.
Gasol has been struggling (shooting just under 40% in the last eight games) , but he is clearly the team’s best player by a mile at the moment with point guard Mike Conley out with an Achilles injury. He is also the Grizzlies leader on and off the court, so the somewhat bizarre decision to sit him out the 4th quarter has justifiably irked him.
Here is what he said post-game:
“I hate not playing. That’s what I value the most. If I’m not on the floor, that means I’m not valued. I’m sure they knew that would hurt me the most. […] I’m sure they wouldn’t do it to Mike.”
Gasol clearly took it personally and is hurt and angry about his benching. Maybe it is just me, but it may not be the best practice to upset your lone remaining star player in the midst of a long losing streak, just saying.
Head Coach David Fizdale didn’t expand upon his reasoning for the decision and there is clearly something deeper here with Gasol and the team if he made it a point to say that the team wouldn’t have done such a thing to Mike Conley.
Gasol is a pro’s pro so he will go out and perform to the best of his ability every night when called upon, but this bizarre decision could plant the seeds for the team to deal Gasol this season or in the off-season. Or it could just be one bizarre decision and a bad night during a highly frustrating losing streak.
I am sure Gasol and Fizdale will be fine long-term, but never underestimate what a losing season resulting frustration can lead to.
