D’Angelo Russell: Marc Gasol
Personally, I think Russell is the best prospect not named Karl-Anthony Towns. His unique skill-set, similar to that of James Harden and Stephen Curry (quite the company), makes him a low-risk, high-reward player. Russell is such a versatile player because he really does not have a position. He has the passing and ball-handling skills to run the point, and the shooting stroke to play off the ball (again, James Harden). Russell just knows how to play the game of basketball, which is a trait that is often overlooked especially when it comes to evaluating young players.
Marc Gasol is the D’Angelo Russell of big men. Gasol can shoot, post-up, pass, and even dribble if he has to. Unlike Russell however, Gasol is also an elite defensive player. Russell and Gasol would make a great fit just because of how skilled these two players are. If the right system is used, these two can be the leaders of a dynamic offense that is unlike any other. These two stand-out talents would compliment each other’s games in every way. A pick and roll situation between Russell and Gasol would give opposing defenses nightmares
The only issue here, is that it is clear that Marc Gasol loves Memphis, and Memphis loves Marc Gasol. However, the Grizzlies have tried the same approach for five straight years, and have consistently gotten the same result. It is obvious that the “grit and grind” style of play in Memphis can’t take them pass the second round of the playoffs. Memphis will eventually have to break up this group of players that have been together since 2010, as this core has likely reached their peak.
I’d like to see a different coach if these two were to both wear the purple and gold. One that would fully utilize the overload of talent between these two, and run more of a flowing, ball-moving type of offense.
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