Gasol has locked up Vucevic and now Embiid. Can we now agree this trade was Boss?
The Gasol trade quietly is one of the best late acquisitions this year. Don't get me wrong, because I liked JV and remember how he was such a force in the 2016 playoffs until he went down with that ankle sprain in the Heat series. But Gasol is fantastic for this group. The Raps became the best 3-point shooting team in the league since the trade. That says a lot! His defensive presence is undeniable. If you only look at offensive stats, you might think meh. But if you watch the games, his impact when he's on the floor is evident. On defense, he is the quarterback and a lock down defender, and on offense his passing is outstanding and his basketball IQ is off the charts.
While still with Memphis this year, Gasol held Embid to just 6/18 shooting, tying Embid's worst performance this season. Yesterday, Embid went 5/18. Ibaka also played Embid really well, but Gasol takes it to another level. Gasol, not Leonard, had the best plus/minus in the game at +29 in 26 minutes. This is no fluke. There is a reason why he was the Defensive Player of the Year 2013, and is considered by most a future Hall of Famer. I loved JV and miss the big Lithuanian, but to win a championship, Gasol makes a difference.
Masai was controversial and got a lot of heat from some corners for his reaction after last year's playoffs, but the man wanted to field a championship caliber team and was ruthless in going for it. I'm tipping my hat to him for giving us a chance to have the best year ever by a Raptors team, and IF Kawai does resign (I know, a giant IF), then look out NBA, the Raps will be on path to a championship.