Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol has been a force in the NBA for 11 years. Now, in the twilight of his career, the Spanish-born big man is embracing the role of mentor to his up-and-coming teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr.

“He’s the guy who’s going to carry on with the franchise for the next 10, 15 years,” Gasol told Sports Illustrated in a recent interview. “So, I want to make sure that I leave it in good hands and the foundation of those things is crucial. It’s how you start, it’s what you stand for, those habits that you build early on, that’s gonna carry throughout your whole career. If we build him right and consistent, he should be great.”

As a three-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year award winner, there are few better to learn from than Gasol.

Article Continues Below
More Memphis Grizzlies News
image thumbnail
Grizzlies give 7-foot insurance policies final look before 2025 NBA DraftChris Dodson ·
Featured image Grizzlies JJJ
Grizzlies rumors: Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. ‘focus’ after Desmond Bane tradeDylan Fine ·
Memphis Grizzlies minority owner and director of player support Elliot Perry looks on during the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery at the Palmer House Hilton.
Grizzlies’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) defends during the first half at FedExForum.
KCP’s ‘excited’ reaction to being included in Desmond Bane-Magic trade to GrizzliesJulian Ojeda ·
LJ Cryer (Houston Cougars), Kobe Sanders (Nevada), Desmond Bane, NBA Draft logo
Grizzlies invite Desmond Bane replacements for private NBA Draft workoutChris Dodson ·
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) stands on the court before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center.
Kendrick Perkins drops ‘most overhyped’ claim on Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.Richard Pereira ·

Gasol's instruction seems to be paying off in a big way, as Jackson is enjoying a fine rookie season. In his 23 appearances with the Grizzlies (21 starts), the former Michigan State Spartan has racked up averages of 13.9 points on 51.9 percent shooting from the field (34.5 percent from beyond the arc), 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steal in 25.5 minutes per outing.

The fact that Gasol is willing to help the man who is projected to replace him is a true testament to his character. Some players would be upset if their team drafted a young stud at their position. Gasol, on the other hand, knows what Jackson means for the team's future.