Marc Gasol's clash with former Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale is widely known around the NBA, something the Toronto Raptors were keenly aware of before deciding to trade for him prior to the deadline.
Gasol has always been expressive, especially when he demands transparency and explanations when the team is not playing the way that it should.
“I will let you know how I feel,” Gasol told ESPN's Jackie MacMullan. “But that comes from a point of trust. I'm not going behind anybody. I'm going straight to you and ask, ‘What is this?'”
However Gasol has been known to remain quiet and at times harbor those emotions, something that eventually caused him to combust during the altercation with Fizdale.
“Marc could be a little snippy,” former coach Lionel Hollins said. “You never knew what he was thinking. If something was bothering him, he wouldn't say anything. I had to pry it out of him.”
Nurse hasn't seen any of those issues as long as he's had Gasol in his team, but he was plenty aware of the rumblings after the story became public last season.
“I heard a little bit, especially with the Fiz thing, because there was friction there,” said Nurse, “but we have not had one single problem since Marc got here. He's been amazing.”
Gasol has been welcomed with open arms in Toronto, and he's been allowed to operate with freedom, as Nurse has made the most of his abilities while slowly allowing him to adapt to his tempo and offensive system.
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