The Toronto Raptors acquired Marc Gasol in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies last week, and in his first home game with the team, the fans were quick to show their appreciation for the former All-Star forward.
Marc Gasol gets a warm introduction in Toronto.
He was traded to the Raptors last week.pic.twitter.com/Ssm8pgVTyM
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) February 12, 2019
Fans are obviously excited about the Raptors' acquisition of Gasol, as it strengthens their chances of making a title run this season. The ten-year veteran played his first game for Toronto in a road game against the New York Knicks. He scored seven points and had six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in 18 minutes.
This season, Gasol is averaging 15.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He played 54 games for the Grizzlies before he was traded to the Raptors.
For the first time in his career, Gasol is coming off the bench for a Raptors team that's stacked with talent. However, he is clearly embracing the role as this is the first time that he's got a legitimate chance at competing for a championship. Although the Spaniard was an integral part of the Grizzlies' successful years from 2011-2015, they weren't able to get past the second round of the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference.
This time around, he will be part of a team that's expected to make the NBA Finals.
And the Raptors aren't done shaking up their roster.
They are planning to sign veteran guard Jeremy Lin after he completes his buyout negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks.
Gasol's trade from the Grizzlies may have officially ended the Grit and Grind era, but has also opened an opportunity for him to possibly become a champion when this season ends.
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