Marc Gasol's 2012 All-NBA Second Team Selection

Lore & Background

The timing was also significant regarding the Gasol brothers. While Pau Gasol was establishing himself as an All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers, Marc's rise in Memphis created a unique narrative of sibling excellence across rival conferences. This honor cemented Marc's status not just as a defensive anchor known for his passing and footwork, but as one of the premier two-way big men in the league during that era.

Reader's Guide

All-NBA selections are among the rarest individual honors in professional basketball, limited to only fifteen players annually across three teams. For small-market franchises like Memphis in the early 2010s, securing even one spot was a monumental achievement comparable to winning a division title. During this period, Western Conference competition for big men was fierce, featuring stars like Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan. Gasol's Second Team nod placed him alongside these legends, highlighting his unique skill set of defense, passing, and mid-range shooting. Historically, Memphis had struggled to place players on All-NBA rosters since relocating from Vancouver in 2001. This selection broke a long drought for the franchise, setting a precedent that would eventually lead to future selections by Zach Randolph and Mike Conley.

Did You Know?

• He averaged over five assists per game during this season, rare for a traditional center of that era.
• This honor helped solidify his reputation as one of the most intelligent centers in NBA history.