Marc Gasol's 2012 All-NBA Second Team Selection
Marc Gasol becomes the first Grizzlies player to earn All-NBA honors.
Marc Gasol's selection to the All-NBA Second Team stands as a defining milestone in the early history of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise. Achieved following the 2012–13 campaign, this honor marked the first time a player representing the Memphis-based team had been recognized among the league's elite by NBA coaches and media. It signaled the arrival of Gasol as a cornerstone leader during the formative years of the "Grit and Grind" identity.
- Season
- 2012–13
- Team
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Honor
- All-NBA Second Team
- Position
- Center
- Points Per Game
- 16.4
- Rebounds Per Game
- 9.3
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.
In Their Own Story
The FedExForum hummed with a low, electric tension typical of late-season playoff pushes. Gasol stood near the free-throw line, wiping sweat from his brow after another defensive stop. The crowd roared not for a dunk, but for the box-out and the pass—his signature craft. As the final buzzer approached that season, whispers began circulating about the All-NBA voting. For the first time in franchise history, a Grizzly jersey would be worn among the league's very best.
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?
- Marc Gasol was the first player in Grizzlies history to earn an All-NBA selection while wearing the Memphis uniform.
- 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.