It’s official- center Marc Gasol is done for the season.
The Grizzlies made the announcement earlier today that Gasol had surgery on Saturday to repair a non-displaced fracture of the navicular bone in his right foot.
“Marc remains a cornerstone of our franchise and we are pleased to hear that the surgery went according to plan,” Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said in a press release. “Marc’s determination and competitive spirit will serve him, his family and the team well as he begins the healing and rehab process from which we expect him to make a full recovery. We are confident we will have Marc back anchoring our team next season and beyond.”
“It is frustrating to not be on the court with my teammates at this time, Gasol said in the same press release, “but I understand that the focus of this process is on long-term health and stability. I look forward to the road ahead and a full and successful recovery.”
The starting center last played against the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 8, and since that time the team’s make-up has changed dramatically. They traded guard Courtney Lee to the Charlotte Hornets in a three-way deal that brought back guard P.J. Hairston, center Chris Andersen and four second-round picks. Then on the trade deadline day Thursday, they then sent Jeff Green to the Clippers in exchange for Lance Stephenson and a first-round pick.
Although they currently sit in the fifth spot in the Western Conference, losing Gasol puts a major dent in their quest for the playoffs.
