According to a report in Tuesday's Memphis Commericial Appeal, recent reports that the Griz are willing to part with Gasol were overblown. The team still is committed to building around the Spaniard, barring a deal for a proven superstar such as Tim Duncan or Kevin Garnett. Gasol, despite his shortcomings, still elicits a double team when he touches the basketball.

He's been a consistent offensive player, having averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of his four NBA seasons. That is why the Grizzlies essentially laughed when the New York Knicks recently floated a nonsensical trade proposal down the Mississippi River: Gasol in exchange for Memphis native Anfernee Hardaway.