National Basketball Association

Marc Gasol officially cleared to play

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

After playing only 52 games last season and missing the Rio Olympics due to a broken foot, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol has been cleared to resume basketball activities.

According to Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies’ center, Marc Gasol, has been cleared to play after recovering from a broken right foot.

The 7-footer suffered the injury in February and subsequently missed playing for his native Spain in the Rio Olympics. However, Gasol recently returned to Memphis for strength and conditioning. Gasol is also playing pickup games, according to sources with knowledge of his progress. The Griz took a cautious approach to Gasol’s rehabilitation and are upbeat about his return to form on the basketball court, according to the sources.

Gasol is said to be a full participant with the Grizzlies after being inactive for several months, and the team plans to continue to proceed with caution. That Gasol didn’t play for Spain in the Rio Olympics wasn’t surprising given his devotion to being ready for Griz training camp. He suffered a fracture in the midfoot area, and despite the growing optimism, Gasol’s comeback won’t be easy.
Marc Gasol turns 32 years old in January, almost halfway through the season. So, conventional wisdom would suggest that the Grizzlies initially put him on a minute restriction and allow the foot to strengthen for a strong stretch run.

Memphis will conduct their media day on September 26th and training camp will begin the next day, Sept. 27, at the FedExForum.

The team is looking forward to start the season, after they were decimated by injuries. Despite the adversity, Memphis was still able to make the playoffs. There is optimism around the team after re-signing Mike Conley and adding Chandler Parsons that the Grizzlies are poised for a deep playoff run. Gasol’s full recovery will be key to that.