The Memphis Grizzlies 2015-16 campaign came to an unfortunate end as injuries riddled their roster and prevented them from putting up a proper fight against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.
In fact, the whole dilemma brought then-Grizzlies and now-Sacramento Kings coach, Dave Joerger, to tears in his post-match press conference.
One of the men they were missing was franchise player Marc Gasol. Now, a couple of months after inking Mike Conley to a historic $153 million max extension, there is some more good news in Memphis.
Have your say on GiveMeSport - NBA by taking part in our survey here: https://gms.to/1ZIq9kk
According to a report by Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal on Friday, Grizzlies center Gasol, who has been out with a broken right foot since February, has been medically cleared to play.
The Spaniard was forced to miss the Olympics in Rio this summer and watch his brother, Pau, guide their homeland to a bronze medal.
However, it looks as if the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year is fit and raring to go and he'll be absolutely vital to their chances of securing a playoff spot in a more competitive west than ever.
At 7'1", Gasol is the only man on the Grizzlies roster who stands north of seven-foot, and his nimble footwork on the defensive end for his size was sorely missed in his absence.
Now that the Grizzlies have retooled and are recharged, the start of the season can't come quick enough.
