Marc Gasol Injury Update: Grizzlies Star Undergoes Foot Surgery, Out for Season

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is out for the remainder of the 2015-16 season after undergoing surgery on his right foot.According to NBA.com, the star big man underwent surgery Saturday torepair a non-displaced Type II fracture of his navicular bone after initially suffering the injury on Feb. 8.PerNBA.com, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace is optimistic the 31-year-old Spaniard will recover in time for the 2016-17 campaign:Marc remains a cornerstone of our franchise and we are pleased to hear that the surgery went according to plan. 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.Gasol also commented on the surgery and is already looking ahead to next season: "It is frustrating to not be on the court with my teammates at this time, 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 7-footer was enjoying another strong year before going down, with averages of 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest.While the Grizz are currently fifth in the Western Conference at 32-23, making a deep playoff run without the two-time All-Star and 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year will be an extremely tall order.Aside from Memphis, ESPN.com'sMarc Steinalso pointed out Gasol could potentially miss the 2016 Rio Olympics this coming summer, which would damage Spain's gold-medal hopes.Gasol is easily one of the best pure centers in the game due to his acumen at both ends of the floor, including his ability to pass like a guard at times.There is no suitable replacement for his skill set on the Grizzlies' roster, which could push power forward Brandan Wright into a bigger role or force Memphis to take a page out of the Golden State Warriors' book by going small.Gasol's versatility is the main thing that sets the Grizz apart from the rest of the league, though, which is why anything other than a first-round exit in the playoffs seems unlikely at this point.Follow@MikeChiarion Twitter.
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