Shortly before Orlando traded for Markelle Fultz in February, another trade took place that would ultimately have a much greater impact this season on the Magic.
The Raptors traded Jonas Valanciunas to Memphis for Marc Gasol. Now two-and-a-half months later, Gasol is playing a large role in potentially bringing the Magic’s season to an end.
The former Defensive Player of the Year, in his tenth season, remains a defensive master who uses his positioning, anticipation and physicality to his advantage. Evan at 34 years old, and a step slower than he once was, he has silenced Nikola Vucevic in the opening two games of the first round series between the Magic and Raptors.