Calkins: For Marc Gasol, home is where the Memphians are
Grizz, the Memphis Grizzlies mascot, poses in front of pyrotechics in the nearly empty FedExForum before a Jan. 3, 2020 game against the Los Angeles Lakers. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) fights for a rebound over Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) during a Jan. 3, 2020 game at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) tries to get the ball from Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during a Jan. 3, 2020 game at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) fights for a loose rebound during a Jan. 3, 2020 game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) tries to get past Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during a Jan. 3, 2020 game at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots a free throw during a Jan. 3, 2020 game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) goes up for a shot during a Jan. 3, 2020 game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) argues a call during a Jan. 3, 2020 game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) talks to Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during a Jan. 3, 2021 game. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) tries to block the shot of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke during a Jan. 3, 2021 game. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Geoff Calkins
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
Marc Gasol may have played in FedExForum Sunday, but it wasn’t his “return” to the city. Why? Because y’all weren’t there.
Topics
Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies vs. Lakers Geoff Calkins Gasol return NBA 2020-21 NBA season Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
Geoff Calkins on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Geoff Calkins' stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Ja Morant is hurt. Now what?
Daily Memphian Grizzlies beat writer Drew Hill and columnist Chris Herrington discuss Anderson’s impact moving forward and how much the Morant injury will mean to Memphis over the course of the regular season.
Short-handed Grizzlies cruise to win over Hornets
The four-man bench came up big, with every available Memphis player on the court for at least 19 minutes.
Grizzlies shift strategies, find success without star players
The Grizzlies are finding ways to be competitive without Ja Morant, and it starts with efficient play from Tyus Jones.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.