Report: Marc Gasol to be named top defender

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol will be named the NBA's defensive player of the year, Chris Vernon of 92.9 FM ESPN in Memphis reported Monday.

Gasol's defensive statistics were not overly impressive. He averaged just 1.7 blocks per game, 1.3 a game behind league leader Serge Ibaka. Gasol averaged 7.8 rebounds a game, well behind leader Dwight Howard, the league leader.

But with Gasol on the floor, the Grizzlies allowed 99.3 points per 100 possessions. With him off the floor, opponents averaged 105.9 points per 100 possessions.

Memphis led the NBA in scoring defense, allowing 89,3 points per game during the regular season.