The Memphis Grizzlies are trying to stay in contention in the Western Conference. Like every other team in the conference, they are trying to build a roster ready to compete with the Golden State Warriors in a playoff series, but the uphill climb just got a little steeper for the franchise.

The Grizzlies announced via their team website that Marc Gasol would miss the remainder of the season following surgery on a foot injury. The center underwent a procedure to repair a non-displaced Type II fracture of the navicular bone and will not be back for the rest of the year. That is a tough blow for the Grizzlies as Gasol was averaging 16.6 points and 7.0 rebounds this season. With the team currently sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference, losing one of their best players in the middle of the year can make improvement tough.

"It is frustrating to not be on the court with my teammates at this time," Gasol said, via ESPN.com. "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."

Now the question becomes how Memphis replaces one of their leaders for the second half of the season. Zach Randolph told USA Today Sports that he is ready to lead the team with Gasol out. The forward has look better shooting from the perimeter lately, but he lacks some of the versatility that Gasol brought to the court. Randolph stressed that he can improve his game to help the team.

"My skill set is big, man, and not enough people see it," Randolph said, via USA Today. "I stay focused, I stay positive on my game. I work on my craft. For me, I can play out there, face up from 16 feet out. Usually, they put their shooters out there on me. I guess I cause too much problems for the regular power forwards. So I take what the defense gives me."

In terms of depth, Gasol was the only true center on the roster. However, the trade deadline saw the Grizzlies get size back on the team. Both Chris Andersen and Lance Stephenson were acquired at the trade deadline. They certainly do not bring to the court what Gasol did, but they can at least help in terms of depth off the bench.