who played basketball professionally for 13 years, winning a championship with Toronto, being named Defensive Player of the Year, and being selected as a three-time All-Star, declared his retirement from the game on Wednesday.
In 2007, Gasol was selected by the Lakers with the 48th overall pick after beginning his career in Spain with FC Barcelona and CB Girona. In the trade that sent his brother, Pau Gasol, to the Lakers, he spent one more season playing in Spain before being traded to Memphis. Everyone was pleased with the outcome of that deal.
After ten years of service, Gasol was named an All-Star three times, won Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, and anchored the paint for some of the greatest Memphis teams in history.
Midway through the 2018–19 campaign, Memphis traded Gasol to Toronto, where he provided a paint defense and some passing that created opportunities for Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and the other players on the team. Without him, Toronto would not have a championship banner for 2019.
Raptors President Masai Ujiri released a statement saying, “Marc has a special place in the hearts and memories of Toronto and of Canada.” “On the court, he is a champion. run for the 2019 championship was greatly aided by his amazing vision and skillful defense. Through the Gasol Foundation, he has made significant contributions to communities all over the world, demonstrating that he is also a champion in life. He has won two Olympic silver medals, is a three-time All-Star, was named to the first team of the NBA, was named Defensive Player of the Year, and, in opinion, gave the best performance in the history of championship parades. The Raptors are grateful for Marc’s perseverance and hard work, and they extend their warmest wishes for a happy retirement to him and his family.
Before departing for Spain, Gasol played his final season with the Lakers.
Along with his brother Pau, he was a member of the legendary Spanish basketball team that won the gold medal at EuroBasket 2009 and two FIBA World Championships (2006 and 2019). In 2008 and 2012, he also took home two silver medals from Olympics.
A date has not yet been set for the Grizzlies’ announcement that they intend to retire his No. 33.
