Over 14 years, Marc Gasol crafted his NBA legacy. He certainly became a legend with the Memphis Grizzlies after spending 11 years in the organization. But after countless wins and numerous accolades, Gasol is ready to hang up his shoes.
Gasol officially announced his retirement on Wednesday, via Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian. The Grizzlies plan to retire his jersey.
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Gasol with the No. 48 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. However, he was traded on draft night with his brother Pau Gasol, landing the big man with the Grizzlies.
Gasol made his debut with the team at the start of the 2008-2009 season and didn't disappoint. Appearing in all 82 games, he averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 53 percent from the floor. Gasol was named All-Rookie Second-Team.
From there, Gasol's journey with the Grizzlies took off. He appeared in 769 games with the team, averaging 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He was a three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection and the 2012-2013 Defensive Player of the Year award winner.
But it wasn't until Gasol left the Grizzlies that the big man found his greatest success in the NBA. As a member of the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Gasol won the NBA Championship. He retired two years after that, playing one final season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Marc Gasol made his mark in the NBA, setting records with the Grizzlies and winning a title before calling it a career. He has accomplished everything he wants to in basketball and now the big man wants to give back.
“It's time to teach everything I've learned,” Gasol said.
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