The duel between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday marked Marc Gasol's first game back in Memphis since joining the Purple & Gold. The Spaniard had nothing to offer but gratitude to the franchise where he spent his first 10 years in the NBA.
After the game, Gasol reflected on his first overall game in Memphis back in 2019. To recall, Gasol was traded to the Toronto Raptors for C. J. Miles, Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright, and a 2024 second-round draft pick. He never had a chance to play in Memphis while donning the Raptors jersey.
“Obviously I'm very thankful for the franchise has for me not just now for the recognition but throughout the years that I was here.”
Gasol admitted it was a little “awkward” being in the visitor's locker room. He also regretted not draining a 3-pointer in the opening minutes to make his comeback a little bit sweeter.
“Before the ball was tipped, maybe a little. It a little awkward being on the different locker room, warming up on the opposite side, all that kind of stuff. Once the ball goes up, it's game time. It's completely different. I wish I just hit one of those threes. That would've made it much, much better.”
Peep the full post-game interview below:
"I'm thankful for what the franchise has done for me." @MarcGasol reflects post-game with @RealAClifton on returning to Memphis for the first time since leaving the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/PAYpkdQULl
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 4, 2021
Marc Gasol played a total of 769 regular-season games for the Grizzlies where he averaged 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He was named an All-Star thrice, got All-NBA nods twice, and was crowned Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
Thanks for the memories, @marcgasol #GNGForever pic.twitter.com/XXjoe1DJsi
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 3, 2021
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