Marc Gasol had put everything into winning his first-ever NBA title after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Toronto Raptors at the 2019 trade deadline.
Gasol admitted to being exhausted after a long playoff run, one filled with ups, downs, and plenty of memorable moments he can still remember vividly.
“That was the toughest thing I've ever done, mentally and physically,” said Gasol, referring to winning an NBA title, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. “It was very challenging mentally and physically, and it was awesome. Just staying in the moment.”
Gasol was tasked with playing a different style than the usual physical one he played in Memphis. He was used more as a pick-and-pop perimeter threat, which worked wonders against a suspect Golden State Warriors defense.
The 7-foot-1 giant, however, didn't forget his beginnings as part of a culture in Memphis, as he had the motto “GRIT&GRIND” inscribed on his Raptors championship ring.
“Zach, TA, Mike, they go beyond what basketball means to me,” he said. “We spent so much time together. Not all on the floor, but on the downsides, on the losses. You go out to dinner, and you go out and have each other's backs.
“That's what makes it bigger than basketball.”
Gasol's lone hope after turning the page and leaving Memphis was to compete for a championship. To do so and actually win a title the season in which he was traded made it all the more rewarding, and that much special after spending 12 years in the league.
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