Marc Gasol Jersey Retirement!

Marc Gasol Jersey Retirement!

Marc Gasol was born in Barcelona, Spain. He grew up playing basketball. His older brother, Pau Gasol, played in the NBA. So, it was destiny for Marc to play in the same league. He spent his early years playing international basketball. He won two FIBA World Championships and two silver medals. Becoming one of the best international basketball players in the world. The NBA world did not view him as that, though. The NBA always had the dumbass view that "Euro players are soft." This sterotype resulted in his selection as the 48th pick in the 2008 draft. And then becoming a throw-away player in the legendary Pau Gasol trade. Memphis did not know this, but this 48th pick will change the franchise forever!

One of the most underrated players in the 2010s. He was the leader of the Grit and Grind Memphis Grizzlies. They gave tough battles to teams. These teams include the San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Gasol was one of the best centers in the league, earning himself a Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2013. Along with being a three-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team member in 2015.

One of the most underrated players in the 2010s. He was the leader of the Grit and Grind Memphis Grizzlies. They gave tough battles to teams. These teams include the San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Gasol was one of the best centers in the league, earning himself a Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2013. Along with being a three-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team member in 2015, Marc was ahead of his time, as he was a talented defender, shooter, post player, and passer. Gasol did everything that the team needed. Memphis surrounded him with straight dogs. Guys like Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Mike Conley gave the best of teams fits. Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies were a must-see on TV every time the playoffs rolled around.

In 2011, the Memphis Grizzlies made their name known! Marc Gasol and his team beat the experienced San Antonio Spurs. Averaging 14 points per game on 53 percent shooting. The next season, the grizzlies had a dog fight. They were against Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and the Clippers. Taking LA to seven tough games and eliminating them in the seventh game. In 2013, Memphis was able to get their lick back as they defeated the Clippers in six games. In the 2014 playoffs, Marc Gasol and his team faced the Thunder. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant led the Thunder. Taking them to seven tough games where Gasol averaged 17 points per game, 4 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game. In 2015, Gasol and company lost to the new dynasty led by Steph Curry. In 2016, the Spurs swept the Memphis Grizzlies. The team once again lost six games against the Spurs in 2017. As the team could no longer compete with teams like the Warriors, Memphis made some major changes.

The grizzlies realized that it was time to rebuild. They could no longer compete with the Warriors. A tough decision was made with a declining roster, and Memphis decided to become sellers. Zach Randolph went on to sign with the Sacramento Kings. Along with Tony Allen, who retired from the league. The Toronto Raptors dealt the biggest blow when they traded Marc Gasol. In the decline of his career, he found himself becoming a role player. A good paint protector could help against Giannis Antetokounmpo. It could also help against Joel Embiid and Nikola Vucevic. And he could help stretch the floor and make the right passes. Marc earned a championship in 2019. The Memphis Grizzlies were able to draft their future superstar, Ja Morant. An absolute win-win situation for both parties. Due to Gasol's impact, Memphis has been able to be one of the best franchises in the past decade.

Marc Gasol, at this point, had one foot out of basketball. Earning a second seed with the Raptors and then signing with the Lakers. It was clear that he was far removed from his glory days. He lost minutes to another Andre Drummond. Gasol spent the last two years of his playing career in Europe and then announced his retirement. With Marc's NBA and Euro accolades, there is no doubt that he is a future Hall of Famer.

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