An illustrious career just came to an end in the NBA. Former Laker, Pau Gasol decided to hang it up after a 19-year career in the NBA. He did it all in his time on the floor and will now enjoy retirement. He made his name as one of the most skilled big men to ever play the game.
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Gasol started his NBA career at the young age of 21. He impressed as soon as he took the floor with Memphis. He averaged 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 51% from the field. The big man was a major part in putting the Grizzlies on the map, followed by his younger brother, Marc Gasol.
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Lakers Pau Gasol celebrates his threepoint play in overtime agasint the Magic in Game 2 of the NBA Championship at the Staples Center Thursday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Now, players made sure to give him the respect he deserves after he announced his retirement.
Players congratulate Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol revealed that it was a difficult decision for him to retire from the game. Being involved with the game for more than half his life, it is understandable where the legend is coming from. However, he made the tough call and put an end to his beautiful 23-year journey with basketball.
Celebrating him, many players such as Klay Thompson and Baron Davis came out to show him support. Unsurprisingly, many players were honored to share the floor with Pau. The Laker man revolutionized the center position into a much more diverse role.
Russell Westbrook: "Pau was actually my favorite player growing up before Kobe."
This shot by @paugasol was way harder than my shot.
Thank you Pau Gasol 💜💛 pic.x.com/k6TSYtWinF
Salute!!!
Brate @paugasol Hall of famer 🙌🏻 ❤️ Buena suerte hermano en los siguientes desafíos. 💪🏻
Honor sharing the court with you boss
Querido baloncesto, gracias por todo. Dear basketball, thank you for everything. Estimat bàsquet, gràcies per tot. ❤️🏀
Congratulations on your #HOF career
Pau Gasol has retired after 19 NBA seasons and two championships
Congrats on a great career @paugasol !!! Was an honor playing with you and against you bro.
Congrats @paugasol on and unbelievable career! 🙌🏾
Gracias por ser mi ejemplo… Gracias por ser mi compañero… Gracias por ser mi amigo… Gracias @paugasol ❤️
Gasol could score, defend and make plays all as a center. However, his ability to play hard till the end is what attracted everyone to his game. Notably, Kobe Bryant had nothing but the best words for Pau as a teammate in his time as a Laker.
With a 23 year career on his back, he made a legacy for himself. Let’s take a look at what he accomplished in his career.
A true legend of the game
While it all started in Memphis, his time with the Lakers was his most important. Not only did he partner up with Kobe, but he won back-to-back championships in his time in Los Angeles. Likewise, the purple and gold plan on retiring his jersey for all that he did for the organization.
It wasn’t just the NBA where Gasol dominated. Even at the international level, Gasol achieved success. He won three Olympic medals with Spain and further added to his legacy. Hence, there is no doubt that he deserves all the respect that is coming his way.
Do you think Pau Gasol will make the Hall of Fame for his career achievements? Let us know in the comments below.
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