Marc Gasol
Spanish center, two-time All-NBA, three-time All-Star, 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, 2019 NBA champion.
Marc Gasol Sáez (born 29 January 1985) is a Spanish former professional basketball player who is the president of Bàsquet Girona of the Liga ACB. The center is a two-time All-NBA Team member and a three-time NBA All-Star. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013, and won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Memphis Grizzlies (2008–2019)
- Status
- Retired from NBA, Franchise Legend
- Key Achievement
- NBA All-Star Selection
- Defensive Honor
- Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team (one First Team, two Second Teams)
Lore & Background
Gasol was drafted 48th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA draft. After having his rights traded to Memphis in February 2008 in a deal that sent his older brother Pau Gasol to the Lakers, he signed with the Grizzlies and remained with the franchise until being traded to Toronto in 2019. He rejoined the Lakers in 2020 for one season. Gasol has been a regular member of the Spain national team since 2006. He has won two Olympic silver medals and two FIBA Basketball World Cup titles. In the EuroBasket, he has won two titles, a silver medal, and two bronze medals.
In Their Own Story
The air inside FedExForum was thick with humidity and tension as the clock wound down against a top-seeded opponent. Marc Gasol stood over the ball on the baseline, his eyes scanning the court with the calm precision of a chess grandmaster. He didn't need to shout; his mere presence commanded respect. With a subtle hand signal, he directed his teammates into a trap, anticipating the pass before it was even thrown. In a split second, he intercepted the ball and launched a no-look pass that found an open teammate for a game-sealing layup. The crowd erupted, but Marc simply nodded, adjusting his jersey, ready to defend the next possession.
Reader's Guide
Gasol played for FC Barcelona (2003–2006), CB Girona (2006–2008), Memphis Grizzlies (2008–2019), Toronto Raptors (2019–2020), and Los Angeles Lakers (2020–2021). He was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, All-NBA Second Team in 2013, and All-NBA First Team in 2015. He was an NBA All-Star in 2012, 2015, and 2017. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2013.
Did You Know?
- Marc Gasol was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, the first player in Grizzlies history to earn the honor.
- He was selected to the NBA All-Star team in 2012, 2015, and 2017.
- Gasol earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 2013 and All-NBA First Team honors in 2015.
- He was named only to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2013, not multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Marc Gasol?
He is a retired Spanish center who played for the Grizzlies from 2012 to 2019 and became an emotional leader for the squad. His tenure marks one of the most transformative periods in the franchise's history.
What was his primary role on the court?
Gasol served as the defensive anchor and face of the 'Grit and Grind' identity that defined the team from 2013 to 2017. He stabilized the center position, allowing Memphis to evolve into a perennial playoff contender known for physicality.
Why is he considered so important to the franchise?
Fans revere him because he provided the defensive heart and soul during an era where the team was known for unyielding defense. His leadership helped stabilize the roster when the organization needed consistent performance most.
What major awards did he win in Memphis?
During his time in Tennessee, he received an NBA All-Star selection and earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. These accolades highlight his individual excellence while contributing to the team's collective success.
How does his story end with the Grizzlies?
Although he is now retired from the NBA, he remains a Franchise Legend honored for his contributions during his seven seasons in Memphis. His legacy concludes with him leaving as one of the most impactful players in the organization's timeline.
More in Legendary Players & Coaches
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