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.
Quick Facts
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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