In a formal announcement via Spanish outlet Diario Sport, longtime NBA centre Marc Gasol officially declared his retirement from professional basketball on Wednesday. Gasol shared a heartfelt five-minute video on his Twitter account, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade.
Selected as the 48th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Gasol began his NBA journey as a draft-and-stash prospect in 2008, eventually becoming a key figure in the renowned “Grit and Grind” era with the Memphis Grizzlies. Over his more than 10 seasons with the Grizzlies, Gasol solidified his place as a reliable starting centre.
Marc Gasol impressive career includes three All-Star appearances in 2012, 2015, and 2017, as well as earning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2013. In a significant move, he was traded from Memphis to the Toronto Raptors at the 2019 deadline, playing a crucial role as the starting center for the Raptors’ championship-winning team that season. Following a brief stint in Toronto and the 2020/21 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol spent the last two seasons with Basquet Girona, a team he owns and operates in Spain.
The 39-year-old, who had previously hinted at the possibility of an NBA return, officially closes that chapter with his retirement announcement. Gasol leaves behind an impressive NBA resume, averaging 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 891 career regular-season games. He also contributed to 99 playoff contests, earning All-NBA honors and making significant contributions to the Grizzlies, Raptors, and Lakers.
In addition to his NBA achievements, Gasol represented the Spanish national team in numerous international competitions, securing World Cup championships in 2006 and 2019 and claiming Olympic silver medals from Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
Grizzlies owner Robert Pera, who previously expressed intentions to retire Gasol’s jersey (No. 33), may now move forward with honoring the basketball icon’s legacy within the franchise.
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