NBA
Pau Gasol: The Magnificent Matador
The early 2000’s welcomed the Spanish 7 footer phenom Pau Gasol. Joining a group of other big name big men in the league. With talents like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Webber running the Western Conference you had to earn your place. The Spaniard took that challenge head on like a matador ready to fight a bull.
Starting Strong
Coming off of a MVP season and a Spanish National Championship in 2001, Gasol thought it was time to enter the NBA. It was one of the smarter moves that the young franchise had made. Just as a rookie he posted up All Star numbers by getting 17.6 points, 9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks on 36.7 minutes a game. To no one’s surprise Pau won the 2002 ROY and All Rookie 1st team. By his third season in the league Gasol led the Grizzlies to the franchises first playoff berth, but was knocked out by the San Antonio Spurs in 4 games. Pau led Memphis to the playoffs for the next 2 seasons after. In his 12 playoff games with the Grizzlies he averaged 20 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 35.4 minutes.
By ’05-’06 season Pau was selected to his first career All Star game. He was the first Spanish and Memphis Grizzlies player to ever be selected to the All Star game. Gasol owns 12 Memphis Grizzlies records in most minutes played, free throws attempted, field goals made, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, total games, blocks, games, minutes, and points.
Lakers/NBA Champion
Pau Gasol started the ’07-’08 season as a Memphis Grizzlies player, but that changed for him by February 1st 2008. A right before trade deadline deal sent the Spanish big man to the Los Angeles Lakers for what might go down as one of the biggest steals in recent history. In return Memphis got bust player Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the rights to Marc Gasol (his brother), and 1st round picks for 2008 and 2010. That trade gave Pau the chance to shine. From the city of Blues and Rock n Roll to the City of Angels.
With Gasol on the team, the Lakers went 22-5 propelling them to the best record in the Western Conference. Once the playoffs came the Lakers were clicking on all cylinders. They muscled their way through the playoffs, but ultimately fell short to Boston’s big three of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce,
That loss in the finals in ’08 didn’t discourage him. Instead Pau and Kobe Bryant pushed the Lakers to back-to-back performance. Beating the Orlando Magic led Dwight Howard, and a revenge title win against the Boston Celtics.
Adding to the Legacy
Pau never got another ring after that ’10 season, but still was an elite talent. For years after he pulled in three other All Star games after that. He started in one as a representative of the Chicago Bulls. Being a leader on the defensive side, while being a great inside out threat for teams.
International Success
In overseas competition Pau has numerous MVP’s, 3 time Olympic medalist (two silver, one bronze) and a 2 time FIBA Europe Player of the Year.
The Argument
When you look at players that had both NBA and international success, the list is quite limited. Champion at every level he ever competed in while performing at high levels. By the time he retires he’ll be a Rookie of the Year, a 2 time NBA champion, 6 time All Star, and an international basketball icon.
