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[Saba Sports News] Marc Gasol, a revered figure in Memphis Grizzlies history, has announced his retirement from basketball. The announcement came through a video posted on his X page on Wednesday, marking what Gasol referred to as the “end of a chapter.”
At 39, Gasol retires as one of the NBA’s most successful second-round picks, having amassed numerous accolades during his 2008-21 career. His achievements include three All-Star selections, two All-NBA nods, and a Defensive Player of the Year award with the Grizzlies, along with an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Gasol, known for his comprehensive skill set, concluded his NBA career with averages of 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
Beyond the NBA, Gasol is a celebrated figure in Spain. After his last NBA season in 2021, he played for two more seasons with Basquet Girona in Spain, a club he founded in 2014 and now presides over. Internationally, he led Spain to notable successes, including two Olympic silver medals, two FIBA World Cup golds, and two EuroBasket championships.
In recognition of his impact, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the Grizzlies are set to retire Gasol’s No. 33 jersey, a fitting tribute to a player who was integral to the Grizzlies’ “Grit ‘n’ Grind” era and provided Memphis with some of its most memorable basketball moments.