After playing 19 seasons in the NBA, the renowned Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball today via press conference.
I’m going to retire from professional basketball,” Gasol said during a retirement announcement in Barcelona. “It’s a difficult decision after so many years, but it’s a decision that I thought over.”
Gasol was drafted with third overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, winning Rookie of the Year and making himself a household name as one of the Grizzlies’ first building blocks after their move to Memphis (and leading them to their first playoff series in 2004).
Pau is also noted for his time on the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played alongside NBA icon Kobe Bryant, helping the Lakers win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
In his NBA career, Gasol averaged 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while amassing six All-Star selections.
He also has a decorated career overseas, playing for FC Barcelona prior to and following his days in the NBA, and winning multiple medals with Spain’s Olympic team.
