Grizzlies Immortalise Marc Gasol With Touching Tribute After 3x All-Star’s Shocking Retirement

The Memphis Grizzlies have made it certain that they’re retiring their star player Marc Gasol’s jersey No. 33. The announcement has elated fans since Gasol had immensely contributed to helping the Grizzlies become a reckoning force. 

The cherry on top will be Commemorative Vinyl Record gifted to those present in the stadium. The Record will contain memorable moments from Gasol’s career. And this will help fans reminisce about his achievements in the years to come.

How was Gasol as a player?

The Grizzlies posted about the same on social media networking site, X with a heartwarming tribute to the athlete on Thursday. Though, the 3x NBA All Star last made it to the NBA during the 2020-21 season, he was still plying his trade for the Basquet Girona. He announced his retirement on January 31, 2024. This came as a surprise for all fans and Grizzlies took the opportunity to memorialize one of their core players during the time he played for them. 

As for those looking to watch the ceremony online, it will be aired on  Bally Sports Southeast and Bally Sports+, postgame. As per the official news, there will be musical artists, former Grizzlies players, and coaches available. But the exact details of it are yet to be divulged. Surely, this news would have elated fans who watched the Grizzlies’ games with passion. Other than that, even those who love basketball would have been thrilled to hear this news.

Born in Barcelona, Gasol represented the Grizzlies for most part of his career and was exceptionally talented in his game. He played for the Grizzlies from 2008-2019. Although he won his only NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Gasol left an everlasting impact on the Grizzlies. 

Gasol ended his career being the all-time leader in minutes played (25,917), games started (762), field goals made (4,341), free throws made (2,701), defensive rebounds (4,624), total rebounds (5,952) and blocks (1,135).

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Apart from that he occupies the second spot in games played (769), points (11,684), assists (2,639), offensive rebounds (1,318), double-doubles (194) and triple-doubles (5) and places third in steals (708). Such was the impact Gasol had on the Grizzlies. However, Gasol is not the only player whose number is included in the retirement list by the Grizzlies.

Which previous athlete’s jersey did the Grizzlies retire?

The Grizzlies had previously retired the number 50 of Zachary McKenley Randolph. Randolph had played with the Grizzlies from 2009 to 2017 and was one of their mainstay players. He had announced his retirement in December 2019. The Grizzlies took their time before commemorating his achievements and retiring his jersey number in December 2021. Gasol’s ceremony is expected to be quite similar.

The Grizzlies are honoring their core players and fans will get a chance to reminisce the sweet time they had when Gasol was in the squad.

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