Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the third overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. However, his draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies shortly thereafter. This marked the beginning of Gasol's NBA career, where he became the first Spaniard to play in the NBA and made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2001-2002 season.

Pau Gasol was part of the Spanish national basketball team that won the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Spain lost to the United States in a closely contested final. Gasol's performance throughout the tournament was commendable, showcasing his skills and tenacity on the court. His contributions were critical to Spain securing a place among the top basketball nations at the Olympics.

On June 14, 2009, Pau Gasol won his first NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals, with Gasol playing a crucial role as the team's starting power forward. Gasol's skills and versatility played a significant part in the Lakers' success, and he was praised for his defensive and offensive contributions throughout the series.

Pau Gasol secured his second consecutive NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers on June 17, 2010. The Lakers won the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in a thrilling seven-game series. Gasol's performance was instrumental in the decisive Game 7, where he scored 19 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, showcasing his value as one of the league's top big men.

Pau Gasol captained the Spanish national team to a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Spain faced the United States in a highly competitive gold medal match, ultimately losing 107-100. Gasol was instrumental in the team's performance, contributing significantly to both their offensive and defensive strategies. His leadership and experience were crucial in Spain reaching the finals.

On September 20, 2015, Pau Gasol played a pivotal role in leading the Spanish national basketball team to victory in the EuroBasket 2015 tournament. Spain defeated Lithuania in the final to win the gold medal. Gasol was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an outstanding performance, including a 40-point game against France in the semifinals, highlighting his dominance on the European stage.

Pau Gasol helped the Spanish national team clinch the bronze medal at EuroBasket 2017. Spain defeated Russia in the third-place playoff. Gasol continued to demonstrate his prowess on the European basketball stage by delivering key performances throughout the tournament, further solidifying his legacy as one of Europe's greatest basketball players.

Pau Gasol signed with FC Barcelona on February 23, 2021, returning to the club where he began his professional career. This move came after a two-year hiatus from professional basketball due to injuries. Gasol's return was significant for Barcelona, as he brought his extensive NBA experience and skills back to the team to help them in the European competitions and the Spanish ACB league.

On October 5, 2021, Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball, bringing an illustrious career to a close. Gasol's career spanned two decades and included numerous accolades, such as two NBA championships, six NBA All-Star appearances, and multiple medals with the Spanish national team. His impact on the sport, especially as a European player in the NBA, is widely recognized and celebrated.

On March 7, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers honored Pau Gasol by retiring his jersey number 16, hanging it in the rafters of the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena). This tribute cemented Gasol's legacy with the Lakers, recognizing his contributions to the franchise, including helping the team win two NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant. Gasol became the 12th player in franchise history to have his jersey retired.