Name: Pau Gasol
Born: July 6, 1980 in Barcelona, Spain
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Power Forward, Center
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 260 lbs.
Nicknames: Muchacho, Spanish Fly, Picasso
Drafted: 2001; 1st round, 3rd pick by the Memphis Grizzlies
Teams Played For In Career:
- Los Angeles Lakers (2008-Present)
- Memphis Grizzlies (2001-2008)
MAJOR AWARDS AND HONORS:
Rookie of the Year
- 2001-02 NBA Rookie of the Year
NBA All-Star
- 2005-06 All-Star
NBA All-Rookie Team
- 2001-02 All-Rookie First Team
Background:
Gasol had been playing and excelling in international play with Spain before joining the NBA. He was a big-time international prospect for a few years before crossing the Atlantic. Gasol led Spain to the 2006 FIBA World Championship gold medal and was named MVP of the tournament.
Gasol's younger brother, Marc, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 48th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
His Career Thus Far:
Gasol seemingly made an easy transition to the NBA, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Unfortunately, playing in Memphis, Gasol hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves from the average basketball fan. Gasol is a proven 20-point scorer, but has very good passing ability and plays solid defense as well.
After two shaky seasons starting out his career, Gasol and the Grizzlies enjoyed winning seasons with playoff berths from the 2003-04 season through the 2005-06 campaign. Unfortunately, he didn't have the success in the postseason he's had in Europe, with the team getting swept in the first round in each of those three seasons. Despite that, Gasol is a force down in the box and should be for years to come.
MORE ON PAU GASOL:
