gold star for USAHOF

Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol

The younger brother of Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol carved a spectacular career in his own right and is far more than just the "second best" Gasol.

Gasol first arrived in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008, and he played there for over ten seasons, going to three All-Star Games, albeit on a level of obscurity, considering Memphis was not very good when he played.  The Spanish Center developed into one of the better defensive players who still could score, as shown by his eight 14-plus PPG years.  Twice named an All-NBA player, Gasol won the 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year, again a fantastic accomplishment considering how rare Memphis was on any form of national television.

Late in his career, Gasol was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and his veteran presence aided the Raps in winning their first NBA Championship (2019).  Gasol concluded his NBA career with a final year as a Laker, but he will (and should be) remembered as one of the greatest Grizzlies of all time.

If you go by Gasol's NBA career, he might not have a Hall of Fame resume, but never forget the international components matter in Springfield.  A champion in the Spanish Leagues before he came to the States, Gasol represented Spain many times, winning two Olympic Silver Medals, two World Cup Gold Medals, and five medals (two Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze) in Eurobasket.  That is a big deal, making Gasol one of the most successful International players ever.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Barcelona, Spain
  • Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 2025
  • Position: Center
  • Played For: Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors
  • Drafted: 2nd Round, 48th Overall in 2007
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    All-NBA First Team (2014-15)
    All-NBA Second Team (2012-13)
    NBA All-Star (2012, 2015 & 2017)
    NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2012-13)
    NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2012-13)
    NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2008-09)
    Highest Defensive Box Plus/Minus (2012-13)
    NBA Championships (1) (Toronto Raptors, 2019)
    Olympic Silver Medal (2) (Spain, 2008 & 2012)
    FIBA World Cup of Basketball Gold Medal (2) (Spain 2006 & 2019)
    FIBA Eurobasket Gold Medal (2) (Spain, 2009 & 2011)
    FIBA Eurobasket Silver Medal (1) (Spain, 2007)
    FIBA Eurobasket Bronze Medal (2) (Spain, 2013 & 2017)
    FIBA EuroCup Winner (1) (2007)
    Euroscar Player of the Year (1) (2014)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rebounds (1) (2011-12) 
    Top Ten Finishes: Blocks (3) (2011-12, 2012-13 & 2014-2015) 
    Top Ten Finishes: Blocks per Game (1) (2011-12)
    Top Ten Finishes: Field Goal Percentage (1) (2009-10)
    Top Ten Finishes: 2-Point Field Goal Percentage (1) (2009-10)
    Top Ten Finishes: Effective Field Goal Percentage (1) (2009-10)
    Top Ten Finishes: True Shooting Percentage (1) (2009-10)
    Top Ten Finishes: 2-Point Field Goals (1) (2014-15)
    Top Ten Finishes: 2-Point Field Goal Attempts (1) (2014-15)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (1) (2011-12)
    Top Ten Finishes: Win Shares (1) (2012-13)
    Top Ten Finishes: Box Plus/Minus (2) (2012-13 & 2014-15)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Box Plus/Minus (4) (2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15 & 2018-19)
    Top Ten Finishes: VORP (2) (2012-13 & 2014-15)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rating (1) (2009-10)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rating (2) (2012-13 & 2014-15)

  • Notable All-time Rankings:

    39.  Defensive Box Plus/Minus: 1.8
    50.  Block Percentage: 3.7
    59.  Blocks: 1,254
    67.  Box Plus/Minus: 3.1
    78.  Defensive Rebounds: 5,193
    79.  VORP: 36.5
    85.  Blocks per Game: 1.4
    91.  Defensive Win Shares: 42.4

Should Marc Gasol be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 63.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 27.3%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 9.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
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