Memphis Grizzlies: 15 best NBA Draft picks of all time
Pick Analysis. C. Pau Gasol. 2. player. 211. Scouting Report. 2001 - Round: 1 / Pick: 3
Grizzlies fans and Pau Gasol have had a tumultuous relationship and he’s probably the one guy more fans disagree on most in team history. The Atlanta Hawks sent him to Memphis immediately after they took him third overall in 2001.
He won Rookie of the Year, became the team’s first All-Star, led the team in scoring for six years in a span that included the first winning seasons and playoff appearances in team history. Gasol also drew plenty of criticism, fair or unfair, for lack of effort, flopping, defense.
He did not play a lot in 2007-08 because of a broken foot, but he did state publicly that he wanted to be traded. It didn’t go over well but it did lead to a trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The outrage and declarations of this being the worst trade ever has worn off thanks to his younger brother Marc Gasol, who came the Grizzlies’ way in that Lakers trade. There are still plenty of Grizzlies fans who will never forgive Pau, but most of the animosity has at least been dampened by time and the fact that people love his brother.
Pau still holds several Grizzlies records and his contribution to the franchise’s early success in Memphis is one of the most important thing anyone has delivered during their stint with the franchise.
If you’re still holding on to a grudge, just bear in mind that long before Grit and Grind, 2003-2005 had to happen. The Grizzlies became the MEMPHIS Grizzlies when they won 50 games, made back to back playoffs, and moved into the Forum.
Whatever you think of Pau, he was the best player on those teams. Tony Allen and Zach Randolph didn’t arrive and start to win over fans. They showed up to a city that had been all-in on a team for some time and took the franchise to a new level.