NBA 75th anniversary: Memphis Grizzlies legend Pau Gasol lands atop All-Time NBA European team

Pau Gasol, one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies, has just been named to the NBA’s official All-Time European team as part of the ongoing celebration of the NBA’s 75th anniversary.

The Grizzlies legend played 476 games with Memphis, more than any of the other four teams he played for during his 18-year career in the NBA.

From 2001 through 2008, Gasol averaged 18.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.8 BPG for the Memphis Grizzlies. He won NBA Rookie of the Year and represented the team as an NBA All-Star during the 2005-2006 season.

Gasol would eventually be traded during the 2007-2008 season to the Los Angeles Lakers to team up with Kobe Bryant where he won back-to-back NBA Championships in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Memphis Grizzlies legend Pau Gasol lands atop All-Time NBA European list

A panel of voters and fans submitted ballots to create a First Team and Second Team, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Gasol was one of five players to make the first team. Joining him are retired players Dirk Nowitzki and Tony Parker as well as active players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.

The Second Team is headlined by active player and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic as well as retired legends Toni Kukoc, Drazen Petrovic, Arvydas Sabonis and Peja Stojakovic.

One of Pau Gasol’s last remaining franchise records recently fell to Jaren Jackson Jr. this season. Gasol had been the Grizzlies All-Time leader for blocks in a single season (169), a record he set during his rookie campaign in 2001-02.

Jackson broke that record this season, swatting away 177 shot attempts during the 2021-22 regular season.

The Memphis Grizzlies are about to make their 12th appearance in the NBA playoffs in their 27-year history of the franchise. The team has not advanced past the first round since the 2014-15 season under former Head Coach Dave Joerger.