5 best European players to ever play for the Memphis Grizzlies

2. Pau Gasol— the first superstar for the Grizzlies was a European import

Pau Gasol’s upcoming jersey retirement by the Lakers has been a controversial topic of discussion among Grizzlies fans over the last few months. What’s for sure, though, is that Pau was the first true superstar that played on Beale Street.

Gasol spent seven seasons in Memphis with averages of 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks (franchise record). In his time with the franchise, he was named Rookie of the Year, became the franchise’s first All-Star, and led the Grizzlies to their first-ever playoff appearance.

Pau’s resume of two NBA championships and multiple Olympic medals and International titles with his national team make him one of the most important European players ever. Memphis fans should feel lucky they got to watch him wear Beale Street Blue, despite the bitter way things ended that resulted in him being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

1. Marc Gasol’s impact on the Grizzlies is unmatched

No words can describe how much Marc Gasol means to Memphis. He was a member of the Core 4 and served as the starting center during the Grizzlies’ most successful era.

Marc is the franchise leader in more than 10 statistical categories. In his 11 years with the Grizzlies, he won Defensive Player Of the Year (2013), was a three-time All-Star, and made All-NBA First-Team in 2015.

But most importantly, he set the city’s culture through the 2010s and made the Grizzlies a real title contender, alongside Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Z-Bo. They made the playoffs for seven seasons in a row and left us with countless memories.

Last season, the franchise acquired Marc so he could finish his NBA career on Beale Street. He has returned home to Spain and is currently playing for Girona, a team that he founded and also owns.