“Luka is one of the greatest players in the league and a guy that the Lakers definitely gonna build the next 10 years, a franchise around him. You gotta work together, you gotta communicate, you gotta build a real chemistry and you gotta lead your team,” Paul Gasol said, via NBA Today on ESPN.

Though Luka Doncic has always been an impressive player, his arrival at the Lakers marked a transformation that went beyond physical prowess to instill commanding leadership. During EuroBasket 2025, he showcased his extraordinary talent while cementing his role as Slovenia’s vocal leader. His significant growth in this area earned him high praise from a teammate, highlighting his evolution as more than just a player.

After developing his leadership skills, Luka surprised everyone by transforming his physique and getting into peak championship shape, as JJ Redick remarked post the 2024-25 season. The challenge lies in sustaining this form throughout the season, which could position him as a leading MVP candidate and propel the franchise to a championship, just like with the Mavericks in 2024.

Report: Luka Doncic fully believes in Lakers’ vision, reveals his No. 1 goal in the near future

Luka Doncic, following his departure from the Dallas Mavericks, has shown unwavering commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers, driven by a desire to regain peak form. The front office has bolstered the roster with significant reinforcements, and rumors suggest that additional key players might join the squad soon. Doncic reportedly places his trust in the franchise’s future vision, making it clear his main objective in the upcoming years.

“He stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship. He trusts the front office to do their part, and he trusts what they’re building,” Dave McMenamin said, via ESPN.

Even if Rob Pelinka faced heavy criticism during the offseason, the Lakers have successfully addressed roster gaps, igniting fans’ excitement. They hope these new additions, coupled with Luka’s outstanding performance showcased in the 2025 EuroBasket, will lead to NBA success.

During the excitement of FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Utah Jazz standout Jusuf Nurkic engaged in a brief interview with SBB. In a spirited game segment, he was asked to select the best big man from a list of renowned players. Surprisingly, Nurkic picked Pau Gasol, favoring him over legends like Dirk Nowitzki or current stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic.

Pau Gasol carved out an indelible legacy over his illustrious 18-year NBA career, culminating in a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame. Across 1,126 games, he consistently posted impressive averages of 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He became an icon for the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a pivotal role in securing back-to-back championships. Yet, curiously, his name often lacks prominence in discussions about the greatest players at his position.

While Pau’s legendary status is unquestioned, his selection over Dirk Nowitzki stirred some debate. Nowitzki, a Dallas Mavericks icon, captured an NBA championship and won both Finals MVP and regular-season MVP honors. He boasted career averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 1,522 games. His achievements and consistency affirm his rank as one of Dallas’s greatest and a standout in the league.

Pau Gasol’s impressive legacy goes beyond the NBA

Pau Gasol’s legacy extends beyond the NBA, firmly establishing him as a historic figure with the Spanish national team. As the most successful player in FIBA history, Gasol secured the 2006 World Cup title alongside three EuroBasket championships in 2009, 2011, and 2015. Moreover, his collection of eleven Olympic medals underscores his exceptional international prowess and enduring impact on the sport.

Dirk Nowitzki may have dominated with the Dallas Mavericks, but his international legacy with FIBA does not quite rival that of Spanish legend Pau Gasol. While representing Germany, Nowitzki’s resume includes second-place finishes at the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the 2006 Stankovic Continental Champions Cup, and the 2005 EuroBasket.

This comparison is not to diminish Dirk’s legendary status but rather to underscore the vast impact Pau Gasol has had on the global stage. In Spain, he rose to prominence alongside stars like Juan Carlos Navarro, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull, and his brother Marc Gasol. His reputation as one of Europe’s premier big men is well-earned, as evidenced by his numerous accolades.

The conversation gained traction after Stephen A. Smith claimed on ESPN’s First Take that an international player could not be the face of the NBA, a sentiment echoed by Shannon Sharpe. “I don’t believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they’re global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American-born sport,” Smith stated.

Gasol strongly disagrees. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, he argued that not only can there be multiple faces of the league, but that those players don’t have to be American-born. He also pointed to the dominance of international stars such as Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“It’s not that there has to be just one face,” Gasol explained. “There have been different eras where two or three players carried a lot of that branding for the game. The NBA has become so global that I don’t believe the face of the league necessarily needs to be an American.”

Gasol Backs International Stars’ Impact on the League

With his comments, Gasol is advocating for greater recognition of international players who continue to elevate the NBA—just as he and Manu Ginóbili did in their time.

“The identity of the league has evolved into a global game, with a significant percentage of players coming from outside the U.S.,” Gasol said. But does this shift benefit the NBA? While expanding the league’s international appeal, some argue it could impact local engagement.

“Over the last five to seven years, you look at Giannis, Jokic, Luka, even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—who isn’t American either. Now you have Wemby. The NBA is an international brand, even though it’s based in North America,” Gasol added.

Pau Gasol’s Hall of Fame NBA journey

One of the most skilled big men in NBA history, Gasol was selected third overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He won Rookie of the Year and became the franchise’s first true star before being dealt to the Lakers in 2008. Alongside Kobe Bryant, Gasol was instrumental in Los Angeles’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, cementing his status as one of the greatest international players of all time.

Following his Lakers tenure, Gasol played for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks, continuing to showcase his high basketball IQ and versatility. Internationally, he led Spain to multiple gold medals in EuroBasket and two Olympic silver medals. His impact on the game was honored with his 2023 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the retirement of his No. 16 jersey by the Lakers.

Pau Gasol entered the NBA in 2001 with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he is best remembered for his dominant years with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2008 to 2014, when he won two NBA championships.

Pau Gasol’s legacy is as strong as the players he named to his personal top 11, which includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Bill Russell, Larry Bird and other household names.

Pau Gasol scored over 20,000 points in the NBA, along with 11,305 rebounds and nearly 4,000 assists during his nearly 20-year career with 5 franchises.

What is the top 11 of all-time according to Pau Gasol?

In a recent article in the LA Times, Gasol named his personal top 11 NBA players of all time. The list includes a mix of players from the 20th and 21st centuries, with some active players still in the league.

1. Kareem Adbul-Jabbar
2. Bill Russell
3. Magic Johnson
4. Larry Bird
5. Michael Jordan
6. Kobe ​Nryant
7. Tim Duncan
8. Kevin Garnett
9. Dirk Nowitzki
10. Lebron James
11. Stephen Curry

Gasol played with two of the players on his list, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. He won two championships with Bryant, and he played with Duncan for one season with the San Antonio Spurs.

But just like Michael Jordan before him or LeBron James after him, Kobe couldn’t win on his own. He needed someone to complement him and help him be the best version of himself.

Likewise, the Black Mamba was that same person for that sidekick. That’s why Pau Gasol honored him in his Hall of Fame induction speech, stating that he wouldn’t have reached his peak without Kobe’s leadership.

Pau Gasol Thanks Kobe In Hall Of Fame Speech

“That’s where (Lakers) I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other,” Gasol said. “Who taught me what it took to win at the highest level. Who showed me how hard you have to work and the mentality you needed to have in order to be the best. The commitment you had to make, what it meant, and what it took to be a leader, Kobe.”

“I wouldn’t be here without you brother,” Gasol continued. “I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us. I miss you and love you.”

This was one of the most emotional ceremonies in Hall of Fame history, and it would’ve been nice to see Kobe introducing his best friend. It still doesn’t feel real that he’s not around anymore.

Gasol was just what the Lakers needed at the time. And even though he failed to live up to the task when it mattered the most, Kobe made sure to toughen him up and bring the best out of him later in their careers.

That ended with Pau having his no .16 jersey hanging high in the rafters of Crypto.com arena side by side with Kobe’s. Nonetheless, the Black Mamba knew that fans didn’t always appreciate him enough.

Kobe Bryant Felt LakersFans Didn’t Truly Appreciate Pau Gasol

“I thought that it was really silly and I felt bad for him going through all that stuff,” Kobe told ESPN in 2016. “That’s why I defended him so much… I think the city of L.A. didn’t really appreciate what he did and what we had, and so as a consequence, everybody kind of fell in line with the [former Lakers coach] Mike D’Antoni rhetoric of small ball and all these other bulls***. For a guy that has two championships to be treated that way, you don’t do that, man.”

Gasol Opens Up On Criticism

Pau was no stranger to criticism and trade rumors. He was often labeled as a ‘soft’ player, especially early in his Lakers tenure. Still, he used it as his fuel to get better and prove everybody wrong:

“Obviously I won’t say it was pleasant, I remember that was kind of the narrative European players had at the time. Great, skilled players, fundamentally sound, great IQ and stuff but just not physical enough and soft,” Gasol said.

“It was discussed a lot more when we got beat by the Celtics in 08,” the big man added. “They were a more physical team than we were and I got highlighted on that loss. But at the same it’s like okay I’m going to use this as motivation. I’m going to take this as a personal challenge and I’m going to make sure that I’m ready because I knew that I got physically outmatched that series.”

Pau Gasol wound up being one of the best international players in NBA history, and he proved to be no pushover at all. Hopefully, Lakers fans learned to appreciate him and cherish him now, especially after their team has gone through so many ups and downs since he left.

Albeit Gasol didn’t start or finish his career in Los Angeles, it was with the Lakers that he reached the heights of his career. He was a three-time All-Star during his time in Southern California, as well as one of the biggest contributors to their success.

Gasol and Kobe Bryant put together one of the best duos in franchise history. So, it’s only normal to see that Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka have made the decision to hang his jersey high in the rafters.

Why Will The Lakers Retire Pau Gasol’s Number?

Even though he was there for only six of his 18-year career, Pau Gasol’s Lakers tenure was full of success. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on 52.2% from the floor.

Gasol also ranks ninth in rebounds, field goal percentage,and blocks, tenth in triple-doubles, and helped Kobe Bryant reach the NBA Finals three years in a row, winning the NBA championship in 2009and 2010.

With Gasol and Bryant’s one-two punch, the Lakers managed to find their long-lost success again. He was what the team needed to go back to their winning ways after Shaquille O’Neal’s departure in 2004.

All Numbers Retired By The Los Angeles Lakers

+ Wilt Chamberlain, No. 13

+ Elgin Baylor, No. 22

+ Gail Goodrich, No. 25

+ Magic Johnson, No. 32

+ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, No. 33

+ Shaquille O’Neal, No. 34

+ James Worthy, No. 42.

+ Jerry West, No. 44

+ Jamaal Wilkes, No. 52

+ Kobe Bryant, Nos. 8; 24

+ Pau Gasol, No. 16

Gasol was only in Southern California for six years, but he was a key factor in the team’s resurgence in the late 2000s. He was the sidekick Kobe Bryant needed to lead the team to a ring in the post-Shaquille O’Neal era.

With Gasol on board, Kobe and the Lakes won back-to-back rings in 2009 and 2010 and made it to three straight NBA Finals. That’s why Bryant himself once claimed that there was no debate about whether to retirehis jersey or not.

Kobe Bryant Said There Was ‘No Debate’ On Retiring Pau Gasol’s Jersey

“There’s no debate,” Kobe sentenced. “Pau, when he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next month. The reality is I don’t win those championships without Pau. I can’t see how those two championships without Pau Gasol. We know that, everybody knows that. I really look forward to the day when he’s there giving his speech at center court in front of all the fans who supported him through all the years. So, it’s gonna be an awesome night.”

Gasol Talks About Kobe’s ‘Mamba Mentality’

Gasol often credits Kobe for toughening him up and bringing the best out of his game. Recently, he told the story of the time he challenged him to see how much work he had put on during vacation, another example of his signature Mamba Mentality:

“I think he was on all the time,” Gasol told JJ Redick.“He was just on throughout the season. He might have some off nights or nights where he felt he was so dominant. Especially against the not-so-good teams where the extra pass or the right play may not be necessary all the time, he would take a little more load offensively. I remember a moment when we got done playing the Olympics in Beijing and we come back, I try to take some time off to give my mind and body a breather. Training camp was 3 weeks after that and Phil (Jackson) gave us a practice off. But Kobe challenged me to a one-on-one in the post, just to see where I was at because he kept working after the Olympics.”

Kobe and Pau complemented each other on and off the court, so it’s only natural to see them hanging together in immortality. Kobe sure left us way too early, but at least he’ll get his wish of watching Pau’s jersey right next to his.

For now the Lakers are led by LeBron James although the team will need to be rebuilt for the upcoming 2022-2023 season if they want to make the playoffs. Rumors point that Kyrie Irving could join the team.

Kobe Bryant won his last NBA Championship with the Lakers in 2010 in what was his second back-to-back title win of his career. Bryant retired in 2016 and his jersey ceremony was in 2017, his life ended three years later in a helicopter crash.

Which Lakers player will have his NBA jersey retirement ceremony in 2022?

A former Los Angeles Lakers player said on a radio show that his jersey number could be retired sometime during the upcoming 2022-2023 season. The player is the two-time NBA Champion, Pau Gasol.

Gasol during a radio show in Barcelona: “The ceremony could be the next season,” “Yes, I’ve talked to the franchise and Buss family. We are all very excited”. per Marc Mundet

“It’s hard to imagine a moment like this,” “If it comes, it might be full of emotion, and tough to control myself. I’m very excited it comes to reality”.

He announced his retirement in October 2021 after playing with his last team in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks. Gasol was a 6-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Second Team and a two-time All-NBA Third Team.

But more than what they accomplished on the court, Pau and Kobe built a strong relationship off it. The Spaniard became another member of the Bryant family, a bond that they still carry to this day.

That’s why the former Grizzlies star was so heartbroken to find out about Kobe’s tragic passing a couple of years ago. Recently, he opened up on how hard it was for him to deal with that while shooting his upcoming documentary “It’s all about the journey.”

Pau Gasol Says It Took Him A Lot Of Time To Sleep After Kobe’s Death

“The objective of the documentary was to show the personal side and to be authentic. To be transparent with what was happening and unfortunately, this tragic accident took place and it was a very hard blow that is still being digested. We could not hide it, although for me it was hard. But Kobe had meant so much in my life that it was a way to convey those feelings in the most natural way possible. It took me a long time to sleep well, there were a lot of crying and a lot of pain,” Gasol told Marca.

Kobe and Pau battled together at STAPLES Center for seven years, winning a couple of NBA Championships in 3 trips to the NBA Finals. Moreover, he might as well be the teammate he grew to care about the most.

Gasol has grown even closer to the Bryant family since Kobe’s passing. His relationship was always bigger than basketball getting over such terrible news must’ve been hell for such a close friend like him.

While the Memphis Grizzlies have never won an NBA championship, they have had some great eras, mainly the MarcGasol era, and in 2012/13 the club made it to the conference finals where they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs. With a relatively short history the Grizzlies have had some amazing players play for them over the years, let’s countdown the best Memphis Grizzlies in history!

Honorable mentions: Bonzi Wells, Sam Young, Bryant Reeves, Mike Bibby, Tony Massenburg, Allen Iverson

25. Brian Cardinal – PF

Stats: Points: 2,108, Rebounds: 1,050, Assists: 465
Accolades: ULEB Eurocup champion
Championships: 1

Brian Cardinal was a strong power forward and played four seasons with the Grizzlies in which he averaged 6 points and 2.5 rebounds per season with the team. Cardinal was a good go to roster player and while injuries diminished his playing time near the end of his stint with the team, he still had career highs in field goal percentage and free throws.

24. Vince Carter – SG

Stats: Points: 25,728, Rebounds: 6,606, Assists: 4,714
Accolades: 8- time NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, NBA Sportsmanship Award, NBA Teammate of the Year
Championships: 0

Vince Carter’s time in Memphis may not have been what was expected but it was still pretty darn good, in Carter’s three seasons with the team he did have a few highlight games, such as a season-high 18 points against the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. He was a role model for many on the roster, winning a Teammate of the year award in the 2015/16 season. While with the Grizzlies Carter became the oldest player in the NBA to have 20-points in a game against the Denver Nuggets.

23. Mario Chalmers – PG

Stats: Games Played: 646, Points per Game: 8.9, Rebounds per game: 2.5
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2009)
Championships: 2

Mario Chalmers had two injury plagued seasons with the Grizzlies but off the bench in his first season he averaged 10 points per game, and had a field goal percentage of .417. He maintained those numbers in his second season but was cut at season’s end. Chalmers went on to have a standout career in Europe where he plays today.

22. Stromile Swift – C

Stats: Games Played: 547, Points Per Game: 8.4
Accolades: CBA All-Star (2010)
Championships: 0

Stromile Swift had two stints with the Grizzlies, he was a number two draft pick in Vancouver, and is most remembered for giving the Grizzlies their first win upon their move to Memphis. Known for his athleticism Swift was best used off the bench by the team.

21. Chucky Atkins – PG

Stats: Points: 6,863, Rebounds: 1,186, Assists: 2,396
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2000)
Championships: 0

Chucky Atkins played only two seasons in Memphis, but he was pivotal in those two seasons, forming a good partnership with Gasol. Fans will always remember him as being a part of the franchise when the team made it to their first NBA Playoffs. Atkins averaged 13 points per game in his last season with the team in 2006/07.

20. JaMychal Green – C

Stats: Games played: 362, Points Per Game: 8.1
Accolades: NBA D-League All-Star (2015)
Championships: 0

JaMychal Green was all heart and toughness at Center for the Grizzlies. Green played 5 seasons with the team and had his best season in 2017/18 averaging 10 points per game during that 55-game run. Green was also a part of the teams most recent playoff run in 2016/2017, he moved on to the Clippers and now plays for the Denver Nuggets.

19. Dillon Brooks – SG

Stats: Games Played: 173, Points per Game: 12.8
Accolades: Pac-12 Player of the Year (2017)
Championships: 0

Dillon Brooks is coming off his best season yet with the club, averaging 16.2 points per game in 2019/2020. Brooks has shown that he is a player the franchise can build around as he has had some memorable moments last season. Mainly his 32-point performance against the Kings in February 2020. Brooks recently signed a contract extension with Memphis and is a huge piece of the team moving forward.

18. Jonas Valanciunas – C

Stats: Games Played: 559 Points Per Game: 12.4
Accolades: 2- Time FIBA Young Player of the Year (2011, 2012)
Championships: 0

The Lithuanian center was the main piece of the trade that sent legend Marc Gasol to the Raptors. Jonas Valanciunas is a rebound monster averaging 11.2 rebounds per game. Valanciunas also has some of the best post-game interviews of the team. Another big piece of the team moving forward Valanciunas has been a solid pick up so far for the club.

17. Darrell Arthur – PF

Stats: Games: 503, Points per Game: 6.5
Accolades: NCAA champion (2008)
Championships: 0

Darrell Arthur was a very good pick-and-roll player and known as a mid-range shooter, he played 4 seasons with the team. Arthur’s best season came in 2010/11 with an average of 9 points per game and field goal percentage of .497 in 80 games. He had a memorable game in the NBA Playoffs in 2011 against the San Antonio Spurs.

16. Jaren Jackson Jr. – PF

Stats: Games Played: 115, Points Per Game: 15.5
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019)
Championships: 0

Jaren Jackson Jr is coming off a strong second season with the Grizzlies, many pundits have him becoming a star in Memphis. Jackson is the youngest player to make the All-Rookie first team, he has strong shooting and shot blocking abilities and is the cornerstone of the Grizzlies rebuilding process.

15. Courtney Lee – SG

Stats: Games: 811, Points Per Game: 9.6
Accolades: Sun Belt Player of the Year (2008)
Championships: 0

Courtney Lee played three seasons with the Grizzlies, where he averaged 10 points per game during the regular season and was a part of two playoff teams in his three seasons. Lee is remembered for his 20 points against Portland in the 2015 playoffs.

14. James Posey – F

Stats: Points: 4,214, Rebounds: 4,532, Assists: 903
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2000)
Championships: 2

James Posey played for the team for only two seasons but provided a lot of memories especially in his first season. Considered by many to be the best player on the 2003/2004 squad, he was a clutch three-point shooter and defensive work horse. Posey was a part of the team’s first ever playoff team and that cannot be forgotten.

13. O.J. Mayo – SG

Stats: Games Played: 547, Points Per Game: 13
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009)
Championships: 0

The troubled but talented O.J. Mayo is high on our list because of his talent, not because of his professionalism. Mayo was solid in his first two seasons in Memphis averaging 18 and 17 points per game respectively, then in 2011 his decline began, with a 10-game doping suspension for the steroid dehydroepiandrosterone. In 2016 he was suspended by the NBA for a drug violation and has been playing abroad since. He is a sad what could have been story, but his first two seasons are extremely memorable.

12. Jason Williams – PG

Stats: Points: 8,286, Rebounds: 1,810, Assists: 4,611
Accolated: NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999)
Championships:1

Jason Williams was a four-year solid starter, one of the team’s best work horses in history. Williams and Gasol had a good one-two punch where Williams would find Pau with quick passing so the big man could score. Williams did return for a second stint but let’s not talk about that.

11. Rudy Gay – F

Stats: Games Played: 946, Points Per Game: 17
Accolades: 2- Time FIBA World Cup Champion
Championships: 0

Rudy Gay spent seven seasons with Memphis and is in the top 5 in points, rebounds, and steals in franchise history. Gay had a remarkable second season averaging 20 points in 2007/08. A big contract and a change in the teams playing style sent him to Toronto, but he is a player the fans will not forget soon.

10. Lorenzen Wright – PF

Stats: Points: 6,191, Rebounds: 4,943, Assists: 622
Accolades: First-team All-Conference USA (1996)
Championships: 0

Lorenzen Wright was a “dream” according to then Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown, in his five seasons with the team he averaged 11 points per game and was a part of 3 playoff teams for Memphis, playing the best basketball of his career in Memphis. Unfortunately, Wright’s life ended tragically while playing for Cleveland when he was murdered over his $1-million life insurance policy by his ex-wife.

9. Shane Battier – F

Stats: Points: 8,408, Rebounds: 4,082, Assists: 1,717
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), NBA Teammate of the Year (2014)
Championships: 2

Shane Battier began his career in Memphis and would go on to win two NBA championships in Miami. While with the Grizzlies, Battier was the main piece of the team in their first season in the city, becoming the first true face of the franchise in a new market.

8. Mike Miller – SG

Stats: Points: 10,973, Rebounds: 4,376, Assists: 2,666
Accolades: NBA Rookie of the Year (2001)
Championships: 2

Mike Miller is one of the leaders in franchise history in 3-pointers, and he holds the record for most points in a single game at 45. In his 6 seasons Miller had an average of 14 points and was a NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award winner. A solid contributor, Miller is one of the best players in team history.

7. Tony Allen – SG

Stats: Games Played: 820, Points Per Game: 8.1
Accolades: 3-time NBA All-Defensive First Team (2012, 2013, 2015)
Championships: 1

Tony Allen changed the franchise, literally, coming to Memphis as a free agent he became a huge part of the hard working “grit and grind” Grizzlies. A defensive beast, he made the All-Defensive team in six of his seven seasons with the team. During his career in Memphis Allen had at least an average of 4 rebounds per game. Allen is also a local hero to the Grizzlies fans.

6. Ja Morant – PG

Stats: Games Played: 67, Points Per Game: 17.8
Accolades: NBA 2020 Rookie of the year
Championships: 0

Ja Morant is the future of the Memphis Grizzlies, no question about it, coming off a Rookie of the year season. A small market team in need of a huge star, Morant could be that player, he led all rookies in assists with an average of 7.1 per game and 17.8 points per game. He is only on a two-year deal so the team will need to lay out the big bucks before someone else does, this kid is a keeper!

5. Pau Gasol – C

Stats: Games Played: 1,226, Points Per Game: 17
Accolades: 6-time NBA All-Star, 2002 NBA Rookie of the year, 1 FIBA World Cup
Championships: 2

Pau Gasol had a breakout rookie year in Memphis and went on to be one of the greatest imports in NBA history. Skillful on so many levels, he was the big star on a poor team. In his seven seasons he was a leader in points, rebounds, and assists and eventually made three playoff appearances with the Grizzlies.

4. Shareef Abdur-Rahim – F

Stats: Points: 15,028, Rebounds: 6,239, Assists: 2,109
Accolades: 2002 NBA All-Star
Championships: 0

Shareef Abdur-Rahim takes us back to the Vancouver days, where he led the team in points per game at 18.7. Abdur-Rahim was the star player of the Vancouver days, averaging 20 points per game during those years. When the team moved, so did he to Atlanta where he continued his NBA career, but the club cannot forget its first true star, even if it wasn’t in Memphis.

3. Mike Conley – PG

Stats: Games Played: 835, Points Per Game: 14.9
Accolades: 3-time NBA Sportsmanship Award (2014, 2016, 2019)
Championships: 0

Mike Conley is a part of that “Core Four” in Memphis Grizzlies history, what else can be said about a player who played 12 years for the team? Conley is the leader in scoring, games played, 3-pointers, assists, and steals. A leader on and off the court, Conley was the Memphis Grizzlies.

2. Zach Randolph – PF

Stats: Points: 18,578, Rebounds: 10,208, Assists: 2,049
Accolades: 2-time NBA All-Star, 2004 NBA most improved player
Championships: 0

Eight years in Memphis and Zach Randolph is at well-deserved number 2, a part of the franchise’s conference finals in 2013. A team leader, he pushed and shoved his way to the basket and was a solid one-two combination with Marc Gasol and above all he was the heart and soul of the team.

1. Marc Gasol – C

Stats: 839 Games Played, Points Per Game: 14.6
Accolades: 3-Time NBA All-Star, 2-Time World Cup winner, NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
Championships: 1

Marc Gasol is the greatest Grizzlie of all time, he is the only player to represent the franchise in three All-Star games and he won defensive player of the year. A solid shot blocker and rebounder, he was the central figure of the “grit & grind,” era. Gasol has had a legendary career when you factor in his national team career as well. No question he is the most decorated player in team history.