Celebrating Marc Gasol: The Memphis Grizzlies will retire their big man's #33 jersey in April

The news about Marc Gasol's retirement sparked numerous farewells among the basketball world. Gasol played more than a decade for the Memphis Grizzlies, were he commanded the famous "Grit N Grind" Grizzlies; a team that played with an afixiating intesity on the defensive side, making the opponents work extra hard on each posession. Now, Memphis announced that they'll be retiring Marc's jersey, honoring his career and his impact in the city. The ceremony will be on Saturday, April 6.

Gasol announced his retirement on Wednesday by posting a video on his X account. The former NBA Champion was playing in Básquet Girona, his club back in Spain until last year. With this action the center puts an end to a remarkable career.  

Gasol was picked 48th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and curiosly enough, was sent to Memphis in a trade that landed his brother, Pau, to LA.

It's safe to say that Marc will be remembered deerly in the hearts of the Memphis Grizzlies fanbase, because the Spaniard was pivotal on putting the Grizzlies on the map. He was selected to the All-Star game three times (franchise record) and won the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, Gasol hold the franchise record for blocks (1,135) and rebounds (5,942).

His influence on basketball didn't stop in Memphis, as in 2019 he was a very important piece of the Toronto Raptors team that won the ring over the Warriors.

"Marc has a special place in the hearts and memories of Toronto and of Canada," Raptors vice chairman and president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said in a statement. "He's a champion on the court, where his unbelievable vision and masterful defense were key parts of our run to the 2019 title."

"He definitely had an impact on me and my growth," Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson said. "Coming in understanding positioning defensively from a guy who already won (Defensive Player of the Year). His passing. I think his passing was really underrated."

Up until now, the only player that ever got his jersey retired in Memphis was Zach Randolph, and now Marc will be joining him in this exclusive place, only reserved for players that changed the landscape of a franchise.