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Marc Gasol Honored to Have His No. 33 Memphis Grizzlies Jersey Retired: ‘A Bond That Will Last Forever’

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated 4/5/24

Former Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol will have his No. 33 jersey retired this Saturday when the team will go up against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Spaniard will join Zach Randolph as the only players in franchise history to have their jersey numbers retired.

Following the announcement that he’ll have his jersey retired , Marc Gasol couldn’t help but reminisce about the fun times with his former teammates in Memphis.

“It’s crazy that whenever I see Zach, Tony, or Mike, there’s something in your system that just brings you back instantly to those connections. It’s truly like a family reunion because you’ve been through so much together, good and bad,” said Gasol via Grind City Media.

“Being truthful and honest about the work you’re putting in, that’s what we were able to do with our group of guys. We were always so honest with each other, where we were able to create a bond that will last forever,” he added.

Marc Gasol, a bona fide Memphis Grizzlies icon

Before the current Ja Morant era, which is put on hold since the star point guard is out for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign due to a torn labrum, the Memphis Grizzlies were defined by its Grit ‘N’ Grind era led by Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, and Mike Conley.

In the early 2010s, the Memphis Grizzlies were a tough, gritty, and defensive-minded group. They had multiple deep runs into the NBA playoffs, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2013, where the San Antonio Spurs eventually eliminated them in four straight games.

After the 2013 run, the Memphis Grizzlies had two more first-round exits in 2016 and 2017 before they disbanded the group.

Marc Gasol is the Memphis Grizzlies’ all-time leader in minutes played (25,917), games started (762), field goals made (4,341), free throws made (2,701), defensive rebounds (4,624), total rebounds (5,952), and blocks (1,135). He is also second in franchise history in games played (769), points (11,684), assists (2,639), offensive rebounds (1,318), double-doubles (194), and triple-doubles (5). He’s third in steals (708).

Serving as the last line of the Memphis Grizzlies’ defense, Marc Gasol was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, becoming the first European to win the award. Marc Gasol is also a three-time NBA All-Star (2012, 2015, 2017) and an All-NBA First Team member in 2015.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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