This Saturday evening, number 33 of Marc Gasol will join Zach Randolph's number 50 on the Fedex Forum ceiling. In Memphis, we did not procrastinate since the day after the announcement of Marc Gasol's retirement, the franchise announced the retirement of his jersey.
For the occasion, the three other iconic members of Grit and Grind will be present, since Mike Conley, Tony Allen and Z-Bo will travel to attend the ceremony after the match against the Sixers. In 2021, only Marc Gasol was present alongside Zach Randolph, the first player to have his jersey retired for the Grizzlies. At the time, Mike Conley was playing for the Jazz and Tony Allen was facing legal problems. The reunification of the “Core Four” gives another dimension to the event as the pivot explained at a press conference.
“Tomorrow evening, it will be even more special, since everyone will be back and we will share it together” rejoices Gasol. “Having those three guys on the field is obviously going to be more special. »
Even before the ceremony, the tributes multiply
Tributes to the career of Marc Gasol and the era of Grit and Grind are multiplying with the announcement of the jersey retirement. Including by Kevin Durant in a documentary on the career of the Spanish pivot made by the Grizzlies.
“They had a perfect structure here and even though they didn't win the title, I played against them every year in the playoffs, and I had the impression that they were a team capable of creating a dynasty” remembers the former winger of the Warrios. “I know we talk about a dynasty when we win titles. But when you have a solid group for this long in the NBA, which is rare, I think it should be celebrated. »
Three times All-Star in this city where he arrived when his brother Pau was drafted there, Marc Gasol was the pillar of this team. He even won the Best Defender of the Year trophy there in 2013. Tony Allen has not forgotten this time.
Altruism embodied
“He’s my brother, and I feel like it was an honor to play with him.”underlines the former Memphis barker. “He made me better every day. His work ethic, his composure, his leadership in the locker room, I just love him for the fact that he instilled winning in all of us. It was just his selflessness… He was willing to step aside. He wasn't a selfish guy. When you see a player with such qualities and leadership, how could you not want to be with him? »
This evening, in the presence of his legendary teammates from Grit and Grind, and in the presence of his brother Pau, Marc Gasol will also become the second Spanish player to have his jersey retired. The first ? His brother Pau Gasol, whose number 16 has been floating above the Lakers floor for a little over a year.
