MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies retired Marc Gasol's No. 33 Jersey on Saturday night at FedExForum.
'Big Spain' drew a big crowd as he returned to the Forum for the first time in front of fans since he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Gasol was the heart and soul of the Memphis Grizzlies during their grit and grind era and on Saturday night as his jersey was raised to the rafters, it was ensured that he would live on forever in Grizzlies history.
Joining him on stage were the other three members that made up the Core Four - Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Mike Conley. It was the first time they had been together since they last played for the Grizzlies in 2017.
Gasol followed in the footsteps of Randolph and became just the second player in franchise history to have his number retired.
Gasol moved to Memphis with his family at 16 years old when his older brother Pau was drafted by the Grizzlies. At the time, he was a tall, chubby kid who didn't know English.
Seven years after initially moving to Memphis, Marc's rights were traded by the Lakers for none other than his brother. He returned to Memphis to make his NBA debut and quickly became the heart and soul of the Grizzlies during their most successful era.
Marc led the Grizzlies to not only their first playoff win, but first playoff series win and western conference finals appearance.
He also was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and appeared on three all-star teams.
Marc also joins his brother Pau as the only two Spaniards to have their jersey's retired in the NBA.