The Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol was inducted into the 2023 class of the Naismith Basketball Memorial Hall of Fame recently, and he couldn’t hold his emotions in check.
Pau joined the NBA after being the third overall pick in the 2001 draft by the Atlanta Hawks and was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he made his debut. Later, he played for the Lakers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks before returning to his first professional franchise, Barcelona, to retire.
The HOF decided to induct him as one of this year’s inductees, and the NBA legend expressed his feelings on social media after such an honor.
Congratulations to 2x @NBA Champion, 6x @NBAAllStar and 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year, #23HoopClass inductee @paugasol. pic.twitter.com/F8quHMj7hV
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) April 1, 2023
What did Pau Gasol have to say about being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
The 42-year-old expressed his gratitude and feelings after knowing his name had reached such an honor standard. “A dream come true! ThankyouU!!! ,” he tweeted.
A dream come true 💠THANK YOU!!! 🙌🏻
Un sueño hecho realidad 💠GRACIAS!!! 🙌🏻 https://t.co/4Ql9sdAFBj
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) April 1, 2023
After playing 18 years in the most competitive basketball league in the world, the 7.1-footer won the championship twice, was an NBA All-Star six times, and was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002. His most successful stint was with the Lakers, where he won those two titles back-to-back.
He returned to Barcelona to retire in 2021 and had been crowned Liga ACB champion three times, the Spanish King’s Cup MVP, and the ACB Finals MVP in 2001. He has also been named FIBA Europe Player of the Year twice and Mister Europa Player of the Year twice.
With a showcase full of accolades at the franchise level, Gasol’s national team career was also illustrious. He won the FIBA World Cup MVP in 2006 and the FIBA World Cup Top Scorer in 2014.
For his undeniable contribution, the Lakers retired the number 23 jersey in his honor. It was quite the overwhelming scene at his retirement ceremony, which featured a message from his former teammate and friend, the late Kobe Bryant.
We at SportsZion congratulate Pau Gasol on his prestigious achievement.
