Pau Gasol facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Gasol and the second or maternal family name is Sáez.

Quick facts for kids
Pau Gasol

Gasol with FC Barcelona in 2021

Personal information

Born

July 6, 1980 (age 45)
Barcelona, Spain

Listed height

7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)

Listed weight

250 lb (113 kg)

Career information

NBA Draft

2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall

Selected by the Atlanta Hawks

Pro career

1998–2021

Career history

1998–2001

FC Barcelona

2001–2008

2008–2014

2014–2016

2016–2019

2019

2021

FC Barcelona

Career highlights and awards

2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009–2011, 2015, 2016)
2× All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015)
2× All-NBA Third Team (2009, 2010)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2002)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002)
No. 16 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001)
3× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2021)
Spanish King's Cup winner (2001)
Spanish King's Cup MVP (2001)
ACB Finals MVP (2001)
2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009)
2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (2004, 2009)
4× Euroscar Player of the Year (2008–2010, 2015)
Spanish Sportsman of the Year (2011)
FIBA World Cup MVP (2006)
2× FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2009, 2015)
FIBA EuroBasket Dream Team (2020)

Career statistics

Points

20,894 (17.0 ppg)

Rebounds

11,305 (9.2 rpg)

Assists

3,925 (3.2 apg)

Medals

Men's basketball

Representing Spain
Summer Olympics
Silver	2008 Beijing	Team
Silver	2012 London	Team
Bronze	2016 Rio de Janeiro	Team
World Cup
Gold	2006 Japan	Team
EuroBasket
Gold	2009 Poland	Team
Gold	2011 Lithuania	Team
Gold	2015 France	Team
Silver	2003 Sweden	Team
Silver	2007 Spain	Team
Bronze	2001 Turkey	Team
Bronze	2017 Turkey	Team

Pau Gasol Sáez (born July 6, 1980) is a Spanish former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 18 seasons. He was mostly a power forward.

Gasol was a six-time NBA All-Star. He won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. In 2002, he was the NBA Rookie of the Year with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was the first non-American player to win this award. Many people think he is one of the best European basketball players ever. His younger brother, Marc Gasol, also played in the NBA.

The Atlanta Hawks picked Gasol third overall in the 2001 NBA draft. His rights were then traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies. He holds several records for the Grizzlies team. After playing for Memphis, Gasol played for the Los Angeles Lakers (2008–2014), Chicago Bulls (2014–2016), San Antonio Spurs (2016–2019), and Milwaukee Bucks (2019).

For his country, Spain, Gasol won a FIBA World Cup title. He also won three EuroBasket titles. He earned two Olympic silver medals and one bronze medal with the Spanish national basketball team. Gasol was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2006 FIBA World Cup. He was also MVP of the 2009 and 2015 FIBA EuroBasket. He shares the record for most EuroBasket MVP awards with two. Gasol is also the all-time leading scorer in the EuroBasket competition.

In 2021, he became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2023, it was announced that Gasol would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Interests

Gasol was born in Barcelona, Spain. His parents, Agustí and Marisa, both played basketball. His father was a nurse administrator, and his mother was a medical doctor. When Pau was six, his family moved to Sant Boi de Llobregat, near Barcelona. He spent his childhood there.

Pau was interested in football, but he loved basketball even more. He first played rugby before switching to basketball. He was known as a quiet and good student, who also liked to joke around.

He didn't always plan to be a professional athlete. When he was 11, he heard that Magic Johnson had HIV. This made Pau want to become a doctor and find a cure for AIDS. He even started medical school at the University of Barcelona in 1998. However, his basketball career at FC Barcelona grew quickly, so he left medical school after one year.

Basketball Career Highlights

Starting in Barcelona (1998–2001)

Gasol began playing basketball as a center for his school team. He later joined CB Cornellà. When he was 16, he started playing for FC Barcelona's junior team. With Spain's national under-18 team, he won two championships in 1998.

He joined FC Barcelona's main team in 1999. In his last season there, he averaged 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. FC Barcelona won the Spanish National Cup in 2001, and Gasol was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. After this, he entered the NBA draft. The Atlanta Hawks picked him third overall in the 2001 NBA draft. They then traded his rights to the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Memphis Grizzlies (2001–2008)

Becoming Rookie of the Year

Gasol winning a jump ball while playing against the Lakers in the 2003–04 NBA season.

In his first season with the Grizzlies, Gasol made history. He became the first non-American player to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He averaged 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. He played in all 82 games that season.

In his second year, he led the team in scoring with 19.0 points per game. He played all 82 games again. In his third year, he missed his first game due to a foot injury. This ended his streak of 240 games played in a row.

Gasol helped the Grizzlies reach the playoffs for the first time. They were swept by the San Antonio Spurs. He also helped them get to the playoffs again, but they were swept by the Phoenix Suns.

First All-Star Appearance

Gasol playing for the Memphis Grizzlies

In his fifth year, Gasol became the Grizzlies' all-time leading rebounder. On February 9, 2006, he was chosen for his first NBA All-Star Game. He was the first Spanish player and the first Grizzlies player to be an All-Star.

Gasol missed the start of the 2006–07 season due to a broken foot. He got this injury while playing for Spain in the 2006 FIBA World Championship. Spain won the tournament, and Gasol was named MVP. He later became the Grizzlies' all-time leading scorer.

Los Angeles Lakers (2008–2014)

Winning NBA Championships

Gasol boxing out in 2008

In February 2008, Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade was a big deal for the Lakers. Gasol quickly fit in with the team, especially with Kobe Bryant. Bryant said they clicked from the start.

Gasol helped the Lakers finish the season with the best record in the Western Conference. He helped them reach the NBA Finals, a first for a Spanish player. The Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in six games.

In 2009, Gasol made his second All-Star appearance. He helped the Lakers win the NBA championship against the Orlando Magic. This was his first NBA title.

Dunk by Gasol in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals

In 2010, Gasol signed a new contract with the Lakers. He made his third All-Star appearance. He played a key role as the Lakers won their second straight championship. They defeated the Boston Celtics in a tough Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Gasol had 19 points and 18 rebounds in that game.

In the 2010–11 season, Gasol continued to play well. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team. However, the Lakers were swept in the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks.

Later Years with the Lakers

Gasol faced trade rumors during the 2011–12 season. He remained with the Lakers and became a co-captain with Kobe Bryant. He also won the NBA Community Assist Award for his charity work.

In the 2012–13 season, Gasol dealt with injuries. He also had to adjust to a new coach's playing style. He came off the bench for some games, which was new for him. Despite challenges, he showed flashes of his old self. He finished the season with career lows in points and shooting percentage due to injuries.

Chicago Bulls (2014–2016)

Gasol with the Bulls in 2015

In July 2014, Gasol signed with the Chicago Bulls. He felt it was a great challenge he was ready for.

In January 2015, he had a career-high 9 blocks in a game. Ten days later, he scored a career-high 46 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. He led the league in double-doubles (when a player gets 10 or more in two different stats like points and rebounds) in the 2014–15 season.

In December 2015, Gasol played his 1,000th regular-season game. In February 2016, he was named an All-Star again. He also recorded his first triple-double (10 or more in three different stats) as a Bull with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists. He became one of the oldest players to achieve multiple triple-doubles in a season. In April 2016, he reached 10,000 career rebounds. He also became one of only 36 NBA players with 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds.

San Antonio Spurs (2016–2019)

In July 2016, Gasol signed with the San Antonio Spurs. In November 2016, he had a season-high 21 points. In January 2017, he broke his left ring finger and needed surgery. He returned in February.

In April 2017, Gasol scored 13 points to reach 20,000 career points. He became the second European player to reach this milestone after Dirk Nowitzki.

He re-signed with the Spurs in July 2017. In December 2017, he recorded his 10th career triple-double. He also moved past Jack Sikma for 30th all-time in league history for rebounds. In January 2018, he became the 34th player in NBA history to play 40,000 career minutes.

After playing in nine games of the 2018–19 season, Gasol missed 26 games due to a stress fracture in his right foot. In March 2019, he left the Spurs.

Milwaukee Bucks (2019)

In March 2019, Gasol signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He played in only three games before a left ankle injury ended his season. He had surgery on his foot in May 2019.

Return to Barcelona (2021)

After a brief time with the Portland Trail Blazers where he didn't play due to injury, Gasol returned to Spain. In February 2021, he rejoined FC Barcelona. He helped them win the 2020–21 ACB championship. They also reached the final of the 2020–21 EuroLeague, where they lost.

On October 5, 2021, Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball.

National Team Career

Pau Gasol with brother Marc at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Gasol first played for the senior Spain national basketball team in 2001. Before that, he won gold medals with Spain's junior teams in 1998 and 1999. He won a bronze medal at the 2001 EuroBasket and was named Spanish Sportsman of the Year.

He had great success with the Spanish team. He won the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the 2009 and 2011 EuroBasket tournaments. He was MVP in the first two. He also won silver medals at the 2003 and 2007 EuroBasket, and at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. He also won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Gasol was the highest-scoring player at the 2004 Summer Olympics. He was Spain's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

In the 2015 EuroBasket, Gasol was named MVP again. He had amazing performances, averaging 25.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He scored 40 points in the semifinal against France, which was half of his team's points.

On September 7, 2017, Gasol became the FIBA EuroBasket's all-time leading scorer. He passed Tony Parker and finished with 1,183 total points in the EuroBasket. In 2020, he was named to the FIBA EuroBasket 2000–2020 Dream Team.

Player Skills

Gasol during EuroBasket 2011

Gasol was 7 feet tall, but he was very athletic for his size. This allowed him to play both power forward and center. He was a skilled scorer, able to shoot from mid-range and score close to the basket. He could use both hands, making him hard to guard. He was also a great passer for a big player, averaging 3.2 assists per game. On defense, he was good at blocking shots, averaging 1.7 blocks per game.

Kobe Bryant once said that it would be hard to find a big player with Gasol's skills in the history of the game.

Gasol had over 550 double-doubles in his NBA career. On April 2, 2016, he became the 36th player in NBA history to reach 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds. He is also one of only four players with 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,500 assists, and 1,500 blocks.

Personal Life and Family

Gasol in 2008

Gasol has a strong interest in medicine. He often visited Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. He would ask doctors detailed questions about their treatments. He even observed a spinal surgery in 2010.

Gasol is also very smart and cultured. He taught himself Italian and French. He already spoke Catalan, Spanish, and English. When he played for the Lakers, he and Kobe Bryant sometimes spoke in Spanish during games so opponents wouldn't understand their plans. Gasol enjoys reading historical novels, playing classical music, and attending concerts and operas. He is friends with Spanish singer Plácido Domingo.

Gasol married Catherine McDonnell in July 2019. Their daughter, Elisabet Gianna Gasol, was born on September 13, 2020. Her middle name, Gianna, honors Kobe Bryant's late daughter. Bryant's widow, Vanessa, is Elisabet's godmother. In December 2022, they welcomed a son named Max.

His younger brother, Marc Gasol, also played in the NBA. Marc was drafted by the Lakers but traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in the deal that sent Pau to the Lakers. Their youngest brother, Adrià, also played basketball. Their parents moved to Memphis when Pau signed with the Grizzlies. They later stayed in Memphis when Marc joined the Grizzlies.

Charity Work and Social Commitment

In 2003, Gasol became a UNICEF ambassador. He has participated in many campaigns, traveling to Africa to help with projects. He received awards for his charity work, including the "Gold Heart" in 2004. He has supported child survival and fought against malnutrition in Africa. He also worked with the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

In 2009, Gasol joined the "Hoops for St. Jude" program to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2010, UNICEF's Pau Project started in Ethiopia to fight child malnutrition. He also took part in a campaign against HIV.

In 2012, the Professional Basketball Writers Association praised Gasol for his charity work. They said he helps children achieve their goals worldwide. In 2015, he received the Magic Johnson Award for his efforts.

In September 2018, Gasol said he uses his public profile to help others. He joined a campaign to involve families in schools. In July 2019, UNICEF Global named him Global Champion for Nutrition and Zero Childhood Obesity.

Gasol Foundation

In 2013, Pau and his brother Marc started the Gasol Foundation [ca]. This foundation promotes healthy living habits and fights childhood obesity. In November 2015, he created a T-shirt to support the Foundation's work. The Foundation's headquarters moved to Sant Boi, where Pau was born. The brothers received an award for their work in fighting childhood obesity.

In September 2019, the Gasol Foundation released a study called "Estudio Pasos." This study looked at obesity levels and physical inactivity in kids aged 8 to 18. Pau Gasol called for action from governments, families, and the food industry to solve this problem.

Supporting Equality in Sports

In May 2018, Gasol wrote an open letter supporting women coaches in sports. He specifically supported Becky Hammon as an NBA coach. He pointed out that the NBA had never had a woman coach in its 72-year history. He encouraged adopting new social norms for equality and diversity.

Membership in Sports Groups

From 2017 to 2020, Gasol was the vice president of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association). This group represents NBA players. He was the first player to be on the executive committee without having played in the NCAA.

Since June 2019, Pau Gasol has been a member of the Advisory Council of Spanish Sport. He is also a Strategic Advisor and Global Ambassador for Barça in the United States. In these roles, he promotes sports values and healthy living, especially through his Foundation.

Awards and Honors

Spanish League and EuroLeague

Spanish King's Cup winner (2001)
Most Valuable Player of the Spanish King's Cup (2001)
Spanish League champion (1999, 2001, 2021)
Spanish League Finals MVP (2001)
All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001)

NBA Achievements

2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
2× All-NBA Second Team selection (2011, 2015)
2× All-NBA Third Team selection (2009, 2010)
6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016)
NBA Rookie of the Year Award (2002)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002)
All-Time NBA European First Team (2022)
His jersey number 16 was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers on March 7, 2023

European Player Awards

2× Mr. Europa (2004, 2009)
4× Euroscar (2008, 2009, 2010, 2015)
2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009)
2× All-Europeans Player of the Year (2009, 2010)

Spanish National Team Medals

Gold medal at the 1998 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
Gold medal at the 1999 FIBA Under-19 World Championship
Bronze medal at the 2000 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
Bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2001
Spanish Sportsman of the Year (2001)
Silver medal at the EuroBasket 2003
Top scorer of the EuroBasket 2003
Gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
Most Valuable player of the 2006 FIBA World Championship
Silver medal at the EuroBasket 2007
Silver medal at 2008 Summer Olympic Games
Gold medal at the EuroBasket 2009
Top scorer of the EuroBasket 2009
Most Valuable player of the EuroBasket 2009
Gold medal at the EuroBasket 2011
Silver medal at 2012 Summer Olympic Games
Gold medal at the EuroBasket 2015
Top scorer of the EuroBasket 2015
Most Valuable player of the EuroBasket 2015
Bronze medal at 2016 Summer Olympic Games
Bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2017
FIBA EuroBasket 2000–2020 Dream Team

Images for kids

Gasol with FC Barcelona in 2021
Gasol winning a jump ball while playing against the Lakers in the 2003–04 NBA season.
Gasol playing for the Memphis Grizzlies
Gasol boxing out in 2008
Dunk by Gasol in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals
Gasol in 2013 came off the bench after starting 345 games for the Lakers.
Gasol with the Bulls in 2015
Pau Gasol with brother Marc at the 2012 Summer Olympics
Gasol won the gold with Spain at EuroBasket 2011.
Gasol during EuroBasket 2011
Gasol in 2008