Former Raptors centre Marc Gasol announces retirement from professional basketball: ‘It was time’

The addition of the veteran player during the NBA trade deadline was considered the crucial final element that played a pivotal role in securing the 2019 NBA championship for Toronto.

Marc Gasol, the former center for the Raptors, widely regarded as the indispensable last-minute addition to Toronto’s 2019 NBA championship-winning roster, formally declared his retirement on Wednesday after enjoying a 20-year career as a professional basketball player.

– Final d’un capítol. Gràcies
– End of a chapter. Thank you
– Final de un capítulo. Gracias pic.twitter.com/p6qeigl4BE

— Marc Gasol (@MarcGasol) January 31, 2024

The 39-year-old Spanish athlete, who departed from the NBA in 2021 after a season with the L.A. Lakers to pursue further opportunities in Europe, expressed his desire to focus on imparting his basketball knowledge to younger generations.

Gasol stated to reporters, as reported by France 24, “It’s the moment to take a step to the side and share everything basketball has taught me and has given me. It was time for me to do it; if I kept playing, it could have had some serious consequences (physically).”

Have some rosé for us, Champ.

Happy retirement 🫶@MarcGasol pic.twitter.com/Ex2IOYYPZz

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 31, 2024

A three-time NBA All-Star and the recipient of the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013, Gasol spent 11 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the defensive quartet, which included Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Mike Conley, known for their tenacious defense. The Grizzlies franchise is expected to retire his No. 33 jersey, according to the Daily Memphian.

After 20 professional seasons and 13 in NBA, Marc Gasol has retired from basketball. He played for Grizzlies, Raptors and Lakers, winning the 2019 NBA title in Toronto, making three All-Star teams and one All-NBA team. Memphis plans to retire his No. 33 jersey. pic.twitter.com/vGC8DbyxUt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2024

In a notable trade move, the Raptors acquired Gasol during the 2018-19 NBA trade deadline, exchanging him for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, and C.J. Miles.