In a long interview with The Athletic, Pau Gasol retraced some significant passages of his career, on and off the pitch.
Pau Gasol has seen his shirt removed by the Los Angeles Lakers last Wednesday, in a touching ceremony during the half-time match between the yellow-violet and Grizzlies, the team that chose him in the Draft little more than a teenager, giving him the opportunity to live his own personal life American dream.
Beyond the emotions, already fully expressed in the retreat speech, the opinions of such an illustrious representative of basketball remain interesting in the two days dedicated to him NBA and as for the area FIBAalso seen the dual role of member of the IOC athletes commission and ambassador of the imminent World.
Precisely on the state of health of the ball in segments in America and in the world, Pau expressed himself in a very long interview granted yesterday to The Athletic, some excerpts of which are presented below.
“It makes me proud to see how international basketball is growing and the players are having success. I think I contributed a little bit to this situation where a European doesn’t have to fear anything, envy anyone, to be able to dominate and be one of the best if not the best player in the league. I find it great that the Game has grown in this way and I think it is an inspiration for the new generations, who must continue to raise the bar.”
Previously, a couple of jokes also for a partner with whom the relationship has remained intimate: Jimmy Butler, present at the ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena; and his successor as starting power forward of a group-Lakers champion, Anthony Daviswho congratulated him after raising #16.
“Jimmy has made a great effort to be here, it shows his loyalty and his feelings towards me and my family. We are talking about a special player, a special person: how many would have done it?”
“I told Davis that he should, he could, and if he continues like this, his jersey will be retired. AD is a great player, a great guy. He’s at an age where you can still give a lot, still try a lot and achieve even more. He has that kind of mindset, that ambition for lofty goals and greatness.”
Finally, a curiosity about which team was supported during the game by a Pau certainly divided between his first love, Memphis, and the team of consecration, the Lakers.
“I always hope that both are fine. But yesterday the Lakers needed the victory more. Memphis is second to the West, they have to come back.”
