Pau Gasol was born July 6, 1980.
The Spanish center was taken third overall in the 2001 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, who immediately traded his rights to the Memphis Grizzlies. Gasol played on the Grizzlies for seven seasons and holds franchise records for field goals made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, defensive rebounds, blocked shots and points.
Halfway through the 2008 season Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie and the rights to younger brother Marc Gasol. At the time it was considered one of the most lopsided trades the league had ever seen. Down the line the trade ended up working out for both parties. Gasol helped guide the Lakers to two titles, and younger brother Marc ended up becoming an All-NBA first team player for the Grizzlies.
After the 2013-14 season Gasol became a free agent. He decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls. Rejuvenated by the change in scenery, Pau enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, making the All-NBA second team.
He also won two Olympic silver medals as the leader of the Spanish national team.
