Pau Gasol recently appeared on J.J. Redick’s podcast, The Old man And The Three, where he reflected on his life after retirement and revisited the highlights of his legendary basketball career.The Spanish basketball icon, now residing in San Francisco with his family, shared insights into his current involvement with the Golden State Warriors, and also anecdotes from his time with the Lakers, memphis Grizzlies, FC Barcelona, and even his iconic 2006 beard.
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Speaking as a retired athlete, Gasol opened up about his transition from professional basketball, which officially concluded in 2021 after a final stint with FC Barcelona. When asked if he misses the game, especially in light of Redick’s recent retirement, Gasol emphasized his focus on the present: “I’m all about living in the moment and appreciating the positives. The past is behind me, and I can’t change it.Now, I’m enjoying being a father, a husband, and having the freedom to do things like spontaneously deciding to fly to Hawaii for a week or two. That’s the beauty of this new chapter.”
However,Gasol admitted that retirement hasn’t been without its challenges. He revealed that adjusting to life after basketball came with its share of struggles: “Ther were moments of anxiety, especially in the early months. I’d wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing. It’s all part of the process, though, and it’s completely normal.” Now, he’s exploring new opportunities, including a potential role with the Golden State warriors: “The Warriors have been incredibly welcoming. They’ve invited me to participate in team meetings, and I’m hopeful to get more involved as time goes on.”
Gasol’s journey to retirement was anything but smooth. He faced a important injury that nearly derailed his career, but he persevered to finish on his own terms: “After retiring from the NBA, I signed with Barcelona to make one last push. My goal was to return to the court, and I achieved that by competing in my fifth Olympic Games, which was incredibly special. Eventually, I realized it was time to close that chapter. There’s no perfect way to prepare for retirement—it’s a mix of highs and lows, but I’m in a good place.”
He also recounted a pivotal moment during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers: “After my first surgery, my doctor assured me I’d be ready for preseason in six months. But just two weeks into playing, I was told things weren’t progressing well. I thought, ‘This isn’t what I worked so hard for.’ It was a turning point where I began to think about life after basketball.The pandemic added another layer of uncertainty, but I focused on education, building relationships, and making the most of the situation. I was able to finish my career on a high note.”
Gasol’s connection to the medical field runs deep, thanks to his parents—his mother is a doctor, and his father is a nurse. He shared how he had to make a tough decision early in his life: “I was studying medicine while playing for Barça B. When I got called up to the first team,I had to travel for games and started missing classes.Eventually, I had to choose between basketball and medicine. I gave myself a year to see where basketball would take me, and it turned out to be the right decision.”
As the second Spanish player to make a significant impact in the NBA after Fernando Martín,Gasol’s transition from the ACB to the NBA was a monumental shift. The physical and mental demands of the league were a stark contrast to what he had experienced in Spain, but he rose to the challenge, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest international players in NBA history.
“The most significant shift was the sheer volume of games.The mindset was different too: I arrived fresh off winning in Spain, only to lose four games in a single week with the Grizzlies. The NBA demanded a more physical approach, requiring me to focus more on conditioning than mental planning. It felt like a survival league. With lucrative contracts on the line, every player fought for their spot, and respect had to be earned. The competition was more individualistic compared to Europe, where longer possessions and more ball movement were the norm. Talent in the NBA also tended to be more seasoned.”
The center reflects on his thoughts following the 2003 Draft, when the Grizzlies traded Shareef Abdur-Rahim to the Hawks, who had just selected him in the third spot: “Joining the NBA was solely about chasing my dream: to compete among the best in the world. I knew nothing about Memphis or Atlanta. Elvis was the only thing I recognized. I do recall being relieved that the team had relocated from Vancouver. financially, it meant more money in my pocket, especially after covering my exit from Barcelona.” Redick humorously adds that it was during his time with the Lakers in California that the tax authorities caught up with him: “Now I live in California as well. But it’s a blessing—a good problem to have.”
Reflecting on his challenging years in Memphis, where even coach Mike Fratello suggested he alter his appearance to intimidate opponents (leading to the iconic hair and beard he sported during the 2006 World Cup in Japan), Pau recalls the struggles. The Grizzlies were swept in three playoff series during his tenure, and he didn’t secure a playoff win until leaving the team. His fortunes changed upon joining the Lakers, where he teamed up with Kobe Bryant and won back-to-back championships in the late 2000s. Pau explains:
“The first shock was being traded. I had expressed my dissatisfaction to the team, feeling frustrated and requesting a trade the previous season. When it didn’t happen, I assumed I’d stay in Memphis. But then it happened. I had to process being traded before realizing it was to the Lakers. We had met earlier in Barcelona, at a hotel, discussing our situations—Chicago was interested in him—but I never imagined we’d play together. Memphis wanted to trade me, and he wasn’t going there. I started pushing to see how my brother, drafted by the Lakers, was doing, and they found a way to make the trade work.”
“Kobe was fired up from day one. He knew this was his moment. When I arrived at the hotel in Washington at 1:00 a.m., with a game the next morning, he told me to call him after my interviews. He didn’t wait—he came to my room and said, ‘I’m thrilled you’re here, but let’s be clear: we’re winning the championship. I know you’re ready, and we’re doing this.’ That’s when I realized I had to follow his lead. His impact was immediate—he put me in positions where I could dominate and make a difference.”
“When he sensed I wasn’t meeting his expectations, he’d give me that look and say, ‘Hey, ready? It’s time.’ We’d lock eyes, and that was it.”
“I remember one instance when he tested me. After the 2008 Beijing Games, I took some time off to rest. Returning to the Lakers in the preseason,phil Jackson canceled a practise,and Kobe challenged me to a one-on-one post drill. I hadn’t been active as the Games, but he hadn’t stopped. He outplayed me, of course. I told him, ‘Slow down, man, I’m going to burn out.’ He wanted to gauge where I was at. He simply replied, ‘here we go.'”
“There’s no time to pause. You have to keep pushing forward relentlessly.” This statement perfectly captures his unwavering drive and determination.
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This discussion also delves into the intense matchups between the United States and Spain, particularly during the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. It highlights the players who aimed to challenge the reigning champions: “I was genuinely surprised that Juan Carlos [Navarro] didn’t receive more enticing offers to extend his NBA career. I encouraged him to give it a shot for a year or two, but he ended up being traded that same season.’You’ve let me down,’ he joked with me. He made the all-Rookie team but ultimately returned to Barça, where he concluded his playing days and now serves as the general manager.”
Beyond Navarro, other notable names like Rudy Fernández, ‘Chacho’ Rodríguez, Serge Ibaka, and his brother Marc Gasol have also experienced the NBA spotlight. Two additional players stand out: “Felipe Reyes was another standout on those teams—a phenomenal player who could have thrived in the NBA. Sergio Llull, too, has had an remarkable career in Europe. I believe he could have made a significant impact in the NBA had he chosen to pursue that path.”
The landscape of European players in the NBA has evolved dramatically since those days.Reflecting on this shift, he expressed pride in how international talent has risen to prominence: “Players like Dončić, Jokić, and Antetokounmpo are now among the top 10 in the league. The fact that the last few MVPs have been European is remarkable. It’s no longer just about making it to the NBA or becoming an All-Star—it’s about consistently being among the league’s elite. The NBA has embraced this global talent, and it’s incredible to witness.”
Was already there, waiting for me.He said, ‘Let’s go to the gym.’ That’s when I knew this was going to be special. Kobe’s intensity and drive were unmatched, and it pushed me to elevate my game. We had an astonishing connection on and off the court, and that’s what made those championship runs so memorable.”
Gasol’s reflections on his time with Kobe Bryant are notably poignant, given their deep bond both as teammates and friends. He credits Kobe for helping him grow as a player and as a person: “Kobe was more than a teammate—he was like a brother to me. He challenged me every day, and I learned so much from him. His work ethic, his mindset, and his passion for the game were infectious. He made me believe in myself and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”
The spanish legend also touched on the cultural differences he faced when transitioning from European basketball to the NBA. He highlighted the contrast in playing styles and the adjustment required to thrive in the league: “In europe, the game is more tactical, with a focus on team play and ball movement. In the NBA, it’s more about individual matchups and physicality. I had to adapt my game to fit that style, and it wasn’t easy.But I embraced the challenge and worked hard to prove myself.”
Gasol’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. From his early days in Spain to becoming an NBA champion and global basketball icon, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. His story is one of perseverance,adaptability,and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As he continues to explore new opportunities in retirement, Gasol remains a beloved figure in the basketball world. Whether it’s his potential role with the Golden State Warriors, his philanthropic efforts, or his dedication to his family, pau Gasol is a shining example of how to navigate life after sports with grace and purpose.
In closing, Gasol shared a piece of advice for aspiring athletes: “Dream big, work hard, and never give up. There will be challenges along the way, but if you stay focused and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. And remember, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey and the people you meet along the way.”
Pau Gasol’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. His impact on the game, his contributions to the community, and his ability to inspire others make him a true legend. As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, the basketball world will continue to celebrate his achievements and look forward to what’s next for one of the greatest international players of all time.
