The Portland Trail Blazers acquired something of a living legend in Pau Gasol this summer. But to fully understand this ride eventually has to end, we have to go back to where it all started.
After dominating Spain’s top professional basketball circuit — winning the Liga ACB championship and taking home the league’s MVP award — Pau Gasol was drafted back in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. His time in the Peach State never come to fruition however, as he was dealt on draft night to the newly relocated Memphis Grizzlies.