Former NBA All-Star forward/center Pau Gasol has arrived in Barcelona to begin his run with his newest team, as relayed by the club’s website.
Gasol arrived Wednesday and will receive his medicals on Friday.
“I’m very happy to be at home and excited to have this opportunity at this time of my career,” Gasol said, via Barcelona’s website.
There’s no word on when Gasol will actually make his debut — though part of the plan is to get him back in shape to compete for Spain in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
His career began with Barcelona, before he arrived in the NBA in 2001.
“Since I left in 2001, I have always followed the team and the club closely,” Gasol said. “Now even more, since I signed, I pay more attention also to details.”
Gasol, 40, is 7-foot-0 and a native of Barcelona. He played with the club from 1998-2001, before being selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 3 overall pick. He was quickly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, the team with which he spent seven seasons.
The six-time All-Star was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002 and won championships as a member of the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers (2009, ’10). He also spent time with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.
Gasol appeared in three games with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019, before being sidelined with a left ankle injury that required surgery. Gasol then signed with the Portland Trail Blazers last July. He was waived in November.
Gasol carries career averages of 17.0 points on 51 percent shooting and 9.2 rebounds. He has won 11 medals as a member of Spain’s national team in international competitions.
