Veteran forward/center Pau Gasol has cleared his medicals with Spanish club Barcelona and should be ready to take the court soon, as relayed by Johnny Askounis of EuroHoops.net.
Gasol, 40, arrived in Barcelona last week to join the franchise with which his career began. “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.
Gasol 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 in 2001. He was quickly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, spending his first seven NBA seasons with the franchise.
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.
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