ESP - All-time leading Grizzlies scorer Gasol maintains focus
MEMPHIS (NBA) - Pau Gasol has had a difficult year by his own admission, but there have been more good times than bad during his career with the Memphis Grizzlies. And that was confirmed in the Grizzlies' recent game against the Toronto Raptors when the Spanish international became the club's all-time leading scorer
MEMPHIS (NBA) - Pau Gasol has had a difficult year by his own admission, but there have been more good times than bad during his career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
And that was confirmed in the Grizzlies' recent game against the Toronto Raptors when the Spanish international became the club's all-time leading scorer.
Gasol overtook Shareef Abdur-Rahim's 7,801 points, in the game against the NBA's only Canadian team.
"It is a great honour and it gives me great pride to lead my team in scoring," he said on paugasol.com.
"It proves the great job I´ve done in almost six years with this franchise.
"I dedicate this achievement to my family for their unconditional support but also to those people who believe, respect and acknowledge the work I´m doing on and off the court, to all of them I dedicate all of my achievements."
Gasol has had a hard year.
He led Spain into the gold medal game at the World Championship in Saitama and earned tournament MVP honours in the process, but he broke a bone in his foot and missed the final.
After having an operation, Gasol had to sit out several weeks of the season of the NBA campaign.
That contributed heavily to a bad start by Memphis, a team that reached the play-offs last year, and led to trade rumours with clubs like Boston and Chicago linked to Gasol.
None of the interested outfits, however, were willing to part with the quality players Memphis needed in return.
"This season has been really difficult, but I always try to maintain a positive outlook and end the season having taken a step forward," Gasol said.
"My aim is always to improve despite other circumstances.
"Considering what my club has demanded to other clubs in the negotiations they have maintained regarding my possible transfer, without a doubt I am valued as a star.
"This not only means that Jerry West (President of Basketball Operations) considers me a reference point in this franchise but also the league and it is a great satisfaction."
Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA