Spain - Gasol repairing image with Grizzlies fans
Pau Gasol went to new Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace this summer for some suggestions on how he could connect with fans. Wallace told him about a charity event for season-ticket holders. The catch? The event started in two hours. So Gasol cancelled his plans, jumping at the chance
From torontosun.com
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Pau Gasol went to new Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace this summer for some suggestions on how he could connect with fans.
Wallace told him about a charity event for season-ticket holders. The catch? The event started in two hours. So Gasol cancelled his plans, jumping at the chance.
After all, the all-star forward faces a big reclamation project to repair his relationship with Grizzlies' fans unhappy that he demanded a trade last season, trying to escape the NBA's worst team.
Problem is, he's still with the Grizzlies.
That's why Gasol has been dishing out his time and cash, even hiring a community-relations specialist, to help him make an impact in Memphis and repair his image.
"I want to be more involved with different things out there," Gasol said. "I want the community to know I'm putting effort out there. I don't want to be seen as a greedy player, or as a guy who doesn't want to be here."
Before his mid-season trade request, Gasol was sidelined nearly two months with a broken left foot. That led to a slow start that resulted in the firing of coach Mike Fratello. The Grizzlies were accused of a lack of effort, then even team president Jerry West announced he was leaving after finishing his contract.