The Gasol brothers will reunite one last time on the hardwood in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Pau and Marc Gasol were named to Spain’s preliminary roster last week. With a combined five Olympic appearances between the two, they are the most experienced players on the team.
Before the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Marc suffered a broken foot which left him off Spain’s roster. Spain went onto win bronze in 2016, after appearing in the gold medal game the previous two Olympics. There’s no doubt the brothers will cherish their final time playing together for Spain.
Marc started 52 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season but lost his starting job to mid-season acquisition Andre Drummond. Marc played well when given the opportunity late in the season. Pau plays for FC Barcelona B�squet in Spain, a basketball team owned by soccer giants FC Barcelona.
Despite their age, the Gasol brothers will play key roles for Spain. Marc is expected to be the starting center, while Pau likely will come off the bench.
Marc is still under contract with the Lakers, but his inconsistent play and age may put his future in doubt. After a disappointing first-round exit for the defending champions, the Lakers will try to improve the roster. Everyone will be expendable (besides LeBron and Anthony Davis). If Marc plays well in the Olympics, the Lakers could give him another chance for next season.
Pau wanted to return to the NBA last season, but no team wanted to take a chance on him due to injuries and his age. With his NBA days likely over, he will play his final professional basketball games with Spain this summer (barring any unforeseen NBA signing him/wanting to return to FC Barcelona).
Pau and Marc have accomplished almost everything in the game of basketball. They are both NBA champions, and one final accomplishment missing from their r�sum� is an Olympic gold medal. The United States are the overwhelming favorites, but Spain is always a tough team. Hopefully, they will both make it to the gold medal game this summer.
