NBA Rumors: Pau Gasol Hints At Return But Will Teams Take Chance?

At 39, most were left with the impression that two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol is done playing professional basketball. Injuries plagued him the past years, limiting the time he was on the floor. His efficiency dropped to an all-time low but it appears he is not ready to accept that.

The last time Gasol was in action was with the Milwaukee Bucks. He played in only three games but hardly made an impact. A left ankle injury forced him out of action and the 39-year-old center underwent surgery in May 2019 to address it. The Portland Trail Blazers took a chance on the veteran center since it was a position that they needed to fill two months later. He would be waived in November of the same year and did not play a single game.

Despite his misfortunes, Gasol feels he has something left in the tank. His 7-foot-1 frame can still be useful although his best bet is to be a backup center. In an interview with EFE that was translated by Eurohoops, the six-time NBA All-Star said he is still open to playing next season. He continued to undergo rehab from foot surgery and believes he is still good for at least one more season.

“I did a treatment at the end of December to improve my chances of recovery,” Gasol said. “And now the rehabilitation is going slowly, without the rush and pressure of being on a team. I give it more time and take care of it. I hope everything goes well and I can recover soon."

But he also added that because of his age, retirement is a possibility. He is aware that at 40, hanging it all up is inevitable. It could happen this summer or sometime next NBA season. Regardless, he is not completely shutting the door if any NBA team would be open to giving him a shot.

Gasol holds career averages of 17 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists, according to Basketball-Reference.com. He has seen action in 1,226 with his best season way back during the 2006-07 season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was a vital cog for the Los Angeles Lakers before injuries came into the picture. He tried to battle through it with stints with the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs. However, it was evident that his NBA career was starting to decline.

Gasol's chances of playing again are not looking so well. But if there is one team who could grant him a chance, it may be the Grizzlies. Considering he was a force to reckon with from 2001-2008 for them, considering him as a backup may not hurt. But that may only be possible if the team has a roster spot to spare.