Pau Gasol Recent Surgery Could Signal March Into Retirement

Any professional basketball player who nears the age of 40 would normally play it safe or consider quitting while he is ahead. Potential injuries that may be incurred would not heal faster if not force one to stop playing competitive ball for health reasons. These are perhaps some of the things going on in Pau Gasol's mind following another surgery that has taken him out of the 2018-19 NBA playoffs.

For the current NBA season, Gasol averaged only 4.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He was acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks last March 3, a move seen to help beef up the bench of head coach Mike Budenholzer. He was not expected to play heavy minutes, fielded in only when the starting big men needed a break. The Spaniard is a valued addition and someone who has perhaps achieved everything an NBA player could wish for. That includes winning two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008 and 2009, Yahoo Sports reported.

Gasol will miss the rest of the 2018-19 NBA season after undergoing successful surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The consensus is that he will be up on his feet by the offseason although it remains unknown if any team would still pick up the third overall pick of the 2001 NBA Draft.

According to Bleacher Report, Gasol said that he still sees himself playing three to four more years. He was only 37 at that time and a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Compared to the numbers he was still producing then (10.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks), one can easily see that he has slowed down. But in the NBA, a 7-footer who can still play will always be welcome although he should not expect to play extended minutes.

After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Spurs, Gasol signed a one-year contract with the Bucks. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Teams in need of backup centers could try him out although he is expected to be dangled a veteran's minimum.

At this point, Gasol is likely to weigh his options. Aside from two NBA titles, he is also a six-time NBA All-Star, the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year plus a plethora of awards in international tournaments. Injuries are a clear sign that he should consider quitting while he is ahead. That decision rests on his plans after full recovery from his recent surgery.