Pau Gasol Pondered Retirement, Eyes Comeback Now
Spanish NBA veteran Pau Gasol wondered whether returning to basketball was worth it after two surgeries on his left foot.
Pau Gasol last played a game in March 2019 after a gruelling recovery process from stress fractures in his foot.
The 40-year-old underwent a painstaking recovery process. First, basic exercises like picking up a pen with his toes before walking on soft surfaces like grass or sand.
“There were good days and then hard days where you say, ‘Is this really worth it? Maybe it’s time to let go,'” Pau Gasol said.
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However, the 6 time All Star and 2 time champion is gearing up for a comeback. He has ambitions towards representing Spain at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
His brother, Marc, recently joined the newly crowned champion the Los Angeles Lakers. Pau won the team’s previous title in 2010. He was asked whether he would like to join his younger brother in Los Angeles.
“There is meaning and history there,” said Gasol.
“I’m not going to lie. It would be very special, and now that my brother [Marc] is there, even more special. But I’m not in a position now to be very demanding. I don’t have 10 offers on the table.
“It would be incredible if it ends up happening where I can join the team at some point,” he added.
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Gasol has represented Spain 4 times at the Olympics. He has silver medals from 2008 and 2012 and a bronze from 2016. Spain did win the FIBA Basketball World Cup last year, but he was injured.
“To be able to play five Olympics would just be extraordinary,” Gasol said.
For now though, he’s focussed on an NBA comeback where he can truly contribute.
“I want the opportunity to contribute — to feel needed,” Gasol said.Â
“Not just to be there. That’s not who I am. I want to enjoy it, and players usually enjoy playing.”
