Marc Gasol's jersey retirement ceremony, nostalgia, and optimism
Marc Gasol's jersey retirement ceremony brought a nostalgic escape to the good ole days -- when the Memphis Grizzlies standard was established -- while setting hope, excitement for the future.
The lights were dim in the FedExForum. Buzz filled the arena, as everyone awaited the jersey retirement for Memphian icon Marc Gasol — joining his brother in hoop, Zach Randolph, as Grizzlies with jerseys in the rafters of the Grindhouse.
Beaming in the Grizzlies’ tunnel stood not just Marc Gasol, but also Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Mike Conley — who arrived for the festivities between a Timberwolves road trip.
Chills, immediately.
And Saturday night, nostalgia filled the building.
To kick off the ceremony, Rob Fischer sat down with the 1st Grizzlies All-Star, Marc’s brother, Pau Gasol. They discussed growing up with Marc, as well as how proud of him he was of his little brother of building a legacy in Memphis. Also, in front of the media, he shed light on how the Grizzlies could’ve had Pau and Marc on the same team — though the older brother ultimately shared how they may not be the people they are today in that instance. Surely, it won’t stop Grizzlies’ faithful from dreaming about what could’ve been.
In a roundtable sitdown with Pete Pranica, The Core 4 reminisced on the good ole days — the playoff series, Gasol’s celebrations, and all the things that eventually built a bond as tight as brothers. They talked about the different elements that went in with playing each other — from Gasol and Randolph asking Conley for the ball, to how Gasol broke down the game by the responsibilities of his teammates.
Sharing center court with Marc Gasol was his family, current Grizzlies’ leadership (Zach Kleiman and former teammate Tayshaun Prince), former coaches (Dave Joerger and current Hustle head coach Jason March), and a plethora of former teammates.
Rudy Gay, Quincy Pondexter, Darrell Arthur, Jon Leuer, and Beno Udrih.
The cameos, the stories, and Gasol’s jersey unveiled on its way to the rafters. It all was a surreal experience that served as a sense of serotonin for a night. For just a split second, the chaotic, rough season was in the back of our minds. Grizzlies fans got to think about and honor the good ole days for a night. And while the night was nostalgic, it spurred optimistic dreams for the future — what lies ahead.
For the Core 4, we turn next to Tony Allen and Mike Conley, and their eventual ceremonies. I can’t help but imagine the atmosphere the moment the 4th jersey of the Core 4 eventually hits the rafters. It’s going to be cinema.
For this era of Grizzlies’ basketball, I go back to the playoff memories already created, and what’s in store for this team — a bounce-back to contention as the expectation. But also, I think about the retirement ceremony as a pitch, motivation even, for Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane to keep building. (Side note: who are the attendees from former players? Steven Adams? Dillon Brooks with the Louis Vuitton shades? Brandon Clarke? De’Anthony Melton?) Continuing to build upon their foundation, even amidst the speed bump of this season, could lead this franchise to its upside on their way to immortality.
While memories and visions dance in our minds, the Core 4 is responsible for it all. They set a standard, flipped a switch, and put Memphis Grizzlies basketball on the map. And though not every team will be the grimy, slow-it-down slugfest of the Core 4, “grit and grind” serves as organizational ethos — as the mantra isn’t a play style, but it’s the mindset to push through through the high’s and low’s.
The Core 4 will always be special for their production on the court, the identity they created, and their impact in the community.
And one night, it was sweet to lean into the nostalgia and remember who paved a winning path for the Memphis Grizzlies — and the all memories formed through their time.
In case you missed “Marc Gasol Appreciation Week” …
Marc Gasol’s Memphis Masterpiece (Guest column from Joe Mullinax)
When Marc Gasol strutted his newest, most transformative skill
Marc Gasol, a friend whose heart is bigger than his hand (Guest column from Allie Allen-Fleming)
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