Marc Gasol will forever be connected to the city of Memphis.
Just a day after being dealt to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster deal, the Grizzlies announced that his No. 33 jersey will "hang in the rafters" alongside Zach Randolph and Tony Allen.
"On behalf of the Grizzlies organization, I would like to thank him for his blood, sweat, and dedication to the Grizzlies and Memphis," owner Robert Pera said in a statement. "The impact he has had on this team and the city will live on, and we look forward to one day welcoming him back home to Memphis where his No. 33 jersey will hang in the rafters of FedEx Forum next to Zach and Tony."
The 34-year-old center leaves the Grizzlies as the all-time leader in points, blocks, and minutes played. Gasol was named to three All-Star teams and helped lead the club to its first and only conference finals appearance during the 2012-13 season.
"Marc has been a dedicated teammate, star player and pillar of this team for the past 11 seasons," Pera said. "He plays with a heart and a passion for the game that helped carry this franchise to seven straight playoff appearances, but what Marc has done for this organization is about more than just basketball. He was a part of a core group of players that helped shape the identity of this franchise on and off the court and were embraced by the City of Memphis."
Gasol spent his teenage years in Memphis after his brother, Pau, was traded to the club in 2001 and blossomed into a high school basketball star before his 11-year run with the organization.