Pau Gasol Credits Hall of Fame-Bound ‘Redeem Team’ for International Honor 17 Years After Olympic Heartbreak

Seventeen years ago, Pau Gasol and Spain stood one game away from Olympic immortality. Until Team USA ripped that dream away in the 2008 gold medal thriller of 118–107. That wasn’t just a loss for Spain, but the murder of a dream. It was one of the fiercest and most iconic finals international basketball has ever seen. Their collective brilliance turned it into a defining moment in Olympic basketball history, and a hurtful loss for Spain. However, Spain’s loss to the USA is not what defined Pau Gasol throughout his basketball career. He was known for much more. And he has a confession.

That same night, Team USA reclaimed its global dominance, earning the nickname “Redeem Team” after the disappointment of 2004. Led by a star-studded lineup featuring Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul. After failing to secure the gold medal in the 2004 Sydney Olympics. Team Argentina won it later. Team USA found the ultimate redemption in 2008. In his Hall of Fame speech, Pau Gasol didn’t shy away at all from giving us a recap of all of this.

He said, “Great opponents make you better. They challenge your limits, push you to evolve, and motivate you to bring your best.” He proudly thanked the fiercest of his competitors for pushing him to be what he is today, a Hall of Famer. “So throughout my international career, I had the privilege of facing some of the greatest players and teams this sport has ever seen.” Gasol continued, setting the stage for his ultimate acknowledgment of basketball royalty. He saved special recognition for his toughest battles.

“The matchups with Team USA, those Olympic finals, were some of the most intense games that I’ve been a part of.” The audience seemed to hold its breath as he named names. “Competing against some of the best, like Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Melo, KD, the list goes on.” In that moment, Gasol didn’t just honor his rivals, but he revealed how losing to legends built a legend. However, that wasn’t the end for acknowledgements.

Pau Gasol, being the humble and down-to-earth man he is, didn’t leave his other fierce competitors out. “And the many games against France, Serbia, Lithuania, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, also Australia, and so many other great national teams.” This final gesture perfectly summed up Pau Gasol’s character. His whole speech wasn’t just a Hall of Fame induction; it was sportsmanship that reminded everyone why he’s beloved across continents.

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Pau Gasol’s NBA journey began in Memphis. He quickly became the first foreign-born player to win Rookie of the Year in the crowded American market. But after moving to the Lakers, teaming up with Kobe Bryant was when Gasol shone during championship runs in 2009 and 2010. Beyond the rings, Gasol also earned six All-Star selections, made four All-NBA teams, and earned over 20,000 career points. All of these achievements, across continents and eras, led Pau Gasol to basketball’s highest honor, the Hall of Fame.

Pau Gasol’s emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant

Pau Gasol got real about what really mattered in his career when he opened up about his Lakers days. “Joining the Lakers. I had the privilege of playing for the great Phil Jackson and his great coaching staff with some amazing teammates,” he shared. Then his voice softened just a bit as he added, “None more important than my brother Kobe.” That word “brother” really hung in the air. This wasn’t just about basketball. “Our connection went far beyond Basketball.” This was family.

“He was one of a kind, he challenged me, believed in me, and fueled the team every day to become NBA champions.” Pau continued. This was about the guys who pushed each other to be legends. He took us back to those early days, remembering how Kobe welcomed him. “I’ll never forget how he welcomed me to the team.” The way Pau spoke about it, you’d think it happened yesterday, not fifteen years ago. He reminisced about the good days by saying, “We built something special. We won back-to-back championships.”

Then he went ahead and explained what went on behind the scenes during that period of glory. “That’s not easy to do.” He reflected, the weight of that journey still evident in his voice. “Through trust, accountability, unwavering commitment, and a shared determination.” The back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010 cemented their legacy, but Gasol made it clear those rings didn’t come easy.

NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) smiles at power forward Pau Gasol (16) after he completed a triple double in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center. Lakers won 101-81. Los Angeles Staples Center CA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Oncea-USAxTODAYxSportsx 7201500

Then came the moment that hushed the room. That simple, devastating truth. “I miss him and Gigi very, very deeply.” The rawness in his voice turned the glittering Hall of Fame ceremony into something profoundly human. It was only what truly mattered. The irreplaceable loss of a brother and his daughter. It’s the human connections that make legends unforgettable.

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