Kori Ellis
10-01-2004, 11:44 AM
Memphis signs Gasol to multi-year deal
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up their leading scorer Pau Gasol by signing him to a multi-year contract extension announced Friday.
"We are delighted to reach a contract agreement with Pau," said Jerry West, the team's president of basketball operations.
"His play in the Olympic games this summer displayed his value, while showcasing his talent to people throughout the world. Pau is a dynamic player, and we are happy to have him in Memphis as the cornerstone of our franchise."
Terms were not immediately available.
Gasol, 24, changed agents last month hoping to land such an extension. He had one year remaining on his rookie contract. Gasol called the deal an important step in his career.
"This is a very big commitment for all parties. I look forward to being a part of the Grizzlies' exciting future and taking this team to another level," he said.
The native of Spain played in 78 games last season and led the Grizzlies in scoring with 17.7 points per game, rebounding (7.7 per game) and blocks (1.69) while averaging more than 31 minutes per game.
Gasol ranked 20th in the NBA in field goal percentage and 18th in blocks. The three-year veteran missed the first NBA game of his career on APril 5 with a sore right foot, snapping a 240 straight games played streak that had been sixth longest in the league.
The Grizzlies move into their new arena, FedExForum, this season.
During their first playoff series in April against the San Antonio Spurs, Gasol averaged 18.5 points, five rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
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Come on Spurs, get Tony's deal done!
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up their leading scorer Pau Gasol by signing him to a multi-year contract extension announced Friday.
"We are delighted to reach a contract agreement with Pau," said Jerry West, the team's president of basketball operations.
"His play in the Olympic games this summer displayed his value, while showcasing his talent to people throughout the world. Pau is a dynamic player, and we are happy to have him in Memphis as the cornerstone of our franchise."
Terms were not immediately available.
Gasol, 24, changed agents last month hoping to land such an extension. He had one year remaining on his rookie contract. Gasol called the deal an important step in his career.
"This is a very big commitment for all parties. I look forward to being a part of the Grizzlies' exciting future and taking this team to another level," he said.
The native of Spain played in 78 games last season and led the Grizzlies in scoring with 17.7 points per game, rebounding (7.7 per game) and blocks (1.69) while averaging more than 31 minutes per game.
Gasol ranked 20th in the NBA in field goal percentage and 18th in blocks. The three-year veteran missed the first NBA game of his career on APril 5 with a sore right foot, snapping a 240 straight games played streak that had been sixth longest in the league.
The Grizzlies move into their new arena, FedExForum, this season.
During their first playoff series in April against the San Antonio Spurs, Gasol averaged 18.5 points, five rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
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Come on Spurs, get Tony's deal done!