The then College star played a role in helping transform the Western Conference side.
The year was 2008 and the Memphis Grizzlies made a deal that many in the NBA at the time struggled to understand.
They sent Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie and the rights to an untested European player in Marc Gasol.
Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace bore the brunt of the criticism which did not die down as Gasol helped the Lakers to three straight NBA finals appearances, which yielded two titles.
Wallace said when his side were compared to the University of Memphis side led by Rose, the entertainment on offer was not comparable.
“We were stuck at that point. We never won a playoff game. We were heading for a second 20-something-win season,” Wallace said.
“After all, this is the entertainment business and the town really did not see much entertainment value in our team anymore.
“Our crowds were dismal and it coincided with the Derrick Rose season at the University of Memphis, and literally we were like a high school JV compared to them in terms of interest.
“It was just remarkable when we played a day-night doubleheader, you didn’t think you were in the same building when you went to their game. So, there was really nothing to lose at that point.”
The short-term pain suffered by Grizzlies fans is now coming back to them as the move by Wallace proved a master-stroke as the other Gasol has turned into a dominant big man in the league, and when combined with Zach Randolph and gritty point guard Mike Conley, the side is now a contender in the West.
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