(Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Over the past two decades, basketball on the international level has grown tremendously, with some incredibly talented players leading the way, especially when it comes to playing for their countries.
The NBA has benefited greatly from all the talent that has come to the league from overseas, as every team in the league seems to have a talented international player these days, even some players that are legitimate superstars.
One player that has made a considerable impact overseas and in the NBA is Pau Gasol, who has had a ton of success playing for Spain while also winning two NBA titles alongside Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Next week, Gasol joins fellow international basketball stars Dirk Nowitzki and Tony Parker as they will all be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and deservedly so.
Parker recently told Basket News that he would’ve had a lot more success on the international stage playing for France had Gasol never been born, but also praised the Spaniard for pushing him and his team to be that much better via ClutchPoints.
“If Pau Gasol had not been born, we would have won more gold medals… I always say thank you Pau for being there and pushing me and the French team to be better.”
Tony Parker on the rivalry between France and Spain
(@BasketNews_com) pic.twitter.com/BESz0BcvNn
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 5, 2023
Pau’s brother Marc Gasol was also an essential player for Spain, as he helped the team with all the success they’ve had over the years while also being a star player for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Along with Gasol, Nowitzki, and Parker, the current Hall of Fame class also includes Dwyane Wade and legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who both Gasol and Parker played for in the NBA.
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