MADRID, 18 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Former Spanish basketball player Pau Gasol is among the finalists to be part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2023, the NBA Hall of Fame, the North American league announced this morning.
The Catalan, who played in the NBA between 2001 and 2019, is one of the four players who appear for the first time as eligible, along with the German Dirk Nowitzki, the Frenchman Tony Parker and Dwyane Wade. In addition, coach Gregg Popovich is also a candidate for the Class of 2023.
Rounding out the list of finalists are Gene Bess, David Hixon and Gene Keady. The names of the chosen ones will be announced on April 1, during the NCAA Final Four, and will formally enter on Saturday, August 12.
Gasol, who began and ended his career at Barça, played for the Memphis Grizzlies (2001-08), Los Angeles Lakers (2008-14), Chicago Bulls (2014-16), San Antonio Spurs (2016-19) and Milwaukee Bucks (2019) in the North American league. He played in the main All-Star game six times, was part of four All-NBA quintets, won two rings -both with the Lakers- and won the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award during his 18 years in the NBA.