Spurs' Gasol happy to see brother Marc get chance to chase title

After failing to make it past the first round of the NBA playoffs over parts of seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007-08 season and went on to win a pair of titles. Over a decade later, Gasol is appreciative that the Grizzlies are giving his brother Marc a similar chance to contend for a championship.

"It speaks highly of the Grizzlies ... how they put me in a position to succeed and (are) doing the same with Marc," Pau said, according to Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News. "I think that's an appreciation and a great sign of respect for the player. Obviously, they had to get their stuff in return, and players in return. But I think it's a great opportunity for Marc in Toronto, and I hope he will be happy there."

Pau averaged 18.8 points, 9.2 boards, and 1.6 blocks per contest in 476 games played with the Grizzlies from 2001-08. The five-time All-Star was the franchise's all-time leader in scoring and rebounding at the time of his departure.

Marc was acquired by the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, C.J. Miles, and a second-round pick prior to last week's NBA trade deadline.