How Wine and Spanish Wisdom Transformed a Young McDermott

Gasol, the Unexpected Mentor: How Wine and Spanish Wisdom Transformed a Young McDermott

Beyond the field: The wine anecdote that reveals the most human side of the legendary Pau Gasol

On April 3, 2026, from Toronto, Canada, comes a story that transcends boards and baskets. Pau Gasol, a name synonymous with leadership and professionalism in world basketball, reveals a facet hitherto little explored: that of a charismatic mentor and connoisseur of the pleasures of life, capable of livening up the locker room with a good wine.

Doug McDermott, the Sacramento Kings forward, who at his 34 years continues to demonstrate enviable freshness, recently sharing an anecdote that paints an endearing portrait of his time as a rookie with the Chicago Bulls. It was there that Pau Gasol, with his usual seriousness and composure, became McDermott’s guide not only in the NBA, but also in the fascinating world of wine.

Gasol’s arrival in Chicago in 2014 It coincided, curiously, with McDermott’s arrival in the league. Both shared that year of beginning in the NBA, a year that also saw the emergence of Nikola Mirotic, from Real Madrid, completing a trio of Spanish talent with international projection.

“Pau Gasol was a very good teammate, he was the one who introduced me to wine,” McDermott confessed to MD during the Kings’ visit to Toronto. “He didn’t know anything about wine when he came to the NBA and he ordered bottles for the team when we had team dinners.”

McDermott, with a smile that betrays the memory, admitted his initial enthusiasm: “Did I get happy? Yes, of course! (laughs). I was a rookie, I was just starting to learn about wine, I had never really drunk it. They started my journey in wine, I definitely had too many sometimes but, hey, I was a rookie, and I’m sure they laughed at me all the time.” The power forward, with a resume that includes stints with teams like the Thunder, Knicks, Mavericks, Pacers and Spurs, evokes those nights with a mix of nostalgia and fun.

However, McDermott clarifies that he never saw Pau Gasol lose control under the effects of wine. “No, Pau was very professional, he always controlled himself,” he said. But the camaraderie was present. “We had a great time and Nikola Mirotic was on the team too, playing for Spanish teams as well (he came from Madrid). He and Pau always spoke in Spanish, it was fun to be around them, very good guys,” added the Kings player, remembering the cultural and linguistic connection between his teammates.

These dinners, far from being mere social events, played a crucial role in McDermott’s adaptation. The imposing figure of Pau Gasol, whom I admired from the beginning, was humanized thanks to these moments of relaxation. McDermott confesses that at first, sharing a locker room with Gasol, along with other stars like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, was a dazzling experience.

“I remember that when I arrived I idolized him because I loved the Lakers with him and Kobe growing up, so when I was with him at the beginning I was dazzled by a star,” he said. “I learned from him, he made me a much better player just seeing how well he took care of his body at that age. He made me a better player because he is a very good passer, he can see everything and I was always cutting, he always found me. I loved playing for him, he was a great mentor to me,” said Doug McDermott.

The Kings veteran not only has fond memories of Gasol, but also of other Spaniards with whom he shared a locker room, such as Willy Hernangómez (Knicks), Álex Abrines (Oklahoma) and Juancho Hernangómez (Spurs). However, the nights of wine and laughter with Pau Gasol seem to have left an indelible mark, an anecdote that shows that great leaders also know how to create an unparalleled team environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When did Pau Gasol join the Chicago Bulls?

Pau Gasol joined the Chicago Bulls in the season 2014-2015.

What year did Doug McDermott enter the NBA?

Doug McDermott was drafted in the year 2014.

Who else shared a locker room with Pau Gasol and Doug McDermott on the Chicago Bulls?

Other notable players on that team included Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.

Where did Nikola Mirotic come from before coming to the NBA?

Nikola Mirotic came to the NBA from real Madrid.

What other Spanish players does McDermott mention as teammates?

Mention Willy Hernangomez, Alex Abrines and Juancho Hernangomez.

What did Pau Gasol teach Doug McDermott besides wine?

He taught him about body care and improved his game as a passer, seeing how Gasol “saw everything” on the court.

How old is Doug McDermott in 2026?

Doug McDermott has 34 years in 2026.

What team does Doug McDermott currently play for?

Doug McDermott plays in the Sacramento Kings in 2026.

Did Pau Gasol used to drink a lot of wine with his teammates?

According to McDermott, Pau Gasol was very professional and always controlled himself, although he did order wine for team dinners.

What is said about Pau Gasol in the original text?

His seriousness, professionalism and leadership stands out, but also his human side and his ability to promote a good atmosphere in the locker room.

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