16 Pau Gasol PF

Gasol said Tuesday after the Spurs' season-ending loss to the Warriors in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series that he isn't considering retirement and plans to honor the final two years of his contract with San Antonio, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

The 37-year-old Gasol went as far to say that he hopes to play at least three or four more years, though it's unclear if he'll perform at a high enough level to command interest from NBA teams at that point. The Spurs should at least have room for Gasol in their rotation in 2018-19 after the veteran center enjoyed a solid season while frequently jostling between the starting five and the bench. Even so, Gasol's averages of 10.1 points and 23.5 minutes per game were the lowest marks of his career, while his 45.8 percent shooting from the field was also the poorest showing of his 17 NBA seasons. Don't expect Gasol's role to grow during the upcoming campaign even if he enjoys solid health again.

Gasol supplied 12 points (3-5 FG, 6-6 FT), four rebounds and three assists across 16 minutes in San Antonio's 116-101 loss to the Warriors in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

The veteran big man was a much-needed source of offense off the bench, with his scoring total serving as a second unit-high figure. Gasol has shot 60.0 percent in each of the first two games of the series, but a perfect showing from the free-throw line Monday allowed him to double up his point total from Game 1. With the Spurs in a 2-0 hole and looking for all the scoring they can find, Gasol could potentially see an expanded role in Thursday's pivotal Game 3.

Gasol put up just six points on 3-of-5 shooting, adding four assists and two rebounds across 19 minutes in Saturday's 113-92 loss to Golden State.

Gasol saw just 19 minutes of playing time Saturday, setting the trend in what could be a difficult matchup for him moving forward. The Warriors play small a lot, rendering Gasol basically a non-factor in most circumstances. He has not had a good season and his decline has been more evident than possibly any other player.

Gasol registered six points (2-4 FG, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, and four assists in 14 minutes during Wednesday's 122-98 loss to the Pelicans.

Gasol moved to a reserve role with Kyle Anderson taking his place in the starting five, as the Pelicans run a small-ball power forward in Nikola Mirotic alongside Anthony Davis. Given that a first round playoff matchup with the Warriors is looming, it's possible Gasol will have a hard time staying on the floor for long stretches.

Gasol will return to a bench role for Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Pelicans, Will Guillory of the Times-Picayune reports.

Gasol has started the last three games for the Spurs, but will head back to the bench Wednesday as the Spurs shift to a smaller lineup. It's entirely possible coach Gregg Popovich also trys to get Gasol some rest and limit his minutes a bit prior the playoffs, though nothing official has been reported there. In the corresponding move, Kyle Anderson will return to the starting lineup at power forward, with LaMarcus Aldridge shifting over to center.