Since Gasol is from Barcelona, being called Spanish must have really cut deep. Whatever anyone does, do not call Spaniards, Basques, Catalans,as Hispanics. Take a look at Xavi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, or David DeGea, do they look anything like David Ortiz or Fernando Valenzuela, no they do not.
A Catalan would get even more upset if you called them a “Spaniard.”