Rudy Gay spent much of his career with the Grizzlies and Kings, averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 1,120 games.
Rudy Gay is calling it a career after 17 seasons and stints with five different teams.
Gay announced his retirement in an open letter written in The Players’ Tribune, saying that although he feels he is “the luckiest man in the world” for his accomplishments on the court, he believes it is time to retire. He said that he had to accept the reality that this had come.
“I am so grateful for all the love, wisdom, and friendship I have experienced in the game of basketball,” Gay wrote. “This is my 18th year in the league. I learned from some of the greatest of all time.”
Gay, 38, last played in the league with the Utah Jazz in the 2022-23 season. He signed with the Golden State Warriors in September 2023, but was released before the start of last season.
Gay was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the eighth overall pick in 2006 and was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Shane Battier. He averaged 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, was named to the 2006-2007 All-Rookie team, and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.
I’m 38 years old.
I have an 18 year career in the NBA.
It’s time to hang it. Thank you for everything, it’s all love. @PlayersTribune https://t.co/GOEjp3rolL
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) October 29, 2024
A quiet leader, Gay averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 1,120 career games, peaking at 21.1 points with the Sacramento Kings in 2014-15. He spent most of his career bouncing between rebuilding teams and battled numerous injuries in the latter half of his career.
Gay also represented the United States in two FIBA World Cup appearances, helping the United States win gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
A touted recruit fresh out of high school, Gay was a McDonald’s All-American and played two seasons (2004-2006) with the Connecticut Huskies under coach Jim Calhoun.
