Veteran forward Rudy Gay has announced his retirement from professional basketball after 17 seasons in the NBA. The announcement was made through an article in The Players’ Tribune, where Gay reflected on his career and the challenges of coming to terms with the end of his playing days.
“I needed to humble myself and be like: ‘Look, this is over,'” Gay wrote in his article. “But actually coming to grips with it being over, that’s a process. One I’m honestly still dealing with, and struggle with at times.”
Gay, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2006 draft out of UConn, began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies and spent six-and-a-half seasons there before moving to the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz. Over his career, he averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, and he ranks 91st on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 17,642 career points.
Despite never making an All-Star Game, Gay had a successful career, including a standout season in 2014-15 when he averaged 21.1 points per game for the Kings. He also finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2007 and was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
In his retirement article, Gay expressed gratitude for the love, wisdom, and friendship he experienced throughout his career. He also mentioned his plans for the future, which include public speaking, media, business, and continuing to work on his contracting company, real estate company, and PickUp USA Fitness gym in Towson, Maryland.
Gay’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who consistently delivered on the court and earned the respect of his peers and fans alike. As he transitions to the next chapter of his life, the basketball community wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.
