Rudy Gay hangs up jersey after 17 seasons in the NBA

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Rudy Gay is officially retiring from professional basketball.

After 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the veteran small forward is calling it a career in an open letter he wrote on The Player’s Tribune released on October 30, 2024.

Gay last saw action when he played for the Utah Jazz franchise in the 2022-2023 NBA season. After his valuable bench contribution, the swingman was dealt to the Golden State Warriors but the organization waived him for good.

After those campaigns in two different franchises, Gay failed to make his way back into the league and was a long-standing free agent.

No teams pulled the trigger in signing the do-it-all forward, resulting in his exit from the big boys’ league, the hardwood he once dominated during his heydays.

“I’m just feeling extremely grateful for all the love, wisdom, and friendship that I’ve experienced in the game of basketball. Eighteen years in the league. Learned from some of the best to ever do it,” Gay wrote.

Gay first introduced himself in the NBA when he was selected as the eighth overall pick during the 2006 Rookie Draft by the Houston Rockets.

However, the Rockets shipped Gay to the Memphis Grizzlies for defensive maestro Shane Battier, a trade deal that marked the beginning of a promising career in the NBA.

Gay didn’t shy away from the moment despite playing in his debut season and became a part of the 2006-2007 NBA All-Rookie squad.

He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game to help Memphis attain a better NBA finish from their last year’s outing.

Gay spent his first seven years playing for the Grizzlies, where he would form a playoff-contending unit with Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Mike Conley.

Despite a series of NBA post-season heartbreaks, Gay showcased his versatility in the league and was one of the most consistent two-way players before injuries hounded his career.

After a long tenure at Memphis, Gay found a new home when he was inked to a deal by the Toronto Raptors. He then jumped places and rendered his services to the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah, and Golden State.

“I’m 38 years old. I’ve had an 18-year career in the NBA. It’s time to hang up. Thank you for everything. It’s all love,” Gay added.