On Tuesday, the 17-year NBA veteran announced his retirement from basketball. After a successful career with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, Rudy Gay has decided to end his career and retire from the sport.
Gay, who never made an All-Star team, was certainly a borderline star. During his career in Memphis, he played in 479 games, most of them as starters, and averaged an impressive 17.9 points per game.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Gay's retirement because the 2006 draftee was a highly skilled player during his career. In addition to his time with the Grizzlies and Kings, he also helped out the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz during his time in the league.
During his long career, Gay appeared in 1,120 games and averaged 15.8 points per game. Although he didn't garner much acclaim, the No. 6 overall draft pick had quite the career.
Following the announcement, 2005 NBA Draft member Chris Paul sent Gay a message via Instagram.
“Happy 18th birthday to my little brother,” Paul shared on Instagram.
Paul is currently in his 20th year in the NBA, so he certainly respects his longtime opponent Gay. The two longtime NBA players faced off 40 times during their careers.
As various players have always said, the NBA is a brotherhood, and Paul's tribute to Gaye on Tuesday showed that.
Ja Morant excites Memphis Grizzlies fans with latest training video
Eight-year NBA veteran and former Grizzlies player joins new team in Portugal
Ja Morant reacts to LeBron James and Stephen Curry's viral moment during USA vs. France
