NBA Players React To Rudy Gay News

Rudy Gay announced his retirement after 17 seasons with the Grizzlies, Spurs, Kings, Jazz and Raptors.

Feb 4, 2019; Sacramento, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Rudy Gay (22) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images / Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Rudy Gay most recently played in the NBA during the 2022-23 season when he was a member of the Utah Jazz.

That year, he averaged 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 38.0% from the field and 25.4% from the three-point range in 56 games.

After being a free agent for all of last season, Gay has now officially announced his retirement (via The Players' Tribune).

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Many NBA players reacted to the joint Instagram post.

Larry Nance Jr.: "My favorite player.. love and respect brother 🫡"

Wayne Ellington: "Congratulations my dawg!! 🦾"

Deron Williams: "Congrats on a helluva career bro 🫡"

Mar 31, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay (22) warms up before the start of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

Zach Randolph: "💯congrats fam"

Jarred Vanderbilt: "Congrats Unc!!"

Dwight Howard: "Took basketball a long way 💯"

December 14, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-Imagn Images / Chris Humphreys-Imagn Images

Gay was the eighth pick in the 2006 NBA Draft out of UConn.

His career averages are 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.6% from the three-point range in 1,120 regular season games.

He played for the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors.

The 38-year-old also appeared in 19 NBA playoff games (11 starts).

Gay posted on X: "I’m 38 years old.

I’ve had an 18 year career in the NBA.

It’s time to hang it up.

Thank you for everything — it’s all love. @PlayersTribune"

I’m 38 years old.

I’ve had an 18 year career in the NBA.

It’s time to hang it up. Thank you for everything — it’s all love. @PlayersTribune https://t.co/GOEjp3rolL

— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) October 29, 2024

Gay is most known for his time with Memphis.

During the 2008 season, he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 46.1% from the field in 81 games.