Rudy Gay Announces Retirement After 17 Remarkable NBA Seasons

After an illustrious 17-year career in the NBA, veteran forward Rudy Gay has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. Gay, now 38, most recently played for the Utah Jazz during the 2022-23 season. Despite signing with the Golden State Warriors over the summer, he was waived before the season began, prompting him to step away from the game.

(Former NBA Basketball Player Rudy Gay)

Gay’s basketball journey began as a standout player at the University of Connecticut. In the 2006 NBA Draft, he was selected as the 8th overall pick by the Houston Rockets, only to be traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Gay made an immediate impact, earning All-Rookie Team honors and carving out a memorable stint with the Grizzlies, where he ranks fifth in franchise points and fourth in both games and minutes played.

Throughout his career, Gay demonstrated consistent scoring ability, becoming one of only four players—alongside Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and LeBron James—to average at least 10 points per game from the 2006-07 season through 2020-21. He also had notable stops with the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz, finishing his career with averages of 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds over 1,120 games, including 778 starts.

In a heartfelt reflection on his retirement, shared through The Players’ Tribune, Gay candidly discussed the challenges of stepping away from the sport. “It’s a process, one I’m still dealing with,” he admitted. “But I’m extremely grateful for all the love, wisdom, and friendships basketball has brought into my life.”