Rudy Gay Announces Retirement from NBA

Rudy Gay, a former NBA forward and a key figure in the Memphis Grizzlies' 'Grit and Grind' era, has announced his retirement after 18 seasons in professional basketball. Gay, who was drafted eighth overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and subsequently traded to the Grizzlies, averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds throughout his career. Despite never making an All-Star team, he played pivotal roles for several teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz. In his retirement announcement, Gay reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the relationships he built and his continued passion for the game. He mentioned feeling blessed to spend more time with his family following his retirement. Gay's career included notable achievements such as helping the Grizzlies win their first playoff series in 2011 and earning two gold medals at the FIBA World Cup.