For much of the 2010s decade, the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the toughest teams in basketball. Due to their playstyle, they earned the nickname of the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies. There were many players over the years who fit the mold in Memphis. However, there was a clear core that defined it to a tee. These players included Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, Tony Allen, Marc Gasol, and OJ Mayo. Over the years, players from the team would gradually depart and make their presence felt elsewhere. Currently, only Conley, who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is still in the NBA. Not all of the other players are officially retired. However, following the recent news, it seems there is another player from this team who has officially called it a career.
In an article put out in The Players’ Tribune, the 38-year-old, who played with the Grizzlies from 2006 to 2013, officially announced his retirement. The forward wrote about the importance of his family in the article, saying he feels “very blessed.”
“Me and my entire family cannot thank everyone enough for the kindness I have been shown over the past 18 years. And now … that family has me back! I feel very blessed to be able to be at home and spend so much meaningful time with my wife and children. I know everyone says this about their kids, but my wife, Ecko, and I … we have the best kids in the entire world! Massive respect to Ecko for doing so much to raise our boys into such wonderful young people and putting up with me being away so much for work. I cannot wait for us all to experience even more incredible times together.”
Grizzlies ‘Grit and Grind’ Legend Announces Basketball Retirement
Rudy Gay’s NBA Career
Gay played his best NBA basketball as a member of the Grizzlies. In parts of seven seasons with the team, he averaged 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.3 steals. Additionally, in 2007, he finished third place in Rookie of the Year voting behind Brandon Roy and Andrea Bargnani. Gay played a major role on the Grizzlies during his time there and remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
In addition to the Grizzlies, Gay has also played for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz. Last year, Gay signed a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors. However, the team waived him after preseason, and he never suited up for another team again.
One Memphis Grizzlies and Rudy Gay Honor Seems Inevitable
Though he had a solid NBA career, Gay is not making the Hall of Fame. However, this does not mean he should not be honored regardless. While not confirmed, it seems likely that a jersey retirement in Memphis is in line. In April, the Grizzlies retired Gasol’s No. 33 jersey. Furthermore, the team retired Randolph’s No. 50 jersey in 2021 and will retire Allen’s No. 9 jersey in March 2025. Naturally, it is likely that Gay’s No. 22 is next to hang in the rafters. However, one interesting note is that his number is currently being worn by Desmond Bane. Additionally, five players have worn it since his departure. Nonetheless, this might not stop the Grizzlies from retiring Gay’s number anyway. Now that his retirement is official, we may get some news on this sooner rather than later.
