“I’m a pro and I’m a competitor, and I’ve seen places where I can assert myself where the team is lacking. … This is a great NBA team and we’re going to win games,” Gay said. “I think being a veteran person more than anything. Gay has been very vocal in helping the younger guys come along at a much quicker rate than usual-a priority because this team is ready to win right now. “The staff has a different way of going about things this year, and we’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Gay said of coming back too early.Īccording to Conley, his former teammate in Memphis at the beginning of their careers, Gay’s presence has already been felt in the locker room and court. But playing for an organization like the Jazz where health is a massive priority, it's allowed Gay to focus on other aspects of the team so he’s ready to go when he finally hits the court. Not rushing back from injury is a move expected of a veteran. … I just want to contribute and get them over the hump, and with that being said I have to be 100% healthy.” 1 team in the NBA last year without me, that gives me all the cushion I need,” Gay said about his return to the game. He's willing to trade playing games in October so he can be fit in April, May, and June when it matters most. He will not be playing in Utah’s final two preseason games next week and could miss the start of the regular season.īut he’s in no rush to get back as returning fully healthy remains his top priority. With no timeline regarding his return, Gay has been doing all sorts of activities on the court-but has yet to progress towards contact drills. … I see myself as a very tough guy to play with it for five years.” “I feel like, after last season, I was just done with it. “I never got hurt, it was just to alleviate some pain I’ve been playing with for a little while,” Gay said on Friday.
He had offseason surgery to remove a bone spur in his right heel, an injury he’s been dealing with the past five years. Not only were the Jazz coming off a season in which they finished with the best record in the league, they're also a team primed to bring home a championship.īut before he can step onto a court with Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley and co., Gay must get healthy first.
When he became a free agent this past offseason, Utah immediately caught his eye. He’s been in the postseason three times (2021 Memphis, 2018/19 San Antonio), but has yet to play for the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy. Entering his 16th season in the NBA, Rudy Gay has seen and done almost everything you could expect from someone with his talents.īut the one thing lacking on his impressive resume is an NBA title appearance.