Rudy Gay

Former NBA forward, eighth overall pick in 2006, All-Rookie First Team, Grizzlies franchise single-season scoring record holder.

Rudy Carlton Gay Jr. (born August 17, 1986) is an American former professional basketball player. A forward, he played college basketball for the UConn Huskies before being selected eighth overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies days later. He was named to the 2007 All-Rookie First Team.

Quick Facts

Born: 17 August 1986
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
High school: Eastern Technical (Essex, Maryland); Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Maryland)
College: UConn (2004–2006)
Career position: Small forward; power forward
Career number: 8, 22
Draft round: 1
Drafted by: Houston Rockets

Lore & Background

Gay was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Rae Gay and Rudy Gay Sr., former lead singer of the R&B group Ace Spectrum and band director for The Stylistics. He began playing competitive recreational basketball at age 12 in his hometown of Dundalk, Maryland. At 14, he began playing for the Cecil-Kirk AAU program under coach Anthony Lewis. He played his first two years of high school basketball at Eastern Technical High School in Essex, Maryland, then transferred to Archbishop Spalding in Severn for his junior year. He was a McDonald's All-American and Parade first-team All-American as a senior. He chose UConn over Maryland amid controversy involving AAU and high school coaches, though no NCAA violations were found. As a freshman at UConn, he was co-Big East Rookie of the Year. He declared for the 2006 NBA draft after his sophomore season.

Reader's Guide

Gay was selected eighth overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on July 12, 2006. As a rookie, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 27.0 minutes in 78 games, earning NBA Rookie of the Month for November 2006 and All-Rookie First Team honors. In 2007–08, he set a Grizzlies franchise record for points in a single season (1,632) and averaged a career-high 20.1 points. He participated in the 2008 Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest. On December 13, 2009, he scored a career-high 41 points against the Miami Heat, tying Mike Miller's franchise record for points in a win. He re-signed with Memphis on July 8, 2010, to a five-year, $82 million contract. In 2011–12, he led the Grizzlies in scoring (19.0 points) and minutes (37.3), and averaged a career-high in rebounding (6.4). On February 2, 2012, he passed Shane Battier (523) as the Grizzlies' all-time leader in steals. On January 30, 2013, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal.

Did You Know?

He was a five-star recruit and ranked the No. 2 small forward and No. 5 player in the nation in 2004 by Rivals.com.
In his sophomore season at UConn, he was one of four division one players nominated for the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Rudy Gay to the Memphis Grizzlies?

Selected eighth overall in the 2006 draft, he never played a game for Houston before being swapped to Memphis. This trade made him an instant star who anchored the team's roster for seven years.

How long did Rudy Gay stay with Memphis?

He played for the Grizzlies for seven seasons before moving on to other teams in the league. This period marked a significant chapter in both his career and the franchise's history.

What awards did Rudy Gay win while in Memphis?

He was recognized as the league's top rookie for November 2006 during his first campaign. Additionally, he secured a spot on the All-Rookie First Team following that inaugural season with the squad.