Rudy Gay: 'I'm going to have the best comeback ever' with Spurs
Rudy Gay survived "Basketball Hell," and now he's ready to revive his career.
Following more than three seasons with the Sacramento Kings, the unrestricted free agent is excited for a fresh start with one of the NBA's most successful and respected franchises in the San Antonio Spurs.
"I'm going to have the best comeback ever," Gay told San Antonio Express-News' Jeff McDonald. "That's the motivation of it."
The small forward missed the majority of last season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon, but now he's feeling healthy and wants to prove himself in San Antonio.
"Physically, I'm my old self. I'm cleared to play. The only thing that can help me now is to play," he said.
The 30-year-old, who's been openly critical of the Kings, admitted the organization "took a lot out of" him. In his Sac-Town tenure, Gay played for four different coaches, watched drama unfold between the front office and All-Star DeMarcus Cousins before he was traded away, and never sniffed the postseason.
This, despite putting up the best numbers of his career. He averaged 20.1 points on 46.4 percent shooting from the field and 34.7 percent from deep to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 223 games in purple and white.
It was clear he wouldn't be back, and now he's headed to one of the best teams in the Association. Gay said it was a "no-brainer" to latch on with the Spurs - and take a pay cut - after speaking with head coach Gregg Popovich, praising their structure and stability.
"As soon as I signed the contract, a dark cloud wiped away," Gay said of his reported two-year, $17-million pact.
He's excited about the possibilities with the Spurs, who finished second in the West last year. Overall, the squad has made 20 consecutive playoff appearances, capturing the title on five occasions.
"I think you already know, when you talk about the Spurs, there's a certain respect you get. I want to be a part of that," he said.