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Rudy Gay Takes Parting Shots at the Grizzlies, Says Raptors Are One Piece Away
The Toronto Raptors pulled off somewhat of a blockbuster deal last week, acquiring Rudy Gay from the fire-selling Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jose Calderon, Ed Davis and a second-round pick as part of a three-team deal with the Detroit Pistons. And now the second-place Grizzlies are in flux, while there’s new hope for the struggling Raptors. Rudy Gay joined Tim and Sid on The Fan 590 in Toronto to discuss the trade that brought him to the Raptors last week, his fit with his new team, the factors attached to the trade, whether he expected this to happen, his remorse for Grizzlies fans, his relationship with current Raptor Kyle Lowry, and his expectations for his time in Toronto.
On his initial reaction to being traded to Toronto:
“I was excited for a new start. I’ve known a lot of these guys here and I’ve been a fan of DeMar’s for a long time. I like the fact that he’s gotten better and better every year. So it was cool. It was a new start for me.”
On his fit in Toronto:
“I feel it can be a great fit and it has been so far. But I still have a lot of work to do and obviously this team does, too.”
On what, besides money, might have been in play:
“I was left on the outside of the situation. But you never know what? Things you think could be bad end up being good and I think this is one of those blessings in disguise.”
On if he thought he’d stay in Memphis once the Grizzlies traded Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby to Cleveland:
“I did, but I wasn’t sure. As soon as they changed the ownership it was kind of like you didn’t know what was going to happen. And that’s no way to run a business, if you’re asking me. But I’m just happy I’m here now and I’m not really going to elaborate too much on what they do.”
On if he feels bad for Grizzlies fans for what’s gone down:
“I do. Obviously Memphis is somewhere I’ve been for most of my career and I made a lot of relationships. … I think this year was the year that we could have done something, but now they’re going to have to figure it out without me. I’m happy to be here and I’m gonna start a legacy here.”
On his relationship with Kyle Lowry:
“I wouldn’t even say it’s my boy, it’s like my brother. His son is my Godson. I’ve known him since we were 14, so it’s good to have somebody like [that], especially with this transition.”
On feeling as though the Raptors can become competitive:
“With the kind of leadership we have here, and ownership … I think this would be a great place for free agents — and with the kind of moves they’re making here, also with trades.”
On how many pieces away this team is from becoming a consistent playoff performer:
“I say one — one piece. I think honestly we can get there with this team but I think we could really make noise if we have one more piece. It doesn’t take a lot, because everybody’s going to pick up their game and everybody’s gonna come prepared to try to win.”
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