Not many can say they enjoyed a 17-year career in the NBA. In the case of Rudy Gay, he fought through the hurdles of injuries and still emerged as an offensive juggernaut. Today, after giving his final shot with the Warriors in an attempt to make an NBA roster last season, the former Grizzlies forward has decided to move on to the next chapter of his life. And in a heart-touching excerpt, he shared the various stories from his decorated career in the league.

Among them were the decisions that came late in his career. Upon being traded to Memphis as a rookie, Gay emerged as a bruising scorer, adept at playing in the post, pockets, and in isolation. His rise began in his sophomore season and never seemed to have a decline. Injuries forced him to take condensed roles late in his career. Simultaneously growing in life too, he decided to consult his children on some of his twilight decisions.

Notably, while the Warriors did offer him a spot, the Trail Blazers who at the time still had Damian Lillard were also in the mix to add the 38-year-old veteran to their roster. Having two basketball junkies as his sons, he left the decisions up to them, prioritizing their preferences. His son Clint took the vocal stance. “He’s nine at the time,” Rudy Gay recalled.

After a little thought, his youthful son, who Gay feels has the gift of being “funny” caught his father by surprise. “He’s just shaking his head back and forth now,” the former Jazz forward wrote. Clint strongly opposed the notion of Rudy Gay playing alongside Damian Lillard. Why? It wasn’t about adjusting to school life in another city or him losing connectivity with the friends he might have built.

“Dad. Damian Lillard ain’t never gonna pass you the ball!” the then nine-year-old son of the veteran said with a straight face. Rudy Gay listened to his son, choosing Golden State. However, he did assure Lillard about his love for him.

Why Rudy Gay decided to retire

Only a year ago, with a chance to have a seat on the Warriors, Rudy Gay had the belief of the versatile forward he has always been. “I know I still got a lot to give and I can help a team in this situation. I feel like it’s a pretty good situation,” he told Andscape. So what swayed his mind away from the game?

The answer is already provided. At the end of the day, family meant a lot to the 38-year-old. He sat his two kids down for a conversation and their spirited response helped him make peace with his contemplation. “Dad, come home! Stop working! Hang out with us. It’ll be so much fun!!” they told him as he revealed to Player’s Tribune.

As difficult as the decision was, Rudy Gay has achieved remarkable feats as an NBA player. His tally of 17,672 was among the best among active players before he called it quits. While no All-Star nods embellished his resume, peers recognized his skillset and acknowledged his work.

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Now, he looks forward to life outside of basketball. Rudy Gay wants to see his kids grow up and spend as much time with his family as possible. Furthermore, he has also explored avenues outside of basketball. “I have a contracting company, a real estate company. I have the PickUp USA Fitness gym in Towson, Maryland. There are a bunch of things I’ve already begun devoting some time to,” he revealed.

With that in mind, Rudy Gay considers himself  “the luckiest man in the world” for enjoying a nearly two-decade stint in the NBA and using basketball as a medium to change his and the lives of those around him.