With Kawhi Leonard playing just nine games in the regular-season, the San Antonio Spurs relied on veteran forward Rudy Gay to help fill the void left by the All-Star forward. Despite being limited to 57 regular-season games due to various injuries, The 31-year-old Gay still showed flashes of his old brilliance as he averaged 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 21.6 minutes of action per outing. While Gay’s output was far from his numbers during his stint with the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies, he provided the Spurs with a reliable player off the bench.
Last offseason, Gay signed a two-year deal worth $17.2 million, with a player option worth $8.8 million for the 2018 season. The deal allows Gay to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
Gay will take his time before deciding
According to Gay, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, he will take his time in terms of deciding on his next move, but he wants to come back and stay with the Spurs for the 2018-19 NBA season. “After a season like this, it’s hard not to want to come back and fight for a championship. I love these guys,” said Gay, referring to his teammates. According to veteran guard Manu Ginobili, Gay was an integral part of the team, saying they sorely missed him when he was sidelined for two months due to a foot injury.
Even without Leonard, the Spurs made it to the postseason for a record 21st straight year, but they were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round in five games. Gay started in four of five playoff games for the Spurs, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 boards and 2.2 assists in 32 minutes of action. In his career, Gay is averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 boards and 2.2 assists in 810 regular-season games.
Gasol wants to play for three to four years
Veteran center Pau Gasol, for his part, will be entering the second year of a three-year, $48-million deal with the Spurs next season. Gasol, who is set to earn $16 million next season, told reporters that he plans to play at least three to four years. Per Slam Online, the 37-year-old Gasol told reporters that he has plenty of gas left in the tank despite finishing his 16th year in the NBA.
Last season, Gasol averaged 10.1 points and 8.0 boards in 77 games for the Spurs. Gasol started in 63 games, averaging 23.5 minutes of action per outing. In his career, Gasol is a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.
