If Rudy and Rondo were good defensive players they would be valued as such around the league.
Both of them are both capable of playing defense at an elite level. Overall, I think if the Minnesota Timberwolves manage to sign him, he will perform quite well but not to the extent of deserving a maximum contract. Vlade is getting rid of Rudy for the same reason he got rid of Rondo, bad defense. This figures to help the Jazz’s bench defend much better than it did.
He is actually quite good at team defense, and especially help defense. Gay has averaged over 16 points per game in his career. His stats have been relatively the same for the past three seasons so I don't think he can improve greatly although he can improve his assists which are usually around two per game. He is not a stopper, but a very useful defensive cog. Rudy Gay is a seasoned veteran at this stage of his career, but a once former top ten pick overall. If we look at his progress in the league we can get a good idea if he has reached his ceiling or if he can still continue to improve. Well right now I consider him a borderline all-star in the league. I don't see the Grizzlies matching the Timberwolves if Rudy gets offered a max deal since they already have some other talented pieces they can build around in O.J Mayo, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.ĭoes Rudy Gay have the potential to be a Maximum Contract Player? Knowing the Grizzlies will likely match any offer they throw at Rudy Gay, should the Minnesota Timberwolves go out of their way to get him and give him a max contract or a near max contract? This isn't about whether Leonard is a good defender or not he clearly, obviously is. However, Heisley (the owner of the Memphis Grizzlies) has already stated that they will probably match any offer that Rudy Gay gets. Otto Porter, Rudy Gay, Andrew Wiggins, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Trevor Ariza, Jabari Parker. Four pick in the draft into a trade for a better quality player. He may be a poor defender overall, but hes pretty good at blocking shots. Al Jefferson can do that too, and not only can he do that more efficiently but he can also rebound the ball and hes pretty damn good at it, and He also blocks and alters shots. If they feel they can get someone good for Love or Jefferson, they will most likely do it. Rudy Gay can only impact his team by scoring and shooting, thats it.