Over the last two years, Gay has shot 31% from behind the arc. For the pairing to work well together in the future, they will both need to improve in that aspect. Head coach Dwane Casey would probably give his left pinky finger to ensure they both improve their defensive instincts, too. “The whole world will open up to him once he knocks that down consistently.” “I think that’s the next stage of his game,” Casey said of Gay’s three-point shot. Really, the evolution of the offence will come down to two players: DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas. (This assumes, of course, that the Raptors hold on to DeRozan instead of trading him.) Gay will be entering his eighth season next year, and there is no track record of players dramatically improving in their eighth seasons (well, outside of LeBron James).
His per-36-minute statistics continue to look achingly similar to the previous two years, even though his sheer totals have risen with his minutes and attempts. “When we get it down pat like that, it’s tough to guard us. It’s funny: We like the ball on opposite sides of the floor.”Īs the Miami Heat learned, a great NBA offence cannot simply about good offensive players taking turns with isolation plays.
That is where a full training camp together will help, if the Raptors decide to keep the two scorers together. At least, that is what the Raptors must hope.
This version of the offence, after all, just has not been good enough.With basketball season right around the corner, The Voice caught up with NBA superstar Rudy Gay, a 2004 graduate of Archbishop Spalding High School, for some good old Q&A. Pasadena Voice - What does being a Spalding alumnus mean to you? After a stellar career at the University of Connecticut, Gay was drafted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies and won a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA World Championships in 2010. Rudy Gay- Going to Spalding was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. P.V.- What are some of your best memories of Spalding? Spalding is a great school with great academics and the moral compass to keep sports in its proper perspective. R.G.- Kathy Mahar is one of my favorite people. She was my principal and now shes Spaldings president. She does a great job and I still talk to her on a regular basis. Also, one of the great Spalding parents is Steve Peroutka. Without Steve I couldnt have gone to Spalding. He was always there for me and I consider him a good friend. P.V.- The NBA season is just getting started.
R.G.- I spent the offseason in Los Angeles working out with a trainer. Ive done all sorts of workouts over the yearsyoga, plyobut Ive really started to enjoy boxing as a means of staying in shape. P.V.- At 6∨, you are one of the elite dunkers in the NBA. R.G.- I dunk in games so I dont even think about naming them. It all happens so fast and spontaneously. How does that manifest itself in the NBA? But when you watch me play youll see windmills and reverse dunks and all sorts of things.
R.G.- One way is before every free throw, I pray Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And Im a good free throw shooter, so its working. P.V.- What has been the biggest influence on your faith? #Rudy gay coronavirus free