Veteran forward Rudy Gay is set to enter his first season with the San Antonio Spurs after signing a two-year, $17 million deal with the team over the offseason.
Beyond his current recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, there is much uncertainty as to what exactly his role will be with the Spurs. During an interview with Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News, Gay made it clear that he would be willing to accept a role off the bench.
Article Continues Below“Whatever it takes,” he said. “If I’m a sixth man, I’m going to be the best sixth man in the league. If I’m a starter, I’m going to try and be one of the best small forwards in the league. That’s just the type of player I am.”
At this point, it appears to be the logical spot on the Spurs given that Kawhi Leonard mans the starting small forward position and LaMarcus Aldridge holds the other starting forward spot in the lineup. The only possible way that things could shift is if the team elects to play a smaller combination on the floor with Pau Gasol coming off the bench and Aldridge taking the center position.
That could be a feasible scenario, but head coach Greg Popovich may view him as being best served in the Sixth man role playing in the second unit alongside Manu Ginobili. He could excel in that role being that he's a proven scorer averaging 18.4 points per game over his first 11 years in the league.
Granted, Gay is coming off a serious injury it could be where he finds his niche with the team and best makes them a better challenge to the Golden State Warriors.