The Memphis Grizzlies have been quite an active club this summer what with the blockbuster trade for Marcus Smart, the sign-and-trade that sent Dillon Brooks outbound, and the free agency signing of veteran guard Derrick Rose.
However, despite their already established activity, the ball club could still be in the market to make a few more moves to strengthen their rotation and better their odds of contending for an NBA title this season.
Recently, veteran wing and former Grizzlies cornerstone Rudy Gay was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, thus making him a free agent and eligible to sign with whatever team he desires.
While there are already several clubs rumored to be interested in pursuing his services, today we pinpoint three reasons why Memphis should strongly consider entering into the race for the faded star.
Why the Grizzlies should consider signing Rudy Gay
3. Boosting the franchise’s image
This offseason, the Grizzlies have been linked to a myriad of polarizing situations, namely the latest firearm incident involving superstar Ja Morant that now has him slated to miss the first 25 games of the upcoming campaign as a result.
Though Memphis is viewed as one of the more talented clubs in the association what with their slew of young and promising talents coupled with the fact that they’ve finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference in both of the last two seasons, their image may have taken a bit of a hit as a result of their unceremonious exit from the postseason and some of their players’ off-court antics.
Though it may seem small, the concept of bringing Rudy Gay back to the franchise could prove to have a rather large impact, particularly when it comes to boosting the culture of the club.
As a result of this hypothetical scenario, the perception of the Grizzlies could only stand to benefit, as it would see a legitimate former franchise centerpiece in the twilight years of his career opting to return to where his NBA journey began.
Full-circle, story-book turnouts could always help when it comes to improving an image.