Rudy Gay explains multiple issues with Sacramento Kings
By Tom West
The Sacramento Kings, widely regarded as the NBA’s most dysfunctional franchise, have issues everywhere. In a detailed interview, Rudy Gay made it clear he has plenty of problems with the team.
It’s a good thing Dave Joerger is a tough coach, because he has one herculean task on his hands next season as he attempts to lead the Sacramento Kings, a team loaded with too many centers, the character of DeMarcus Cousins, and no sense of direction whatsoever. Hoard big men and anger Boogie? Look to this year’s startling lottery pick, center Georgios Papagiannis, as the future of the franchise? Who knows.
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The issues and puzzling decisions come thick and fast in Sacramento. From the consistent turbulence of coaching changes to the failures of their front office, they aren’t going far while such off-court issues persist. One of their best players, Rudy Gay, agrees with this, and made it rather obvious how he feels about the team’s actions and future in an insightful interview with Blake Ellington of Sactown Royalty.
There were some positives, such as Gay praising the fans and saying that he appreciates the people of Sacramento. However, after being involved in endless trade rumors in recent weeks, he revealed his frustration and total lack of communication from the team when asked about the rumors:
"No matter what your intentions to do with your players, I would think the first thing you want to do is make sure people are happy with what you are doing. That hasn’t been the case… I’ve had communication, but not the kind of communication that I would say I like."
When asked about his exit interview this season and whether any of the team’s problems were addressed, Gay mentioned his desire for consistency, one that can’t be fulfilled in Sacramento right now:
"I think it’s pretty obvious what situation is going on here. At this point in my career, I think I want some kind of consistency and we don’t have that here, at all."
Gay’s take when asked what the direction of the franchise is was incredibly telling:
"I have no idea. I suit up and give it my all. That’s all I can do in this situation, that’s all you can do. Go out there and play as much as you can. Obviously, we don’t have anything to really build on. We have a new coach. I think that’s the only thing we can really build on. New coach and seeing how it plays out."
In fact, Gay’s lack of certainty about what the Kings are doing came through even clearer when he revealed he doesn’t know who their new players are:
"I don’t know. Honestly, I haven’t paid attention. I don’t even know who our new players are to be honest with you. I’ve just been focused on trying to be healthy and trying to get in shape and get ready for the season, wherever that might be."
There were some more positives for angered Kings fans, though. Gay said he played through micro tears in his Achilles last season and has now had surgery to repair the problem, leaving him to feel better than he has in two years. He’s also encouraged about the hiring of Joerger as coach.
Health for Rudy Gay aside, the blatant problems with the Kings and their decision making are undeniable when a top player is voicing such issues so freely.
He hasn’t demanded a trade and he confirmed that in the interview, but it’s not hard to take the hint that he’d be happier if he’s dealt elsewhere.