The NBA Star That Never Was... Rudy Gay! Stunted Growth

[@stuntedgrowth]

Solid career. Barring injury Gay could've been one of the best of his generation.

[@KingTReed31]

Thank you for getting to my request🙌🏾

[@evanjordan5075]

I agree. Loved his in game dunks. Dude is so long and has long strides when dunking.

[@roba9022]

You should do Drew Gooden

[@mansainikoolujimial-amin4867]

Had he not gotten injured the could have used him

[@benziahbrown7111]

I remember that '06 UConn team. He was always talented but always went missing it seemed when his team needed him the most

[@rose4mvp2012]

This man's jumper been holding me down on 2K MyCareer since 2K11. Salute.

[@lefty206]

Yes indeed. Picture perfect

[@poweredbythemakyostar8896]

Every year 😂

[@Quiiick_]

Same here man dude was my favorite player was a dawg with the grizzlies 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@MVOTV520]

2k12 Rudy gay had the Heat in a headlock this is all facts I love them grizzlies

[@ewwitsdavid97]

@@MVOTV520 no cap

[@LoopGawdTV]

Didn’t become a superstar. But his jumpshot on NBA 2K is GOATED!!! 😂

[@stuntedgrowth]

facts

[@ajax5467]

2K13 I had Rudy Gay shot with Shawn Marion I couldn't be stopped 😂

[@BatmanBeyondBelief]

Lmfao bro 2k12 Rudy Gay was my blacktop mvp

[@Willardbeans00]

BIG FAX!!! 😂😂

[@JKM-o5t]

Fr dat jumper is money on da sticks 😂😂

[@matiasevans23]

Man if Rudy was in a role like Andrew Wiggins is with the warriors. We would look at him different.

[@ReverendSam1]

Yeah or either the role Aaron Gordon plays for Denver.

[@centralaveX60]

Man shot out respect to rudy he made it he did it the right way and still doing it he made his $$$ injuries happen some be talented and have no injuries and fumble and those guys get a pass but a guy like rudy get basklash IJS

[@couldbeanyone8174]

​@@centralaveX60facts, these dudes just be talking

[@centralaveX60]

@@couldbeanyone8174 respect like the media and those powers to be be brain washing like a snake charmer got people stuck and running with foolish natives these days SMH You remember that song with Jadakiss Swizz beats that's the type of people I hate 😂😂😂😂😂to many options based of of false Cats is unappreciated in the sports world Cause of social media The world thinks they can imatate that kinda of art 🎨 and some don't get off the bench in highschool and some never had the guts and was not gifted like these guys so they bash and talk and talk Somebody need to get up there and trash them cowards That hide behind that false narrative bull skit IJS

[@bwanahaguziki307]

16 years at the height of competition is a great success. Bravo Rudy...many people can't make that claim. Enjoy the rest of your life successes

[@JimBrownski]

Followed him from Bishop Spaulding here in Maryland. Had it all - just no that KILLER instinct . He had moments when he looked like a top 5 player. He coasted through games- then you look up and he had the quietest 22 and 7 you ever seen

[@deebrown4744]

Good analogy

[@ReverendSam1]

The role Aaron Gordon plays for Denver would've been perfect for Rudy!!

[@CraigSmithII]

That was the ONE thing former UConn coach Jim Calhoun didn't like about him. Gay didn't have no killer instinct.....at all

[@franklynmcgradycalderon977]

@@CraigSmithII it was his personality. Ppl that been close to him say that Rudy is a such a nice guy, “killer-instinct” players like MJ and Kobe we’re assholes and didn’t gave a fuck

[@stackboostuploads]

​@@franklynmcgradycalderon977 dont don't mean nothing look at tim Duncan

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

Yes!!!!! I remember asking for this like 2 weeks ago when you did Abdur Rahim. I thought Rudy was gonna be a 25+ppg game. You hit it on the nail with mentioning him in the same breath as Paul George.

[@infinitymixtapes9562]

Paul George is everything I thought Rudy Gay would be

[@Ez3s]

Andrew wiggins

[@stanleygreen9073]

💯💯

[@mexia23]

facts that s a great comparison

[@stillsearchin3457]

Damn spot on 💯💯

[@bhill005]

Rudy Gay in his earlier years was a problem! I feel like a lot of us who were watching him during that time in Memphis all felt that he had every bit of potential in the world to break out as a multiple time All-Star at least. He was just seemingly this perfect basketball prototype. Extremely athletic, had length, could score the ball, almost everything you would want in any player. Yet, somehow, it just didn’t work like that for him. He gave us some solid years, regardless

[@MIGGYME1]

I remember reading a article in the commercial appeal comparing him to kevin durant. He had crazy potential but when i saw kevin durant start leading okc to the playoffs and the grizz were still struggling to make it i knew he would never be a franchise player.

[@ReverendSam1]

The role Aaron Gordon plays for Denver would've been perfect for Rudy.......third option!!

[@MIGGYME1]

@@ReverendSam1 that was essentially his role in toronto. He was third behind derozan and kyle lowry.

[@ReverendSam1]

@@MIGGYME1 Behind Lowry 🤔, he isn't a score first kind of player.... how'd that happen???

[@MIGGYME1]

@@ReverendSam1 wrong. Lowry was a combo guard when he came out of college. He was averaging 20 points per game until the raptors built that team with kawhi and they won that title. Lowry was not a traditional pg until much later into his career

[@aaronhutchinson885]

Rudy had all the tools. Top 5 hairline of all time. BMORE legend. My young boy told me about Rudy when he was still at Eastern Tech and playing for Cecil, hoopers know about Cecil.. UCONN don!!Don!!! All time in game sneaker legend

[@Obstakill]

😂 @ Top 5 hairline

[@ReverendSam1]

The role Aaron Gordon plays for Denver would've been perfect for Rudy.

[@lilreotardo]

Was he already gay back then?

[@froggyspond1133]

@@lilreotardo hell yea. He been zesty

[@DressCode2005]

@@Obstakill Him and Paul George have the Top 5 Hairlines of all time

[@davidwhite591]

He hit a glass ceiling and could never break through. He was clutch but inefficient. Salute to Rudy. Grizz in 7.

[@1GodManyprayers]

Fr eye test wise he was a hooper and clutch as well. Lakers in 6

[@lutherwalker7639]

I remember how surprisingly athletic he was. Shit was craaazy

[@Dozier133192]

Rudy was a hooper. Certified! I hate his career didn’t really pan out like it should have, but I give the man his due. Loved those Memphis years!

[@lotr6ringzth36oat8]

Rudy in 2k from 13 to 15 was a beast

[@MelloMood1]

Rudy Gay, underrated good player, if he would of played today's game in his prime, he could of been a nice complementary piece to a superstar like Giannis or KD. 🏀

[@xavier7066]

One of my favorite players growing up

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

His career trajectory reminds me so much of DeRozan's except he had a bit of a higher ceiling if he doesn't get injured. I'm glad he was able to adapt to extend his career a bit.

[@ballsballsballs3617]

He definitely had a higher ceiling but he never reached it so demar was always clear

[@1Woee]

Paul George for me

[@bbryant9455]

Rudy was my guy. Especially being from the DMV. I remember the 04 draft and my buddy thought he was gonna put his name in outta high school but he signed with UConn. I remember them losing to George Mason in DC. One of Calhoun's underrated squads. Rudy Gay, my boy Rashad Anderson, the lefty Oak Hill pg Marcus Williams who was a little ahead of his time imo, etc.

[@cmoneyno5]

Rudy should've taken over that game....

[@bbryant9455]

@@cmoneyno5 couldn't agree more. He didn't go off that game like he did the whole season. He really disappeared that day for some reason 💯

[@g4lsupreme542]

Thought Rudy was gonna be the next T Mac but he ended up being Jeff green no knock to Rudy or green .. I think he had vision problems most of his career and didn’t get it fixed til Toronto

[@ajax203showme]

@cmoneyno5 He had 20 w/ 6 bds and 2 assists. Other than freshman Jeff Adrien (17) and 7 bds, no one else really stepped up. Game still cuts to the core.

[@stackboostuploads]

​@@g4lsupreme542Rudy is more like Jamal Mashburn

[@atticus._]

Rudy gay in 2k16 was like mini lebron, such a fun player

[@32MattyB]

Truly one of my favorite players ever. I met him once and he cool as hell.

[@BostonBori92]

Rudy was my favorite player to play with in NBA Live as a kid that Miller, Pau, Rudy squad was lowkey fire

[@sayitoutloudchp]

*He had a very solid career*

[@michaellee258]

He definitely should have been an all star once or twice

[@stackboostuploads]

Because the West had so many talent if he was on the East he would have been an All-Star look at somebody like Jason Richardson also

[@T.H.E.O.R.Y.]

Bro was smooth and just athletic as hell. I remember at the start of the advanced metrics and stats era of the 2010s, he was *lambasted* as the reason why the Raps were terrible. It was a real shame, too, bc I don't remember him being a headcase, but he definitely got the bad press of one.

[@davidcooper9445]

Been waiting on this one Rudy is one of my favorite players... if he didn't get hurt and was on better teams he'd be a hall.of fame candidate in my eyes

[@troyjackson9730]

I definitely agree

[@MikeBNumba6]

He was never the same after the knee injury.

[@stampscapes]

Great vid! When Jerry West picks a player high in the draft, there's usually something special about them. West might have been a consultant and not the GM (can't remember) but I remember him talking about Gay.

[@sagewalk87]

I remember analytics being part of what push Rudy out the door in Memphis there were articles talking about how he was one of the most inefficient scorers

[@taylordaniels1938]

Dude had a long career and has never once been sent overseas IMO its not HOF worth but still pretty damn impressive

[@Virtualcritic111]

Rudy was also in that class of the Paul. Pierce ,Joe Johnson , josh smith ,Danny granger class of small forwards

[@jayfive6018]

One of my favorites Rudy at UCONN was different wish he could have stayed healthy, but he was definitely a beast!!

[@airjoshy]

The top 3 things that stunt every candidate’s career is bad teams, injuries, and self inflicted bad decisions. Another great video.

[@knowntalmbout]

“For these 3 reasons his growth was stunted.” My high ass thought I skipped to the end. 😂😂

[@spliffsforbreakfast]

Definitely one of my favorite forwards of the early 2010’s. I wanted him to be an all star sooo bad. Him and Jeff Teague were always my sleeper picks.

[@PezOnTheBoards]

An absolute MENACE on 2k in the early 2010’s 😭

[@dedwrite12]

I always fw Rudy I always thought he would be a allstar at least lmao But he was always fun to watch and play wit in 2K

[@brianmorais]

Even going back to his Uconn days, I always felt like he had the talent, but never wanted it enough!

[@re11o]

At least he still had a very Solid Career overall👏🏾

[@nettyballball497]

Rudy was one of my favorite players coming up..but he really never stood out in da league but respect all the same!! ✊🏾✊🏾!!!

[@BANDEEEZYTV]

I love Rudy man one of my favorite hooper bro was 2 smooth

[@juggman8trey864]

I Was There When He Hit That Game Winning Shot Against Lebron James‼️ That Moment Was Legendary

[@faceman7966]

Great video, he’s truly in my top 15 favorites

[@challen117]

Rudy with a killer instinct, would've been a generational talent. Big fan, he just never had that DOG in him!

[@8301TheJMan]

Being a Blazers fan myself, that was Rasheed Wallace's problem too. Not that he wouldn't fight hard or anything, but offensively he had such unparalleled skill, could dominate in the post, great shot, very quick and athletic, big, etc - in terms of skill and athletic ability he was basically a mixture of KG and Duncan in his prime. However he simply did not feel comfortable being the "go-to guy," and those Portland teams had a number of good scorers on the floor at all times, and so he didn't mind allowing guys like Isiah Rider, Stoudamire, or Pippen to sort of run the show, and was never comfortable demanding the ball the way he really should have. He was amazing on defense, and a good rebounder too, and even though he was way too damn unselfish, he still averaged almost 20 a game a couple of years in his prime, while on teams with a boat load of other guys who ate up alot of his playing time. And Dunlevy, his coach at the time, never recognized the sort of talent he had in him sadly. Gay, kinda had a similar issue. I mean, he had a pretty damn successful career, and averaged close to 20 a game for a decade almost, so similar to Sheed - it's not like he was some sort of bust or anything. And while i don't think he ever really "took plays off" or anything like that, but offensively i think he just didn't ever feel comfortable being the star of the show, inspite of his ridiculous talent and skill.

[@challen117]

@@8301TheJMan Couldn't agree more! Sheed is a great comparison to Rudy. They also stayed relevant, role players through they're late 30's!

[@jakemiller270]

When I think of him back when I watched team sports I remember him with the high arcing jump shot on bad teams. People at the YMCA would try sky their jumper to the ceiling to imitate him.

[@wordsworth41]

Great work, sir! Jearld Honeycutt, Curtis Staples, Shea Seals, Harold Deane, & Charles Jones

[@jumahbrady670]

Harold Dean and Curtis Staples I remember playing coach k with them

[@wordsworth41]

@@jumahbrady670 You took it back to Coach K 🙌. I would use that UVA squad also, and Wake Forest, because Randolph Childress was my favorite player back then.

[@jumahbrady670]

@@wordsworth41 facts 💯

[@Hypnotizedee901]

Rudy was one of my favorites in college & I was probably the only person in Memphis who was happy we traded for him (the city wanted to keep Shane Battier). The issue in Memphis was he wasn’t consistent as ppl wanted him to be. I knew he was a #2 option at best, but the grizzlies at the time didn’t have a solid #1 option on the team. It showed losing to the spurs in the conference finals.

[@kevinconnor3187]

He has talent, it’s possible he couldve been a star in the league.

[@Geronimo410]

I think him derozan and Lowry would’ve been a good trio with a good supporting roster

[@Peace7God]

Rudy is a 🐐 in my book

[@KCFlightClub10]

How ?

[@j.a.5711]

Mane I been asking you for this for the longest

[@JoseGuzman-ne3pk]

Damn if only he would have signed with the heats when he was a free agent in 2010 he would had increased his value.

[@aboutmillions]

Rudy Gay was touted as the next Tracy McGrady, not LBJ.

[@LalaLand-yf5fu]

Lgbt not lbj

[@aboutmillions]

@@LalaLand-yf5fu wtf 😂😂😂

[@mattdamon3398]

I remember when I was playing with my brother one day and it was the announcers saying “gay working on love!” It made me laugh so hard and I’m l never forget it 😂😂

[@marqsmith3187]

Rudy is that guy I’ve always loved his game but i think there’s something to say about a player’s development while playing for trash organizations…it can definitely stunt one’s growth

[@BlaccCeaza]

Grizz was a damn good team gay was just trash

[@stackboostuploads]

​@@BlaccCeazahe was talented just needed more work ethic

[@michaelcarlock5493]

He was a solid player..some guys catch bad breaks..but he played for terrible teams..I wish he could've played for a contender at least once.. SALUTE to RUDY .he wasn't bad..

[@ad_stayfly7]

Rudy gay, OJ Mayo , Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, & Gasol were some great teammates together during their run in Memphis. I miss them days of watching them or using them in 2k

[@devonbrown4894]

Tony allen too

[@ad_stayfly7]

@@devonbrown4894 hell yea! Idk how I forgot about TA. 🔥

[@MyAb111]

Rudy Gay Jr Smith Andre Igudala All had superstar potential

[@heartbreakkid2]

This guy was a beast on uconn and om the grizzlies wish he wouldn't have gotten traded on draft night

[@MHiggs-rx5zz]

Gay also did some stand-in work on the US National Team when other stars didn't want to participate.

[@Ryan-xu5bu]

He was a center in high school and got way better

[@ItsJWandoe]

I was definitely excited about Rudy after following him in UConn and we are around the same age. Very skilled player but not one of the better players in his prime era. That’s saying something about the era.

[@KSUBIKAYY]

It’s crazy I been living in CT & never knew he was a huskee until this year lol. Always loved his game

[@idolgray]

17,000 + career points several seasons where he averaged 18-20 pts...but only made the playoffs 3 times. Not seen as a winning player. UCONN produced some good pros the last 30 years.

[@KobaniacMinded]

🔥🔥🔥🔥I would like to see Rodney stuckey, stak 5, shannon brown, and Blake griffins brother

[@techtonsofphone4849]

Rudy was all star caliber he just played on small market & bad teams. Timing is everything.

[@kelhorton5977]

I find it crazy that the moment I finished watching this, he gets traded to Atlanta

[@controversialmann5345]

Memphis should bring him back tbh he can still hoop and hes a vet who can help them

[@joeblack8491]

I talk about my time as a Nike all american, Rudy Gay was actually my classmate at Nike All-American camp. We had Math together. I remember him being smart

[@nibz94]

Met Rudy a few years ago at his gym in Towson MD. We got a picture together real cool guy not Hollywood at all.

[@jcchambers7896]

He was what wiggins was becoming with the wolves always showed superstar potential but just always coasted sad

[@stackboostuploads]

I be saying the same and what Rudy was in a GSW system playing Wiggins role

[@terrellwashington3050]

Rudy Gay was a great player regardless of what people say. People are going to say what they want, but it means nothing. Sure, he never became an NBA All-Star due to injuries and bad teams. But it doesn't mean that Rudy wasn't solid and he is still in the league as a member of the Utah Jazz.

[@Midplaysfordays]

When I was teen I kept waiting for it to happen wit him and boogie in Sac that 2016 team was such a fun team

[@Dman4901]

Him and lamar odom were my 2k beasts 🤣🤣🤣

[@youngmelo3717]

My 3rd favorite player of all time after Carmelo and Iversom

[@saiken811]

Loved him as a Kings fan.

[@jrock7561]

It’s tough because one can argue for many generational talents who could have had stunted growth based on their bad teams that they got drafted to. The OKC sucked before KD/Russ, Grizzlies sucked before Ja, Cavs before Bron, hell Hawks before Trey! If that player is great he will lift the team or organization

[@lamarmc]

Rudy had the prototypical size for the modern NBA player. One of my favorites.

[@bf6639]

He’s my favorite in game dunker

[@C280S]

Rudy Gay my 2k guy lol. Wish he would've got at least 1 all star nod. He was nice

[@ColleyGambino]

Yes I’ve been a huge fan of him since his college days

[@jasonic-ks2tm]

Thanks! Was wondering when you was going do Rudy! Ever think about do a episode on glen rice? Nat champ but just didn't have the career you'd think. Once again thanks

[@stuntedgrowth]

Thank you bro!

[@BC21beats]

The dude was so smooth with it

[@poweredbythemakyostar8896]

Damn one of my favorites But I knew this was coming Reminded me of TMac some much Always wondered if he played with a superstar like Kobe or LeBron would it had gave him the push he needed Still a solid career

[@33smooth]

Only reason I liked Rudy because my cousin told me it was a guy playing for Connecticut that looked and played just like me! I still fuk wit you Rudy 💪🏾

[@blublockent4413]

Maryland legend

[@freddyes2242]

I like to think the grizzlies would have been better in that playoff run had rudy gay been healthy as he hit a couple of game winners up to that point. They should have bitten the bullet and paid him and kept him on the roster to see them compete at the fullest. If motivated with that grindhouse culture athleticism and height I think he could have been an incredible two way player and defensive stopper. He could have matched up with the lebrons, melo, wades, Kobe’s of the time with Tony allen too.his game had similarities to Tracy mcgrady and it’s why I liked him and his jump shot was beautiful

[@eyesgluedtv9791]

Keep doing your thing love this channel…. I say Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams… they were supposed to be stars but became the elite 6th men

[@terrancewoods3463]

I liked Rudy. I definitely thought he was going to be a beast.

[@baltimoremike9161]

Bro played AAU at Cecil Kirk wit Rudy..😎

[@theveteran8546]

I thought Rudy and Oj Mayo was going to be the truth.

[@professionaltrollkilla5965]

This becoming my go to channel

[@huckfinn3987]

OMG, what a concept for a channel! Obviously I'm late to the party. I'll go in the kitchen and tank up on everything I've missed...

[@rightmindset1546]

Great video always was a fan of rudy, but i think you missed the biggest growth stunt of his, i remember reading a few years ago he bascially played his first six or seven season basically not being able to see, until he got it corrected which is a feat in itself

[@FreeTheColonized]

I feel like if more players teamed up in the 2010s the way they do now he could have had a more accomplished career. Him alongside beal and wall in DC could have been a great fit

[@certifiedchaos4643]

Trades and injuries. Rudy had a Vince Carter type career. Extremely gifted but never reached his full potential

[@LAMBORGHINIACE]

After that shoulder injury never been the same I remember he got hurt

[@BLACK_MikeHammer]

Crazy he was co-winner of the Big East Rookie of the yr with Jeff Green(Georgetown) in 2005 and friggin Jeff Green is in the damn 2023 playoffs still contributing to a top tier team in the Nuggets.😄... The man is one of the most durable players ever, and he can still play with the young bucks at 36..

[@saugabwoy]

In his prime offensively he was very similar to PG.

[@Old_Man_BG]

3:06 boy look like he bout to say “Big Momma, your arm !” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Chr1ShawnKPD]

One of my favorite players