10 Potential free agent targets with ties to Quin Snyder

Free agent target No. 7: Rudy Gay, Forward

It seems surprising in one direction or another that Rudy Gay has played for five teams in his 16-year career. The former No. 8 pick back in the 2009 NBA Draft is now 36 years old, and he has played for a myriad of coaches during his career. One of the most recent ones was Quin Snyder.

Gay signed with the Utah Jazz in 2021 and played under Snyder for one season, appearing in 55 games as a combo forward off the bench. He has had a similarly small role this year and looks primed to move on and try to find a spot on another team in the twilight of his career.

There was a time when Gay was one of the better on-ball scorers in the league, using his size and strength to overwhelm smaller defenders. He averaged at least 18 points per game in nine different seasons throughout his career. Unfortunately, his efficiency has taken a hit as he has aged, and last year he shot just 38 percent from the field and 25.4 percent from 3-point range.

If Snyder thinks he can help Gay rediscover his shot, having another shot creator off the bench, even in a small role, would be valuable. Gay will be available on a veteran’s minimum, and his connection to Snyder could bring him to Atlanta.