7. Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay
Of all the Utah Jazz moves this month, the addition of Rudy Gay in free agency via a multi-year deal should generate the most noticeable stir to the playing style in Salt Lake City.
Hands down, “The Great Rudini” is among the best NBA players in history to have never played in an All-Star Game.
As a former mid-lottery pick, who will turn 35 later this month, the versatile veteran out of UConn gives Quin Snyder a wealth of options when it comes to formulating lineups. At various points in his career, the 6-foot-8, 250-pounder has held his own and more at seemingly every position.
And Gay has averaged double-digits in all 15 seasons in the league — spanning four different franchises — although he’s known to dribble too much for some fans’ liking when seeking out his buckets.
Best of all, though, Gay was a teammate to Mike Conley for six and a half seasons (2006-13) with the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite the time apart and extra miles to their legs over the years, it’s easy to imagine lineups that rekindle the Conley-Gay connection early and often throughout the season.
Projected playing time for Rudy Gay: 22 minutes per game