Official: Rudy Gay to Toronto

[Conrad42]

Look at it from Hollinger's perspective. Memphis got a steal. Rudy Gay just cannot shoot (47.8% true shooting percentage) and his overall production is below league average PER.

Prince is going to give you 90% of Gay's production, and he's much more solid on defense. Davis is an excellent young big, very productive with 18.19 PER and 57% true shooting percentage.

Let Toronto be the dumb team to take on the flashy, big contract, big name guy who actually just can't put the ball in the hoop efficiently.

Memphis got absolutely handled in this deal, no questions.

Davis is not a excellent and is going to barley get any minutes behind gasol/randolph.

no value in this deal for Memphis.

[SwaggWagg]

We the toronto fans are furious that Ed got traded.

I'm a Toronto fan and love Davis, but this trade was a no brainer.

[Blasphemy]

We are happy Ed Davis got dealt just no room for him on our squad, plus Rudy gay is a need Ed Davis is not - apologize to all the sissy guys who fell in love with Ed. You guys are GAY lol it's business!

[Marvin Martian]

We the toronto fans are furious that Ed got traded. You guys should really feel lucky, the kid has serious potential and was our brightest spot this year. Good luck with the kid he has good heart and has established good/friendly atmosphere in toronto. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he makes the all-star team one day. He drops 14/8 effortlessly.

You can find plenty of guys who can give you that statline. Hell I think Darrel Arthur did it last week. Besides MEM is a terrible team when it comes to player development: Bayless was horrible, Vasquez was horrible and Mayo was horrible. I have no doubt Davis and Daye will be horrible since they will be on the bench.


MEM got robbed on this deal plain and simple. Prince is washed up and at this point in his career, would be better served as a backup 3 rather than a starter.

[vanjulio]

I have read reports that the best player in this deal is now in Memphis and that is Ed Davis. I had him confused with Earl Clark to be honest and David Orton - I kinda lump them all together as big bums. But from what I am finally understanding is that he could be a star some day. That would be great but regardless of that - for the present Tayshaun Prince really makes a lot of sense on this team right now. There aren't enough possessions to get Gasol and ZBO going some nights and Prince ain't going to take away from it. His defense is as good as Gay's even in his age. He rebounds, he steals, he hits the 3. Really could work out to be a great trade for all parties especially if Rudy Gay thrives in Toronto.

Years ago they had to break up the trio of Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay, and Kyle Lowry. They were all BIG EAST guys that knew each other and were buddies. There was a sense that they didn't care that the team was posting 20 win seasons and were seen laughing and cracking jokes during blowouts in the sidelines. They shipped Lowry out but I remember he was great friends with Rudy Gay. Now they are mature and their careers have arced. They could be DEADLY together again with the right supporting cast there in Toronto.

I was very upset when I heard the trade at first but really I am looking at it optimistically now and really hoping it goes well for us all

[darkangle901]

I logged into the site hoping to find out the trade had been rescinded or something.

Alas, no.

[jman3134]

I logged into the site hoping to find out the trade had been rescinded or something.

Alas, no.

We can only wish, right! They're running our franchise into the ground.

[Downtown]

Hi guys. It's been a while since I posted here. Just thought I'd give my two cents.

For sure it's tough to see one of your top players traded right in the middle of what is shaping up to be a great season, and one with hopes of making a run towards the title. I can also understand why it seems like the new owners are gutting the team in an effort simply to save money. I believe that is the primary reason.

But not being from Memphis I don't have that emotional attachment. Although these two trades have left me scratching my head wondering why they would break up a really good thing that they have going, I can see some silver linings.

Since I'm here in Canada I see a ton of Raptors games. If they can find playing time for him perhaps as a combo forward/center then you guys have a really good player in Ed Davis. This guy is going to be very valuable and fits the Grizzlies defensive identity to a tee as well as contributing some scoring off the bench. I'm really high on him and what he brings to your team.

While I think your new owner was trying to spin doctor things by saying how great Tayshawn Prince is, the fact is that Prince, while certainly not the scorer Gay is, nor as young or athletic, should be able to fit in with the Grizzlies culture. Plus I think he will have better motivation now being on a high caliber team versus a rebuilding one in Detroit.

And finally, although I did say I think it's about saving money, the fact that there are TPE's and cap space gives more flexibilty than they had. Let's face it, they were a bit handcuffed with three players earning so much that the bench was weakened.

I honestly believe you guys will still be in the hunt at season's end, and going forward now have way more options to become even better with the right acquisitions. I still think things are pretty bright, as long as the new management is committed to winning and makes the right moves in the offseason to put the Grizzlies over the top.

Cheers, and keep supporting the team positively.

[Basketball MVP]

I logged into the site hoping to find out the trade had been rescinded or something.

Alas, no.

We can only wish, right! They're running our franchise into the ground.

If you can even call it a franchise anymore.

[jman3134]

Hi guys. It's been a while since I posted here. Just thought I'd give my two cents.

For sure it's tough to see one of your top players traded right in the middle of what is shaping up to be a great season, and one with hopes of making a run towards the title. I can also understand why it seems like the new owners are gutting the team in an effort simply to save money. I believe that is the primary reason.

But not being from Memphis I don't have that emotional attachment. Although these two trades have left me scratching my head wondering why they would break up a really good thing that they have going, I can see some silver linings.

Since I'm here in Canada I see a ton of Raptors games. If they can find playing time for him perhaps as a combo forward/center then you guys have a really good player in Ed Davis. This guy is going to be very valuable and fits the Grizzlies defensive identity to a tee as well as contributing some scoring off the bench. I'm really high on him and what he brings to your team.

While I think your new owner was trying to spin doctor things by saying how great Tayshawn Prince is, the fact is that Prince, while certainly not the scorer Gay is, nor as young or athletic, should be able to fit in with the Grizzlies culture. Plus I think he will have better motivation now being on a high caliber team versus a rebuilding one in Detroit.

And finally, although I did say I think it's about saving money, the fact that there are TPE's and cap space gives more flexibilty than they had. Let's face it, they were a bit handcuffed with three players earning so much that the bench was weakened.

I honestly believe you guys will still be in the hunt at season's end, and going forward now have way more options to become even better with the right acquisitions. I still think things are pretty bright, as long as the new management is committed to winning and makes the right moves in the offseason to put the Grizzlies over the top.

Cheers, and keep supporting the team positively.

Replace that "your" with "our". I was convinced you jumped ship and now are team Grizzlies.

[Downtown]

Since I don't live in Memphis I always reference posts with "your" team for those of you that do live there. You guys have far more ownership than me. But I still am proud of how they have developed the last few years from where they were before. And I've always been a fan of very aggressive defensive styled teams.

And if it ever does come to pass that the Kings move to Seattle I might have to go back to supporting Seattle as I did before with the Sonics. But I certainly wouldn't bet any money on it happening. The odds look to be improving for the city of Sacramento with some deep pocketed people finally stepping up although none of us really know what's going on behind the scenes.

[anchorman123]

Why do this now? Why dick around with the team in the middle of the season? Either someone wanted to be moved, Hollins wanted someone gone, or the new ownership just doesn't GAF about continuity and just assumes that any form of "efficient" production from Rudy's spot will automatically make us a better team. That might be true assuming he continued to play at a career low efficiency, but I am not comfortable with the idea that Prince's corpse (along with some bench help and an increased role for Conley, Gasol and Randolph) is going to make us much better on offense.

I'm obviously pretty skeptical about the effectiveness of this trade. But I'm actually most pissed off about the message ownership is sending the fans right now considering they've basically just dumped a whole bunch of salary and totally busted up the squad right in the middle of our best season ever.

I want to echo much of what you are saying here. I'm extremely disappointed in the Grizzlies organization and feel let down as a fan of the team. Why in the world would they trade Gay for virtually nothing? Ed Davis is a backup with some athleticism, Tayshaun Prince is worthless, Austin Daye might as well be cut, and the 2nd round pick is also useless. We didn't build for our future and we are worse in the present. The only thing this did was lower salary. Sure, Gay was not worth the money we paid him. However, keeping him so that we can have one playoff series with everyone healthy was worth waiting until the end of the season. They obviously know very little about finance or business in general. You trade when his stock is high, not the lowest point since his rookie year.

Dude ed Davis is a second year player with some serious upside! He's automatic from mid range and a good shot blocker and rebounder. Don't talk about him like he's a scrub off the bench! I'm not even a Toronto fan but I know talent when I see it!

I'm a gsw fan and would take him in a heartbeat. Sure I wouldn't start him over lee who is an all star in his prime, but in a few years they'll be fighting for that starting position, esp if Davis becomes stronger to catch up with his length, then you will see a formidable defender.

[jman3134]

Even if he supplants Arthur, what you are not understanding is that he's still not playing a major role. He's still a bench option. Rudy Gay, for better or for worse, was a very significant part of our rotation.

[darkangle901]

Even if he supplants Arthur, what you are not understanding is that he's still not playing a major role. He's still a bench option. Rudy Gay, for better or for worse, was a very significant part of our rotation.

It looks more like Davis is meant to take over for Randolph in a year or two. I've heard a couple people compare his game to a young Zach Randolph (albeit in a very different body). He's good on the offensive glass and finishes around the rim very well. Z-Bo's made quite a career out of doing just that.

I'm not a fan of the trade, mostly because of this season. But at least we got someone who could be a core player, even if it means Randolph's days may be numbered.

If Davis becomes a 16/10 guy, and we are somehow able to swap Randolph for a good wing player like Granger next year, then this will all look a lot better, as we will have a new "big four" that is just as productive as the old one but much less costly.

Also, in that study by Robert Ayer that i mentioned in another thread, it was shown to be the case that the one of the best combinations of players to build a team around is:


- a high scoring, shot-blocking, rebounding Center (which I think Gasol is, although his scoring/rebounding numbers are somewhat below his talent level because he plays so much high post with Randolph playing more around the basket)

and

- a PF who is an excellent rebounder and defender (Ed Davis seems to fit this mold)

Just a thought.

[jman3134]

It looks more like Davis is meant to take over for Randolph in a year or two. I've heard a couple people compare his game to a young Zach Randolph (albeit in a very different body). He's good on the offensive glass and finishes around the rim very well. Z-Bo's made quite a career out of doing just that.

I'm not a fan of the trade, mostly because of this season. But at least we got someone who could be a core player, even if it means Randolph's days may be numbered.

If Davis becomes a 16/10 guy, and we are somehow able to swap Randolph for a good wing player like Granger next year, then this will all look a lot better, as we will have a new "big four" that is just as productive as the old one but much less costly.

Also, in that study by Robert Ayer that i mentioned in another thread, it was shown to be the case that the one of the best combinations of players to build a team around is:


- a high scoring, shot-blocking, rebounding Center (which I think Gasol is, although his scoring/rebounding numbers are somewhat below his talent level because he plays so much high post with Randolph playing more around the basket)

and

- a PF who is an excellent rebounder and defender (Ed Davis seems to fit this mold)

Just a thought.

I can say for sure that Ed Davis is nothing like Zach Randolph. He is long, athletic, and he has no where near the same footwork as Zach. (who is one of the best in the NBA) Davis doesn't have the low center of gravity to dominate in the post in the NBA.

If you think Davis can replace Zach Randolph in the post, you are going to be very disappointed. His helpside defense is good, but I don't think he is an outstanding defensive player. (although I'll have to see more of him this year before I make that assessment) I've watched him throughout his career and he never really stood out to me as anything more than an offensive big with great athleticism and shot blocking ability. He may be a good offensive rebounder due to his length, but this does not really compare favorably to Randolph, who is more of a position rebounder imo.

[darkangle901]

It looks more like Davis is meant to take over for Randolph in a year or two. I've heard a couple people compare his game to a young Zach Randolph (albeit in a very different body). He's good on the offensive glass and finishes around the rim very well. Z-Bo's made quite a career out of doing just that.

I'm not a fan of the trade, mostly because of this season. But at least we got someone who could be a core player, even if it means Randolph's days may be numbered.

If Davis becomes a 16/10 guy, and we are somehow able to swap Randolph for a good wing player like Granger next year, then this will all look a lot better, as we will have a new "big four" that is just as productive as the old one but much less costly.

Also, in that study by Robert Ayer that i mentioned in another thread, it was shown to be the case that the one of the best combinations of players to build a team around is:


- a high scoring, shot-blocking, rebounding Center (which I think Gasol is, although his scoring/rebounding numbers are somewhat below his talent level because he plays so much high post with Randolph playing more around the basket)

and

- a PF who is an excellent rebounder and defender (Ed Davis seems to fit this mold)

Just a thought.

I can say for sure that Ed Davis is nothing like Zach Randolph. He is long, athletic, and he has no where near the same footwork as Zach. (who is one of the best in the NBA) Davis doesn't have the low center of gravity to dominate in the post in the NBA.

If you think Davis can replace Zach Randolph in the post, you are going to be very disappointed. His helpside defense is good, but I don't think he is an outstanding defensive player. (although I'll have to see more of him this year before I make that assessment) I've watched him throughout his career and he never really stood out to me as anything more than an offensive big with great athleticism and shot blocking ability. He may be a good offensive rebounder due to his length, but this does not really compare favorably to Randolph, who is more of a position rebounder imo.

Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest that he is a Randolph clone. I only meant that he can do a lot of what Randolph does. Randolph, in many ways, is the best garbage man in the NBA, and Ed Davis could function in a similar role.

Z-bo developed a post game over the years, and its pretty good. But he didn't come into the league like that. Davis has the ability to develop an offensive game himself - one that goes beyond tip-ins and mid range jumpshots. Whether he will actually do it is pure guesswork.

And in any case, I think it should be pretty clear that his real potential is on the defensive end. I can envision him as a good compliment to Gasol, who is possibly the most skilled big man in the game, and he is a very tough cover in both the high and low post. I happen to think Randolph's presence keeps Gasol from showcasing all of his talents: (it should come as no surprise that Gasol's sole All-Star selection occurred in a season in which Randolph was largely absent).

Anyway, like I said: typically, defensive minded glass-eaters pair well with elite Centers. I don't expect Davis to become a 20ppg scorer, but I don't think we need that from him with Gasol in tow.

We could, however use some better offensive threats on the wing. But that isn't necessarily hard to find.

[Y0DA]

Ouch. Rudy Gay on Toronto TV today:

Reporter: What will you miss most about Memphis? The music? The BBQ?

Rudy: Uh, nothing.