Rudy Gay Must Prove His Worth to the Memphis Grizzlies Next Season

Rudy Gay has a chance to show the Memphis Grizzlies that he is a star on the rise next season.

He was blossoming last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Chris Wallace trusted him to continue to bloom by giving him a big contract in the offseason. The onus is on Gay to prove that Wallace made the right move.

Gay endured a long rehabilitation before returning to the court. From his injury in February to his first day back on the court in September, Gay went seven months without being able to compete.

That's a long period of inactivity.

Fortunately for Gay, the NBA was mired in the gridlock of the lockout much of the time.

Gay worked hard to recover strength in his arm. After surgery, he worked tirelessly through therapy, working his arm in movement exercises and weight lifting repetitions, as his workout routine showed.

Gay also put in long work in the gym to regain shooting rhythm.

Gay's Career Record Provides Reason for Optimism

Gay's track record indicates that he won't let the Grizzlies down.

In each season, he has shown improvement. From his first season to his second, Gay jumped from averaging 10.6 points per game to 20.2 per game. He upped his field goal percentage by four percent (.422 to .462).

While he hasn't matched his scoring average from his second season, Gay has continued to score well. After averaging 18.2 points per game in 2008-09, he improved his average in the following two seasons.

His injury interrupted a banner year.

Gay had career highs in each area except points per game last season. He had the best shooting percentages of his career (.471 field goal percentage, .396 three-point percentage, .805 free throw percentage).

If he can regain his form from last season, Gay will be fine. 

Injuries Don't Keep Stars Down

Gay should come back stronger than before. Generally, athletes recover from injury—except for particular knee injuries—stronger, as muscle in the area of the injury becomes stronger. 

Gamers like Gay don't go down easily.

As soon as doctors cleared him for action, he returned to the court. Gay played an Impact Basketball game in September, posting 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.  

However, as Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld noted, Gay showed some rust.  Kennedy said, "It was obvious that he hadn't played in a while."

Fortunately, the lockout is giving Gay time to work out the kinks.

On October 1, he scored 38 points in a charity game, and he scored 45 points in a charity game he hosted on Wednesday.  

Gay Must Show the Grizzlies He Is Worth the Money

Gay seems like he isn't slowing down after receiving a big contract. His rehabilitation and effort on the court are encouraging.

Still, the Grizzlies need Gay to show that he deserves the big contract. Owner Michael Heisley doesn't like to see his money go to waste, and he  is showing great faith by allowing general manager Chris Wallace to invest the money in Gay.

If Gay gives a solid return on the investment, Heisley and Wallace would be very happy.