Kings' Rudy Gay says he 'feels like a guard' following weight loss
Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay said he lost weight during the offseason and "feels like a guard again," according to the Sacramento Bee.
Gay gained 15 pounds before the start of last season using a heavy weight-lifting workout regimen, and said he's now lost those pounds as 2014 preseason play opens up.
“I had to lose a lot of weight,” Gay said. “I put on a lot of unnecessary weight. I feel good now. I feel lighter, I feel quicker.”
• GOLLIVER: Q&A with Bob Ryan: Celtics tales, NBA's G.O.A.T., more
The forward started last season with the Toronto Raptors, and said the weight gain was intentional because he was preparing to play the stretch four and face bigger opponents.
In 18 games with the Raptors, Gay shot just 39.1 percent from the floor -- a figure lower than any season-ending total he's had in his career. He shot 51.6 percent in 55 games after being traded to Sacramento.
Overall last season, Gay averaged 20 points, six rebounds and 2.9 assists.
• Kings looking to make some big moves
Gay played for Team USA at the recent 2014 FIBA World Cup, which saw the U.S. win gold. He averaged six points, 3.7 rebounds and 14 minutes in nine games.
The Kings lost their first preseason game on Sunday to Toronto. Sacramento opens the regular season on Oct. 29 at home against the Warriors.
- Molly Geary
