Kings' Rudy Gay vows to return from Achilles tendon injury

Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay said he will return "stronger than ever" from a fully ruptured Achilles tendon that will sideline him for the rest of season.

In his first public statement since suffering the injury to his left Achilles on Wednesday in a 106-100 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Gay posted a note on Twitter stating he will support his teammates from the sideline the best he can.

Gay, 30, made it clear going into the season that he intended to walk away from the final season of his Kings contract, valued at $14.3 million in 2017-18, to opt for free agency in July. That led to a widespread belief around the league that Gay would be one of the more accomplished players moved before the league's Feb. 23 trade deadline.

But the serious nature of an Achilles tear, which would sideline Gay for months, could prompt him to invoke his player option for next season and remain on the Kings' payroll.

Gay was averaging 18.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game before the injury.