Report: Due To Cardiac Issue, Center Aaron Gray Will Retire, Join Pistons' Coaching Staff
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
Journeyman center Aaron Gray signed with the Detroit Pistons last season with the expectation that he would be backing up young starter Andre Drummond for Stan Van Gundy's new squad.
That plan took an unexpected turn when Gray suffered a cardiac episode during training camp last September and was ruled out indefinitely. Gray was later waived and the Pistons traded for Joel Anthony to fill in.
According to Vincent Ellis of Detroit Free Press, Gray will announce his retirement and join Van Gundy's coaching staff in Detroit.
Aaron Gray tell the Free Press he is retiring and will join SVG's staff. #Pistons.
— VinceEllis (@AlabamaScribe56) June 19, 2015
Aaron Gray reveals a blood clot found in his heart last summer leads to retirement decision. Newborn son made call easy. #Pistons
— VinceEllis (@AlabamaScribe56) June 19, 2015
Gray split time with the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings during the 2013-14 season, playing 37 games while posting averages of 1.8 points per game and 3.0 rebounds.
The 7-foot, 270 pound center had his best season in 2011-12 when he started 40 games and averaged 3.9 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Raptors.
Gray will join Brendan Malone, Tim Hardaway, Malik Allen, Bob Beyer and Charles Klask as one of Van Gundy's assistants. Van Gundy missed the playoffs for the first time in his coaching career, finishing with a 32-50 -- six games out of the playoffs.