MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Knicks face another free-agent-to-be tonight in small forward-stud Rudy Gay, and Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley hardly made any guarantees they will keep him.
Gay, 23, will be a restricted free agent and the Grizzlies can match any offer. Nevertheless, Heisley was quoted this week in the Memphis Commercial Appeal leaving the door open because of attendance woes.
“People say are you going to pay Rudy Gay? My answer to them is simply are you going to come to the games?” Heisley said. “If I can’t get people to come to the games I can’t pay anybody. I feel we’re going to sign him. I don’t know what else you want me to say. Rudy is an outstanding player. He fits our team well.”
Heisley’s Grizzlies are second-to-last in attendance at 13,000 despite a 34-31 record.
Gay scored 28 points in the Grizzlies’ win in Boston Wednesday. Gay’s not the Knicks’ first choice, but the 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 20 points and 5.9 rebounds. The Nets will also be in contention.
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Eddy Curry is listed as questionable for tonight, as he battles the same bizarre right calf injury that first surfaced in training camp. Curry’s return from January left knee surgery was scrapped Wednesday night in San Antonio because of tightness in his right calf.
Curry, who hasn’t played since Dec. 17, missed training camp with a torn plantaris muscle — a muscle most of the population does not have.
Curry needed a blood-drainage procedure at the time.
* Because of tornado warnings, the Knicks arrived very late from San Antonio, prompting coach Mike D’Antoni to scratch practice. The Knicks held an optional workout instead, and most players attended. . . . MSG Network’s Walt Frazier and Jill Martin are signing fans up for an exclusive spin class and reception tomorrow at David Barton Gym in its Astor Place location to raise money for the Garden of Dreams Foundation.