Gay warned Karl that Kings were 'basketball hell'

Rudy Gay really hates the Sacramento Kings.

In an upcoming book called "Furious George" by former Kings coach George Karl, Karl says Gay greeted his arrival with a warning.

Gay introduced himself to Karl in February 2015 by saying "Welcome to basketball hell," according to an advance copy of the book that ESPN's Marc Stein received.

His words proved prophetic, as Karl's tenure with Sacramento was unspectacular and unsuccessful. The experienced Karl couldn't see eye to eye with franchise player DeMarcus Cousins, and months of drama ensued.

It came to a head in February 2016 as the Kings reportedly fired Karl, then decided to retain him through the year anyway before releasing him in April. That left a defeated future Hall of Fame coach to serve out his time as the lamest of lame ducks.

Gay also wants out of Sacramento, and has not been shy about speaking ill of what's widely considered the worst-run franchise in the NBA.