Couple of "Hmms" about Rudy

[BrianFromWA]

from ESPN Rumor Mill

From the Columbian
Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez let it be known Sunday that he's not thrilled with role with the tam so far this season.

"Right now, I don't know my situation in the team," Fernandez told The Columbian. "Steve Blake plays in the 2 (guard) position. For sure (that) is one more player in that position. Right now, I'm focusing in my work and taking care of my back. And when I'm on the court, play hard to help my teammates."

Fernandez, who's from Spain, also told the newspaper that he is losing money by playing in the NBA, rather than starring in his home country.

From the Minny Star Tribune
Rudy on Ricky Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez is best friends with Spanish national team member Ricky Rubio, who is playing in Spain rather than with the Wolves for at least the next two seasons.

"It's a good decision for him to play more time in Europe," Fernandez said. "More experience for him. He can play [at home] in Barcelona for one of the best teams in Europe and then come to the NBA. We'll see [how he fares in the NBA] in two years. He played against the USA in the Olympics and he played good.

"Ricky is talented, good player, smart player. For sure, he can play in the NBA."

 

[RR7]

what's wrong with the second comment, about Rubio?

 

[andalusian]

Honestly - as much I love seeing Rudy - I just think Bayless might have a better career than him in the NBA - with the way the rules are now in the NBA - a guard that can attack the rim from the dribble in traffic like Bayless might be more valuable than a guard that can not - even if that guy (Rudy) is better at pretty much every other facet of the game.

Since I think that Bayless will likely end as a better defender as well - a blockbuster sending Rudy out might not be as unfavorable to me anymore.

 

[hasoos]

Nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade. IMO if going to a 3 guard lineup, I would put him in front of Blake at SG too. Then at least everybody on the floor could handle running a fast break.

 

[illmatic99]

What's wrong with the first statement?

He's a true SG, who was fine with BRoy starting and playing in front of him. Now, he has a guy in Blake (who is not only a PG playing out of position, but is also an inferior player) playing way more minutes at his position? I'd question Nate too, but we know that nothing will be resolved until Nate actually loses a game as a result of playing this lineup.

 

[andalusian]

Nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade. IMO if going to a 3 guard lineup, I would put him in front of Blake at SG too. Then at least everybody on the floor could handle running a fast break.

The one I would put in front of Blake at SG is JB - you lose defense with Rudy, with all due respect to him.

 

[Mediocre Man]

My inside guy says Rudy just gave him a message about Nate.

"Payaso de asno"

 

[Luther]

Rudy hasn't played well this season. I don't like Blake but he has definitely outplayed Rudy so far. When he starts to contribute I'm sure he'll see the court more. His defense, like always is a liability whenever he is in the game. Sure he gets a few steals here and there but he can't guard anyone one on one.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I do think Rudy's tenure here is somewhat limited, I don't think that means the team is any great hurry to dump him, but with Batum coming back in a few months and all sorts of logjams that have mostly been covered up by rafts of players on the injured reserve, PT is going to be more of a problem not less with the passage of time. Personally I hope KP finally exercises a little bit of his oft talked about "aggressiveness" (from his own mouth no less) and goes after a really high quality small forward using multiple pieces like Rudy, Blake and perhaps even Martell.

If the Wiz continue to struggle, I'd be really intrigued to see if they'd bite on trading away Butler who is 29 and is not being utilized especially well by Flip Saunders (or maybe he's just had a slow start to the season).

This is my dream: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yle8jz3 Make it happen KP. ... and yes I know the Wiz are carrying 15 players already so it wouldn't work without some adjustment, but it would be a start. The Wiz get an expiring contract, a replacement wing in Martell who makes a smallish salary and can play some defense and can hit some shots, and Rudy who would probably thrive under Saunders. In return we get a small forward who at times has been a very good defender, can shoot it a little and can even play some point forward.

 

[andalusian]

I still think this team needs to think about a long-term solution at PG over another SF.

If we can get a great PG prospect for Rudy and pieces - I would love to see that happen. A 3 guard rotation with Roy, JB and (?) would really be what we need long term, I think. Between Batum, Webster and the SF/PF combos of Travis/Dante we are set OK in the SF rotation - but what happens in 3 years when Miller is not here?

Roy/Rudy/JB is just not a good guard rotation, imho - these are 3 small-guards that can handle the ball some (JB and Roy better than Rudy) and pass some (Roy/Rudy better than JB) - but we are starting to see how much we can achieve with a real floor-general.

Rudy/Webster for rights to Rubio/Brewer/Junk might be something to explore (If Minni is willing to rethink their Rubio lust) or something with Chicago for Capt. Kirk.

 

[maxiep]

I think Blake is being phased out, bit by bit. He is another Jarrett Jack for Nate--a crutch. Over time, even though he's playing more minutes now, it's hard to believe that we're going to play this three guard lineup with two point guards. If we're going with a three-guard lineup then Miller, Rudy and Roy or Blake, Rudy and Roy makes a lot more sense than Miller, Blake and Roy.

KP loves Rudy and wants to find him a way to get more minutes, not fewer. KP loves Blake, too, but he has reached his peak. Note what Nate did when we had a quick PG we couldn't contain with Blake or Miller--he put Rudy on him and let his length bother him.

I don't think Steve Blake is long for a starting position. In fact, if Bayless continues to improve, I think Blake moves to 3rd string PG/SG.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I still think this team needs to think about a long-term solution at PG over another SF.

If we can get a great PG prospect for Rudy and pieces - I would love to see that happen. A 3 guard rotation with Roy, JB and (?) would really be what we need long term, I think. Between Batum, Webster and the SF/PF combos of Travis/Dante we are set OK in the SF rotation - but what happens in 3 years when Miller is not here?

Roy/Rudy/JB is just not a good guard rotation, imho - these are 3 small-guards that can handle the ball some (JB and Roy better than Rudy) and pass some (Roy/Rudy better than JB) - but we are starting to see how much we can achieve with a real floor-general.

Rudy/Webster for rights to Rubio/Brewer/Junk might be something to explore (If Minni is willing to rethink their Rubio lust) or something with Chicago for Capt. Kirk.

I think the trouble with swapping out Rudy (and change) for another point guard without moving one or two of Miller, Blake, Bayless or even Mills, is that you're left with not a whole lot of length in your backcourt and an even more jammed up position at the one.

I get what you are saying about thinking long-term (past Miller) but getting the rights to Rubio and surrendering Webster and Rudy and only bringing in Brewer for the near term makes this a much weaker team IMO; the future is certainly a consideration, but so is the present. I guess maybe that's why I'd be more interested in trading for a veteran like Butler who can play a little bit of point forward, who can play solid wing defense (when motivated and not being tasked with primary scoring responsibilities) and is comfortable shooting a jumpshot either off the catch or the dribble.

Miller, Roy, Butler, LMA, Oden, backed up by JB, Travis, Batum (when healthy) and Przy seems a lot more balanced in terms of roles (and give you three good facilitators) and still gives the Blazers a tremendous size advantage most nights.

I also sincerely hope if there are any trades it's for veterans and not more young prospects.

 

[andalusian]

I do not know. I think Blake is the Joel Pryzbilla of point guards of this roster. He was there to start when the contenders (Bassy, JJ, Sergio, Bayless) did not manage to - but since the Blazers were unable to get a real PG like they did with Oden at the C position - they went and got Miller.

But, like Joel - until something else is coming along (or the young-gun proves he deserves the minutes) - Blake is going to get a nice amount of playing time.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Both Blake and Rudy have their intangibles. Blake hits clutch threes. But Rudy makes clutch steals AND hits clutch threes. And he's a real energizer. But Blake is a better straw-that-stirs-the-drink.

One of 'em has to go, long term, though. If Bosh makes it clear he's leaving Toronto, LaMarcus and Rudy for Bosh? Who would want Blake enough to give us fair value?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Both Blake and Rudy have their intangibles. Blake hits clutch threes. But Rudy makes clutch steals AND hits clutch threes. And he's a real energizer. But Blake is a better straw-that-stirs-the-drink.

One of 'em has to go, long term, though. If Bosh makes it clear he's leaving Toronto, LaMarcus and Rudy for Bosh? Who would want Blake enough to give us fair value?

Frankly I think his 4 million dollar expiring contract is just as appealing to other team's as his raw skillset. What that can get us, I have no idea however.

 

[andalusian]

I think the trouble with swapping out Rudy (and change) for another point guard without moving one or two of Miller, Blake, Bayless or even Mills, is that you're left with not a whole lot of length in your backcourt and an even more jammed up position at the one.

Not certain, especially if you look at someone like Rubio who is not coming in immediately - so it removes Rudy from the rotation - and gives JB the extra minutes to develop. You make the rotation shorter (one less guard) for a future prospect. Might not be the case for another young prospect (who that is, I do not know, however).

I get what you are saying about thinking long-term (past Miller) but getting the rights to Rubio and surrendering Webster and Rudy and only bringing in Brewer for the near term makes this a much weaker team IMO;

To a point, no doubt - but the big issue here is getting value for Rudy, it does not have to be Webster, and to a certain point - I am wondering if we would not be able to withstand Webster's trade by giving more minutes to Dante until Batum is back. Let's face it - when Batum is back - someone is going to get their minutes squeezed at the SF position as well.

The way I see it - the Blazers have one defender that is better than the others at SF in Nic - and Travis is a better Offensive player than Martell - this makes Webster a bit of a compromise - and while he seems to be on pace for his best year ever (which is great) - you still have to wonder if you are better going for him as a compromise or having a better? option of going offense for defense with Batum/Travis.

the future is certainly a consideration, but so is the present. I guess maybe that's why I'd be more interested in trading for a veteran like Butler who can play a little bit of point forward, who can play solid wing defense (when motivated and not being tasked with primary scoring responsibilities)

This just moves the congestion from Guard to forward position. Honestly, if you want a veteran/long-term solution - I would still push for Capt. Kirk for Rudy and parts. He is a vet but with a longer-time frame to be part of the PG rotation for this team, long term.

Miller, Roy, Butler, LMA, Oden, backed up by JB, Travis, Batum (when healthy) and Przy seems a lot more balanced in terms of roles (and give you three good facilitators) and still gives the Blazers a tremendous size advantage most nights.

This team is awfully dependent on JB to work as a PG - especially if Miller slows down with age. Good team Sure. But you just went from a glut of guards to not enough, maybe, especially when it comes to ball handling.

Frankly I also sincerely hope if there are any trades it's for veterans and not more young prospects.

Frankly - I think that this team has enough veterans now - at this point in their career I consider LMA and Roy veterans, add Joel, Miller, Howard on the bench and Blake (if he stays here) - and it is no longer a team of kids.

A Miller/Roy/JB/Prospect is better imho than Miller/Roy/JB/no prospect and a glut of small-forwards.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I feel no empathy for Rudy's "plight", because he's basically playing terribly right now. 38% from the field, 27% form 3, 77% from the line--for a "pure shooter", those are simply horrendous. His pps is the lowest of any rotation player except Joel, and his A/TO ratio is the lowest of any guard on the team. Were it not for his steals, he'd basically be contributing nothing.

If he were actually producing while out on the floor, then maybe he'd have room to complain about his role. Until then--STFU.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Not certain, especially if you look at someone like Rubio who is not coming in immediately - so it removes Rudy from the rotation - and gives JB the extra minutes to develop. You make the rotation shorter (one less guard) for a future prospect. Might not be the case for another young prospect (who that is, I do not know, however).

Initially you had said a young point guard prospect and didn't specifically address trading for Rubio's rights, so my comments were directed at your more generic and less specific trade proposal.

To a point, no doubt - but the big issue here is getting value for Rudy, it does not have to be Webster, and to a certain point - I am wondering if we would not be able to withstand Webster's trade by giving more minutes to Dante until Batum is back. Let's face it - when Batum is back - someone is going to get their minutes squeezed at the SF position as well.

Dante is not a small forward though, he's a tweener who isn't quite quick enough to guard on the perimeter and he's not quite big enough to bang around in the post ... I'd call him a slightly less athletic version of Travis Outlaw.

The way I see it - the Blazers have one defender that is better than the others at SF in Nic - and Travis is a better Offensive player than Martell - this makes Webster a bit of a compromise - and while he seems to be on pace for his best year ever (which is great) - you still have to wonder if you are better going for him as a compromise or having a better? option of going offense for defense with Batum/Travis.

I'm not sure I see your point? I proposed a Webster-Rudy-Blake trade for Caron Butler, that clears two players from the wing (and 2s and 3s seem pretty interchangeable in a Nate McMillan system). You are then left with Miller/JB/Mills able to play at point, Roy/JB/Butler able to play shooting guard, Roy/Butler/Batum/Travis able to play small forward (some better than others) and the power forward and center positions remain untouched. Webster is not even a factor in this scenario.

This just moves the congestion from Guard to forward position. Honestly, if you want a veteran/long-term solution - I would still push for Capt. Kirk for Rudy and parts. He is a vet but with a longer-time frame to be part of the PG rotation for this team, long term.

Again, see my point above; moving Blake, Rudy and Webster clears more time at the wing. As for trading for Kirk, he'd then be competing for time with Miller and that doesn't seem like a maximization of either's talents. Granted I have no idea if the Wiz have any interest in moving Caron so a lot of this is nothing more than idle speculation. I do stand by the point that I'd rather trade for a point-forward type who can play defense versus trying to go out and get another untested point guard prospect.

This team is awfully dependent on JB to work as a PG - especially if Miller slows down with age. Good team Sure. But you just went from a glut of guards to not enough, maybe, especially when it comes to ball handling.

JB may never work out as a point guard, but to suggest that this team would be devoid of depth at the guard positions seems a bit unlikely. Maybe I'm being pollyanna-ish about Bayless' potential to fit into the rotation and be an adequate playmaker and compliment to Brandon (et al.) but I'm somewhat encouraged by his first two stints of the season, enough to at least begin to think that he could fit in as a longterm solution -- time will tell of course.

Frankly - I think that this team has enough veterans now - at this point in their career I consider LMA and Roy veterans, add Joel, Miller, Howard on the bench and Blake (if he stays here) - and it is no longer a team of kids.

A Miller/Roy/JB/Prospect is better imho than Miller/Roy/JB/no prospect and a glut of small-forwards.

Again, where is the glut of small forwards? If this team actually did trade for Butler he'd be a 2/3 and your only true small fowards would be he and Batum. As far as finding another prospect or filling a hole at the guard positions that's something that I think can be addressed through the draft or another trade down the line when the situation calls for it. Miller is going to be an expiring contract (potentially) next summer and with his skill-set and experience I don't think he'd be impossible to move and get some value ... especially for a team looking to rebuild and/or cut salary.

 

[Pontius]

I feel no empathy for Rudy's "plight", because he's basically playing terribly right now. 38% from the field, 27% form 3, 77% from the line--for a "pure shooter", those are simply horrendous. His pps is the lowest of any rotation player except Joel, and his A/TO ratio is the lowest of any guard on the team. Were it not for his steals, he'd basically be contributing nothing.

If he were actually producing while out on the floor, then maybe he'd have room to complain about his role. Until then--STFU.

You failed to mention his ability to pass. Why is passing so underrated? He's not shooting well so far. But he's passing better than anybody on the team not named Miller. Without Rudy, you do not see the 2nd unit have the success that it did last night. His passing made for a hell of a difference.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

You failed to mention his ability to pass. Why is passing so underrated? He's not shooting well so far. But he's passing better than anybody on the team not named Miller. Without Rudy, you do not see the 2nd unit have the success that it did last night. His passing made for a hell of a difference.

I did mention his assist to turnover ratio. Wouldn't you think that his fantastic passing would factor in there?

 

[MrJayremmie]

There is no problem with the 2nd one at all....

But Rudy isn't playing very well, and Blake has simply outplayed him this year. Nate was right to go with that lineup, obviously.

We just really need a consolidation trade. Bad.

 

[Pontius]

I did mention his assist to turnover ratio. Wouldn't you think that his fantastic passing would factor in there?

You are right. I missed that part. Sorry.

I would like to comment on that stat though. I believe Rudy has been hindered by the offense more than anything else with regard to passing. Last night we saw more of what he is capable of because the system he was playing in wasn't dedicated to ISO. He passes very well in a team movement oriented system and that's what we were able to see out of the 2nd team last night, hence his success in passing. That you saw his comments as negative is telling of your general regard for the player that Rudy is. I saw no such negativity such as whining from his comments. You cite his poor shooting, but do you consider that he set the rookie record for threes last year and did so with a relatively efficient percentage? Do you really assume that he'll stay in a shooting funk for the entire season?

Anyway...

 

[boatsandstars]

Rudy should start. He's too good to insult with a "role player" position on the bench.

We should start:

Miller
Rudy
Roy
LMA
Oden


Second Unit:
Blake
Webster
Batum
Outlaw
Pryz


Edit. Let's just dump Blake and play Bayless more.

 

[magnifier661]

from ESPN Rumor Mill

As much as many worry about Rudy, just remember if he doesn't work out, he has great trade value. Who knows, he may be our future PG. True professionals can change their game to fit the new style. I think if Rudy becomes more of the facilitator, then Nate will be more comfortable using him at point.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

That you saw his comments as negative is telling of your general regard for the player that Rudy is. I saw no such negativity such as whining from his comments.

The article specifically said that Rudy was not thrilled about his role. That wasn't my interpretation. My interpretation, however, would involve noting this about Rudy's comments:

Right now, I don't know my situation in the team...Right now, I'm focusing in my work and taking care of my back.

Yes, I see the addendum about working hard to help his teammates when he's on the court--seemed more like a CYA addition to me than anything else. But yes, I do think Rudy is over-rated and limited, and I would be amenable to a trade involving him.

You cite his poor shooting, but do you consider that he set the rookie record for threes last year and did so with a relatively efficient percentage? Do you really assume that he'll stay in a shooting funk for the entire season?

Yes, I'm aware that he set a rookie record for 3's, and I'm also aware that he did so taking more 3's per 36 than Rashard Lewis did. I'm also aware that he spent all summer playing EuroBall and is likely much more tired than the rest of his teammates, which likely is contributing to his early shooting slump. Sure, he'll probably snap out of it relatively soon (by December hopefully?), but I still maintain that he has little room to complain about "his role" until then, or until he begins consistently contributing in other ways.

 

[BBert]

Nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade. IMO if going to a 3 guard lineup, I would put him in front of Blake at SG too. Then at least everybody on the floor could handle running a fast break.

I haven't seen the rest of this thread but these are my thoughts too. I see nothing wrong or inflammatory with what Rudy said. He's just telling it like it is. He's not asking to be traded. Just stating some facts.

I too would play Rudy ahead of Blake. It's going to take Nate a while to make that 'transition' I'd imagine. In the mean time, based on my experience it's probably going to take a while for Rudy's back to heal and for him to be 100% while continuing to play. For now, Rudy's all important 'offensive stats' (aka shooting percentages) aren't good enough to even dream of justifying such a move to most fans.

 

[LittleAlex]

I haven't seen the rest of this thread but these are my thoughts too. I see nothing wrong or inflammatory with what Rudy said. He's just telling it like it is. He's not asking to be traded. Just stating some facts.

I too would play Rudy ahead of Blake. It's going to take Nate a while to make that 'transition' I'd imagine. In the mean time, based on my experience it's probably going to take a while for Rudy's back to heal and for him to be 100% while continuing to play. For now, Rudy's all important 'offensive stats' (aka shooting percentages) aren't good enough to even dream of justifying such a move to most fans.

Why does anyone believe Nate will bench Blake?

Sorry folks, that just isn't going to happen. Nate LOVES Blake and believes the team is better with him on the floor.

The only way Blake doesn't start for this team is if either Nate gets fired or the team let's Blake walk. Since Nate is not going to get fired this year and I believe Blake will retire a Blazer Blake is going to start in Portland for the next few years.

I just hope Blake is productive since he is most certainly going to play big minutes.



No one would be happier to be wrong about this then I will be.

 

[RR7]

What does it say about his LOVE for him that he never trusted him to run or call his own plays? I think he LOVED that he wasn't telfair, Bayless, Sergio, etc. That he was smart enough to not be stupid, basically.

 

[Pontius]

Right now, I don't know my situation in the team...Right now, I'm focusing in my work and taking care of my back.

WOW! You really have in it for him, don't you? He communicated in the first person? How dare he!

I think you are projecting far too much into his words. He talks of getting his teammates involved and of taking care of his ailing back injury. You do know that English isn't his first language, right? When he talks of not knowing his situation, maybe that just means that he doesn't quite understand his role yet. Should he? I don't understand it. Do you? So is that a selfish complaint or just an innocuous observation on his part?

You cannot justify by his quotes anything that would warrant dissatisfaction on his part, period! It's dishonest for the paper to imply such a thing by those quotes and I found your interpretation of his quotes to be equally absurd.

 

[Nikolokolus]

WOW! You really have in it for him, don't you? He communicated in the first person? How dare he!

I think you are projecting far too much into his words. He talks of getting his teammates involved and of taking care of his ailing back injury. You do know that English isn't his first language, right? When he talks of not knowing his situation, maybe that just means that he doesn't quite understand his role yet. Should he? I don't understand it. Do you? So is that a selfish complaint or just an innocuous observation on his part?

You cannot justify by his quotes anything that would warrant dissatisfaction on his part, period! It's dishonest for the paper to imply such a thing by those quotes and I found your interpretation of his quotes to be equally absurd.

Awfully defensive aren't we? Rudy gave the quote, so it's not like he can point fingers at people trying to smear him. He likely is feeling like he doesn't have a role with the team and is frustrated with his PT, he just decided to break the unwritten rule about giving the media canned answers.