Rudy makes Hollinger's top 15 surprises

[dpc]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=surprises-081120

OK, most folks aren't surprised by the idea that Fernandez can play, not after he lit up the U.S. squad in the second half of that epic gold-medal match in Beijing. But few expected this much this soon. Fernandez is fifth among rookies in PER at 19.74 and has played far more minutes than the four men ahead of him on the list.

Additionally, he has taken to the longer NBA 3-point distance much more readily than most European imports have. Fernandez is hitting 44.3 percent from downtown, and he's not just a long-range specialist, either. He has shown the athleticism to score in the paint and draw fouls, and he's at 94.4 percent from the line.

Although it remains to be seen whether his percentages can stay this freakishly high in the long term, Fernandez is likely to make other improvements as he acclimates, and if he does, he'll be one of the top dogs in the rookie of the year hunt.

 

[BatumKaboom]

Way to go Rudy!!!

 

[Minstrel]

Fernandez was the early great surprise, which helped during the disappointment over Oden's injury. Batum, too. Now that Oden is back and living up to his hype, Fernandez and Batum are really, really great gravy. Or whipped cream. Or whatever your favourite food methphor is.

It's stunning that Portland has three rookies who are all looking incredibly valuable and has yet to see what Bayless, another big-time rookie talent, can do due to a playing time crunch. This is an absurdly talented team.

But yeah...Fernandez has been awesome.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

Another thing. The Blazers have hit the marketing jackpot. It's just amazing how many high points there have been to promote.

Greg Oden goes down. The Blazers still win 41 games with many memorable moments.

Blazers select Jerryd Bayless, and some believe they were after someone else. Bayless wins MVP in Summer League.

Brandon Roy and Channing Frye have off-season surgery. They're both back and ready to go.

Martell Webster breaks his foot. Nic Batum has his coming out party.

Bayless can't get off the bench, but Sergio's looking great.

Rudy chooses to play for less in Portland and is easily one of the most exciting players in the league.

Travis is dogged by many fans (including myself) and he shuts up everyone.

Greg's recovery and acclimation to the NBA game takes a while, but he is now the talk of the league.

Difficult schedule. Blazers could care less. They find ways to win.

It's just one thing after another. Look for more lemons to be made into lemonade.

 

[handiman]

We could field a pretty darned good team starting 4 rookies.