Rudy to FC Barcelona?

[The_Lillard_King]

I don't think Rudy is happy about how last year went in Portland, but I don't it has much to do with Portland or Nate or being in the States... I certainly didn't see any quote where he's blaming Nate. Dude struggled with injuries and probably his confidence too. His play suffered which of course this led to a lessor role. This same scenario has happened to countless other players. It's only normal for a talented young athlete to be frustrated when this happens... hopefully he's rational enough about matters to keep things in perspective. Regain his health/game and he'll regain the confidence of the coach and his 25+ MPG. If he's relatively injury free and improves over how he played as a rookie (which would be the norm), then he'll carve out an even bigger role.

I don't know if you've ever suffered a major injury or two but I can assure you it can be extremely frustrating to have your health in limbo. In my case (car accidents... blown out lower back) I had to wait out months of doing absolutely nothing before I could even start physical therapy. I wanted something/someone to blame but all I could do is be patient and believe the doctors that things would eventually come around to the point where I could begin to rebuild my body. Hopefully like me, this frustrating experience for Rudy (and Greg and Batum) will have him focused on doing everything he can to maximize his physical ability for his next opportunity. Facts being what they are, he's under contract in Portland for very little $$$ and they've little reason to just let him leave just because he's frustrated. From the club's perspective, doing so would set a bad precedent for future frustrated Blazers

STOMP

We clearly are not reading the quotes the same way. Rudy is homesick, frustrated with his role and does not beleive Nate has confidence in him.

many writers (not just Canzano as you first said) feel this way. I respect your opinion, but to say it is all frustration from an injury (Rudy claims he feels no pain) and that the frustration does not have to do with Portland (playing behind Roy), Nate (Rudy thinks Nate lost confidence in him) and the States (Rudy flat out said he didn't like the fact he spent his birthday alone) is not believeing what Rudy is saying. You wanted quotes I gave them to you and now you are saying don't believe Rudy?

 

[STOMP]

We clearly are not reading the quotes the same way. Rudy is homesick, frustrated with his role and does not beleive Nate has confidence in him.

many writers (not just Canzano as you first said) feel this way. I respect your opinion, but to say it is all frustration from an injury (Rudy claims he feels no pain) and that the frustration does not have to do with Portland (playing behind Roy), Nate (Rudy thinks Nate lost confidence in him) and the States (Rudy flat out said he didn't like the fact he spent his birthday alone) is not believeing what Rudy is saying. You wanted quotes I gave them to you and now you are saying don't believe Rudy?

I'm saying where's the beef? I feel like I've been offered up a plate of rice cakes as proof. I'm well aware of how sports stories progress from the local hack's speculations to "it's been reported" regurgitation's nationally. They have their story deadlines and provide most of the in their innuendo commentary between benign quotes... their job is to stir things up

-"Since the operation, I have not had any problems with my back. Yes it does hurt a bit if I get hit, but overall I feel fine physically."
I read this as his physical state is still on his mind. Being cautious/guarded isn't conducive to the free style of play he states to prefer. We often read of athletes having to learn to trust their knee (or whatever) following surgery... I know the same is true with the back.

-"sometimes I feel like the coach doesn’t trust me with my play. But I talk to coach after the All-Star break, and we talked together about the rest of the season. It was a good meeting. For both."
This is Rudy making it clear that he's no big fan of Nate's? The coach did lose confidence in Rudy last year, but only after ample opportunities where he struggled and the playoffs loomed did those opportunities go away. I speculated that Rudy lost confidence in himself following his injuries... thats normal. Following a serious injury like back surgery, getting one's game back isn't automatic after the constant pain stops. We'll see, but I think he'll be a lot better physically and mentally the farther removed he is from this... unfortunately back injuries are often chronic, but hopefully those are in his past.

of course he misses his family and friends... is he supposed to answer a Do you miss your friends and family question that he doesn't? I miss my sister as she lives in Montana... I'd rather have had any one of my family members around for any one of my last 10+ birthdays... oh well. Like many of the rest of us, dude made a professional decision and now has to live by it. Unlike Rudy, most of us aren't multi-millionaires who can afford to fly our family members out to stay at our mansion and most of us don't get months off from our work to go visit them. I don't read the quotes you passed along as him crying in his pillow at night because he's so desperately homesick... I read it as normal. I can recall nearly identical quotes from Travis Outlaw and Tim Duncan among others. So what?

STOMP

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I'm saying where's the beef? I feel like I've been offered up a plate of rice cakes as proof. I'm well aware of how sports stories progress from the local hack's speculations to "it's been reported" regurgitation's nationally. They have their story deadlines and provide most of the in their innuendo commentary between benign quotes... their job is to stir things up

-"Since the operation, I have not had any problems with my back. Yes it does hurt a bit if I get hit, but overall I feel fine physically."
I read this as his physical state is still on his mind. Being cautious/guarded isn't conducive to the free style of play he states to prefer. We often read of athletes having to learn to trust their knee (or whatever) following surgery... I know the same is true with the back.

-"sometimes I feel like the coach doesn’t trust me with my play. But I talk to coach after the All-Star break, and we talked together about the rest of the season. It was a good meeting. For both."
This is Rudy making it clear that he's no big fan of Nate's? The coach did lose confidence in Rudy last year, but only after ample opportunities where he struggled and the playoffs loomed did those opportunities go away. I speculated that Rudy lost confidence in himself following his injuries... thats normal. Following a serious injury like back surgery, getting one's game back isn't automatic after the constant pain stops. We'll see, but I think he'll be a lot better physically and mentally the farther removed he is from this... unfortunately back injuries are often chronic, but hopefully those are in his past.

of course he misses his family and friends... is he supposed to answer a Do you miss your friends and family question that he doesn't? I miss my sister as she lives in Montana... I'd rather have had any one of my family members around for any one of my last 10+ birthdays... oh well. Like many of the rest of us, dude made a professional decision and now has to live by it. Unlike Rudy, most of us aren't multi-millionaires who can afford to fly our family members out to stay at our mansion and most of us don't get months off from our work to go visit them. I don't read the quotes you passed along as him crying in his pillow at night because he's so desperately homesick... I read it as normal. I can recall nearly identical quotes from Travis Outlaw and Tim Duncan among others. So what?

STOMP

The beef is there, you are choosing not to believe it or minimize it and exagerating what I say. For instance, when did I say he was crying in his pillow at night because he is so homesick . . . why mischaracterize what I say. Also, you take his statement and say "what is he suppose to say when asked about his friends and family." But he wasn't asked if he missed his friends or family, he asked how was his birthday and brought up no friends or family.

Another time you claim this is all Canzano, when I point out that isn't true and give multiple poeple saying the same thing (including eggers that has a pretty good rep on this baord), you then blame it on the media system.

You have convinced youself that Rudy is OK . . . that's fine, but not what many others posters and journalist think. Where is your "beef" to say he is OK other than your speculation (I was injured so this is what is going on, I have sister in Minny so I know how Rudy feels). Links to all this is about how his mood and answers are a reflection of his injury?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

of course he misses his family and friends... is he supposed to answer a Do you miss your friends and family question that he doesn't? I miss my sister as she lives in Montana... I'd rather have had any one of my family members around for any one of my last 10+ birthdays... oh well. Like many of the rest of us, dude made a professional decision and now has to live by it. Unlike Rudy, most of us aren't multi-millionaires who can afford to fly our family members out to stay at our mansion and most of us don't get months off from our work to go visit them. I don't read the quotes you passed along as him crying in his pillow at night because he's so desperately homesick... I read it as normal. I can recall nearly identical quotes from Travis Outlaw and Tim Duncan among others. So what?

STOMP

SO what? Well how about your analysis being all wrong. But of course if I say anything you will ask for a link so let me jsut quote Nate:

Since coming to Portland before last season, Fernandez has had to learn a new language and culture.

“I can’t even imagine going to a different country to play basketball,” McMillan said. “Honestly, I would never have done that. I don’t think I could have dealt with being away from my family that long, or being in a foreign country by myself.”

I would say that is differnt than Travis Outlaw, Tim Duncan and you and your sister . . . or do you not seee the difference?

 

[jlprk]

To expand upon my previous post, I don't think Rudy would say that he doesn't care where he plays, if he wanted to stay where he is.

Players usually say how they love their current team, teammates, etc. He didn't even say that Portland will be his first choice a year from now when he's free. He just said he wants to change teams now if it will give him minutes.

It's true that he hasn't said anything negative, but he also hasn't said anything positive, and players always exaggerate the positivism. It's part of team spirit, just like saying you're definitely going to win a game when the odds are against you.

 

[STOMP]

The beef is there, you are choosing not to believe it or minimize it and exagerating what I say. For instance, when did I say he was crying in his pillow at night because he is so homesick

you didn't, and I didn't imply thats what you said. If he's just missing his family, who cares/thats normal

Also, you take his statement and say "what is he suppose to say when asked about his friends and family." But he wasn't asked if he missed his friends or family, he asked how was his birthday and brought up no friends or family.

actually we don't know what he was asked as that wasn't included in the article.

Another time you claim this is all Canzano, when I point out that isn't true and give multiple poeple saying the same thing (including eggers that has a pretty good rep on this baord), you then blame it on the media system

At no point did I claim this is all Canzano, sorry. There are several gossip mongers in every sports town. Go back for a reread if you need to

You have convinced youself that Rudy is OK . . . that's fine, but not what many others posters and journalist think. Where is your "beef" to say he is OK other than your speculation (I was injured so this is what is going on, I have sister in Minny so I know how Rudy feels). Links to all this is about how his mood and answers are a reflection of his injury?

I'm sorry that my points all seem lost on you as clearly you aren't coming close to following along with what I'm trying to say or even where my sister lives. I'll leave out the anecdotes and give it one more shot.

I'm not convinced at all that Rudy is physically okay, I hope he eventually is. Missing your family is normal. Struggling after back surgery is normal and a full recovery is not guaranteed. I am thoroughly convinced that he's under contract on the cheap and barring a favorable swap of talent becoming available, don't see much reason for the club to move him. As a buy low sell high proponent, now wouldn't seem the optimal time to deal Rudy and I certainly don't see any real benefit in just letting him walk. Dude has pretty much zero leverage at this point so barring the unexpected personnel upgrade, I'm hoping he gets himself right and plays his butt off next year for the PTB.

STOMP

 

[crandc]

SO what? Well how about your analysis being all wrong. But of course if I say anything you will ask for a link so let me jsut quote Nate:

Since coming to Portland before last season, Fernandez has had to learn a new language and culture.

“I can’t even imagine going to a different country to play basketball,” McMillan said. “Honestly, I would never have done that. I don’t think I could have dealt with being away from my family that long, or being in a foreign country by myself.”

I would say that is differnt than Travis Outlaw, Tim Duncan and you and your sister . . . or do you not seee the difference?

Different from Travis, but not from Tim Duncan who did come to another country. But common to all other international players. Some adjust, some are never really able to. We'll have to see, and hope, that Rudy does.

 

[STOMP]

SO what? Well how about your analysis being all wrong.

you're taking your speculations far too seriously

But of course if I say anything you will ask for a link so let me jsut quote Nate:

Since coming to Portland before last season, Fernandez has had to learn a new language and culture.

“I can’t even imagine going to a different country to play basketball,” McMillan said. “Honestly, I would never have done that. I don’t think I could have dealt with being away from my family that long, or being in a foreign country by myself.”

I would say that is differnt than Travis Outlaw, Tim Duncan and you and your sister . . . or do you not seee the difference?

I don't have to imagine it as I studied in Italy for most of a year (1993) when I was 24. I arrived by myself speaking only the most rudimentary Italian. I barely spoke to my family the entire year and was on a very tight budget. While it was lonely at times, that was hardly a deal breaker as it was an amazing opportunity to grow up and immerse myself in another culture. Hell, the birthday I had there passed without a single person even knowing... poor poor me

my school did feature a 6 to 1 girl to guy ratio which proved to be of some comfort The way I've heard Portland gals speak of Rudy, I don't find much reason to pity him as he lives out his stated childhood dream of playing in the NBA while making millions of dollars.

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

just to share a little more about my year abroad, here's a link to the school I attended for two semesters and here's another to the amazing hotel in Greece I worked at the following summer

and a further birthday note... my Pops sent me 3 Schonely called Blazer game tapes he recorded that I listened to repeatedly. Maybe my favorite present ever

STOMP

 

[Nikolokolus]

you're taking your speculations far too seriously

I don't have to imagine it as I studied in Italy for most of a year (1993) when I was 24. I arrived by myself speaking only the most rudimentary Italian. I barely spoke to my family the entire year and was on a very tight budget. While it was lonely at times, that was hardly a deal breaker as it was an amazing opportunity to grow up and immerse myself in another culture. Hell, the birthday I had there passed without a single person even knowing... poor poor me

my school did feature a 6 to 1 girl to guy ratio which proved to be of some comfort The way I've heard Portland gals speak of Rudy, I don't find much reason to pity him as he lives out his stated childhood dream of playing in the NBA while making millions of dollars.

STOMP

just to share a little more about my year abroad, here's a link to the school I attended for two semesters and here's another to the amazing hotel in Greece I worked at the following summer

and a further birthday note... my Pops sent me 3 Schonely called Blazer game tapes he recorded that I listened to repeatedly. Maybe my favorite present ever

STOMP

So I guess your point is that Europe is awesome and Rudy should want to go back home? Makes sense.

 

[BGrantFan]

Different from Travis, but not from Tim Duncan who did come to another country. But common to all other international players. Some adjust, some are never really able to. We'll have to see, and hope, that Rudy does.

Duncan spent 4 years in the US prior to the NBA, English is the primary language in the Virgin Islands, and the Virgin Islands are closer to Winston-Salem NC than, say, Portland.

Not at all similar to Rudy's assimilation to US norms and culture. Plus, Duncan's goal as a youth was to swim for the US in the '92 Olympics.

 

[STOMP]

So I guess your point is that Europe is awesome and Rudy should want to go back home? Makes sense.

your analysis is all wrong. My point is that he should get his hands on some old Schonely tapes...

STOMP