Is Rudy Starting Soon? (W/ Poll)
by Trail Ducker on Nov 6, 2008 9:59 AM PST
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PrintOm Rudy's player page on ESPN they are reporting the official Trail Blazer sight has quoted Nate has said he is thinking of inserting Rudy in the starting line up in the near future. However when I was on the site I could not find this. Has anybody seen this comment from Nate?
I personally am torn between Batum and Rudy (Rudy's talent and fire power in our starting line up vs Batums defense and Roy playing in his natural position), Then there's Rudy playing PG, but I need to see him play it more in game to say if that will work or not
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Until Oden's back
Right now with Pryz in the starting line-up and Travis seemingly unable to integrate his offense with the rest of the Blazers offense Rudy is a good option to start. Brandon and LaMarcus have looked a step below great because the entire defense can focus on them exclusively. If there was a third dynamic player out there it’ll open stuff up for Brandon and LaMarcus. I don’t know if we should take Blake or Batum/Outlaw out but it’ll probably depend on the match up.
Defensively this might weaken the team, but hell opposing teams are already shooting over 50% against the Blazers so I don’t know how much worse off they’d be. It’s worth a look for a bit.
start Rudy and leave him there all year
Find a permanent spot in the starting lineup for Rudy.
Whether it’s PG, SG or SF, he should start every game this year. I believe the best starting lineup (assuming all players including Oden are healthy) would be:
PG Roy
SG Rudy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Pryz
Our second unit should be:
PG Blake
SG Batum or Bayless
SF Frye
PF Outlaw
C Oden
What do you all think of trying Batum at SG to ensure that he gets minutes? Heck, he did an adequate job guarding Tony Parker in the home opener, didn’t he?
I think Outlaw needs to play exclusively at PF. This leaves our backup SF spot open, and I say try Frye there. Frye’s offensive game is really suited for playing SF, though admittedly he would be a defensive liability at that position.
But whatever. The main point is that Rudy needs a permanent spot in the starting lineup. And Roy needs to adjust his game to accommodate him there.
The perfect is the enemy of the good.
who's gonna score on your second unit?
although I do like having Oden there instead of starting. I’ve come around on that point of view. But Outlaw is the only one who can create a shot, and it’s usually not a good shot. Batum is like Webster, he’ll play off someone else for his offense. Blake the same. Oden isn’t an offensive threat. In fact, I bet he won’t be getting double teamed when he comes back. Not until he proves he can make something other than a dunk. Frye at SF??? Your second unit wouldn’t be able to score, though the defense would be ok.
I don’t think Rudy should start unless there is injury. He’s too invaluable to the second unit. Save him for the end of games. I like your 1st unit lineup for the end of games though (when Web is healthy).
by DrivetheLane on Nov 6, 2008 10:58 AM PST up reply actions
Outlaw and Frye
If Outlaw and Frye are playing at the forward positions, Frye is automatically the PF and Outlaw is automatically the SF. Even if you want to call Outlaw a PF, he is still going to be guarded by the opposing SF and Frye is going to be guarded by the PF. If you are smart, you are going to have Frye guard the opposing PF and Outlaw guard the SF as well.
Horrible lineups
The best players on a team do not always have to start. Look at the Spurs with Manu or the Lakers with Odom, those teams are better because they have impact players coming off the bench. The Blazers should do the same, Rudy may get a spot start here or there, but he should be a fixture on the bench with sergio, outlaw, frye and Dolla, Dolla, Billa. This gives balance to both units, scoring and defensively which is what Nate is looking for.
Roy at the point last night
We saw the Roy/Rudy backcourt in action last night and the results were…underwhelming. Fortunately, the Jazz didn’t have a point guard who could take advantage of #2 guard (or if they could, the Jazz’ offense isn’t set up for PG penetration unless DWill is playing…) so it was a good time to “try out” the Roy/Rudy combo
My .02…the Blazers’ offense was stagnant when the two played together, and was more efficient (overall) when Blake returned. For all of you who want to see Brandon become a regular point guard…well, don’t hold your breath. Sorry, but he’s a penetrating 2 guard
Blake was terrifiic in the 1st half, but he disappeared in the 2nd (perhaps the Jazz defenders started paying attention to him?) Regardless, I’m still of the opinion that Brandon needs some “help” in the playmaking department (acquire a real veteran PG who can defend, penetrate, get to the line or dish)
How ’bout it, KP?
when Outlaw is traded
we will need his offensive spark off the bench.
I am gonna predict Rudy wins rookie of the year and 6 th man
Sophia
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson
by BlazerFan1 on Nov 6, 2008 11:04 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd Sophia
Just as I was saying last night!
When asked about his thoughts during the Olympic games about playing against Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, Rudy responded "My first thought was respect. My second thought was to kick their ass".
Man I love him.
Rudy has been the second best player on this team since the season started. If Nate doesn’t TRY him in the first unit it would be a huge mistake. He better pull the trigger on this one. Not Batum or Outlaw has shown more than Rudy.
As far as firepower off the bench, hopefully Nate doesn’t have all of his firepower sitting on the bench at any given time of the game.
I like him at the 2 or the 3. That play at the end of the game lastnight when Rudy missed that 3 pointer was a beautifully executed play, even if Rudy missed.
"I'd hate to be you if I were me." - Eddie (Barfly)
The 5 best players shouldn't always start
as Nate has always said, its about units. and offensive flow, and what kind of offense/defense you want to run between those 2 units
Woof
by Charles Barkley McLovin on Nov 6, 2008 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
agreed
the nba has moved in this direction for awhile now. there are ton of awesome players who are coming off the bench
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 12:47 PM PST up reply actions
I do understand the concept but
When the team doesn’t seem to have a great offensive flow from tip off, why not start Rudy and see what happens? What’s the worst that will? Batum and Outlaw off the bench? I thought, initially, Outlaw was the go-to guy for the 2nd unitanyway? My point being, Nate’s 2 units hasn’t been a huge success thus far.
"I'd hate to be you if I were me." - Eddie (Barfly)
What's this "spark off the bench" talk all about?
I understand the concept of having someone in your second unit that can create some energy and plays, but if there isn’t going to be any “spark” from the first unit there isn’t really a point for it being so important in the second unit. If you can have a guy like Rudy starting the game with a “spark”, why not? Nate hasn’t even tried it yet, and here they are sitting at 1-3 and about to play the Rockets.
And again, hopefully, Nate isn’t benching all of his best play creators at once.
I’m just saying it’s worth a shot.
"I'd hate to be you if I were me." - Eddie (Barfly)
The best reason to leave Rudy on the bench
is because he is one of the few guys on this team who I think are experienced and mature enough in their game to start or come off the bench. That is why Spain choice to not start him and leave him out the entire first quarter – he is good enough to be a dominant 6th man because his game is not negatively impacted by starting midstream like a lot of talented guys who start in the NBA…
still.. I think a Roy and Rudy backcourt is the Blazer’s go to move of the future. Whether Bayless or Sergio or Blake or Koponen or someone else entirely is the 3rd guard there, Rudy will always give us a great option to bring him off the bench like Manu.
You know what's kinda funny?
Everyone is talking about getting a veteran. In my opinion, Rudy is that veteran player that we need on our team.
Rudy for ROY
When asked about his thoughts during the Olympic games about playing against Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, Rudy responded "My first thought was respect. My second thought was to kick their ass".
Man I love him.
Rudy is a veteran...2 guard
who can only defend 2 guards
Unfortunately (or fortunately, as the case may be…) the Blazers already have an all-star at his position who also can only defend 2 guards
I think anyone who can do a good job defending 2 guards can also defend most points
There isn’t that big of a difference between the average quickness of point guards and shooting guards, and it is usually beneficial for the defender to have an advantage in height and wingspan. That is why you frequently see small forwards like Bruce Bowen being assigned to guard all-star point guards.
by trk on Nov 6, 2008 3:19 PM PST up reply actions
All you have to do
Is put Rudy or Brandon in front of Nash or Parker and see how they’ll do.
And I’m not saying Blake is much (if any) better
The problem is, Rudy/Roy are average defenders of players their own size. You can’t expect them to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards. (Maybe Nic Batum can, but they can’t) They will either reach and foul or let the little guy blow by them to create havoc in the paint.
These defensive mismatches (based on quickness, as well as size) is one of the reasons why the opponents are shooting 50+% against the TB so far. Playing a zone or help-side defense can help, but whenever if you put slower guys in front of quick guys in the backcourt, the perimeter will be breached.
It’s up to KP to reload the roster with better defenders. I think this year’s draft he has done this (Bayless, Batum) What this means for average defenders like Roy/Rudy remains to be seen, but the fewer “average” defenders on the floor at the same time = the better the overall defense
agreed
hes a veteran…but at the same time a rookie. is that an oxymoron?
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 12:57 PM PST up reply actions
It is but it works!
Already he is the most calm and collected player (more so than Roy so far), the go- to guy when we need a spark and he doesn’t back down to ANYONE.
And I love that he is so dependable at the free throw line.
I just find it funny that so many people want to “trade for a vet” when we obviously have one.
Rudy for ROY
Campaign 08-09
yes we have one
but it would still be nice to have a vet…preferably with playoff experience.
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
we saw how the learning curves
accellerated for martell and outlaw with jones here last year…hopefully we can get an aging pg to aide sergio and bayless.
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 1:17 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah but I don't want to trade Sergio
To get one! I guess we can’t always get what we want :)
Rudy for ROY
Campaign 08-09
nah
i want the vet to help him and bayless. if we get a vet pg, blake would be the person who is gone.
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
Nate McMillan
is a vet PG to help Bayless and Sergio
"I'd hate to be you if I were me." - Eddie (Barfly)
Nate can't run anymore
I was surprised to see Blake drive the lane and ACTUALLY FINISH AT THE HOOP last night. That only happend 1-2 times a year, so mark it down
OTOH, I’d like to have a vet PG who can drive and finish (or get fouled, or drop a dime or toss a lob for a dunk) 5-6 times a quarter. And even more often in the 4th quarter
Someone like…Terry Porter
I think Bayless will get there, eventually. But in the mean time…we’re losing close games for lack of easy baskets
well
I guess I can see how Nate’s defensive mentality has soaked into Blakes, Bayless, Jacks, Telfair, and Sergio’s play style (SARCASM).
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 4:23 PM PST up reply actions
One of those guys is not like the others
Jerryd has the chops to be an above-average defender, once he learns the league
Blake
Isn’t Blake enough of a veteran to mentor Sergio and Bayless?
by trk on Nov 6, 2008 2:00 PM PST up reply actions
it hasnt been apparent if he is
at least not in the same way JJ33 has helped trout and martell.
Honor Terry Porter
by Philthyanimal on Nov 6, 2008 4:24 PM PST up reply actions
the main aim is team winning
I voted no but I feel it is true that he has too much talent to not start. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who starts but to win. If Rudy not starting makes his team winning that’s good enough. The team is first.
i think he should play at least 25 minutes filling the Jack Jarret role and finishing the games. IMO Nate should be careful how to spread the Rudy’s PT as I think Rudy should not be on court longer than 8 minutes, so to fill 25-30 he should go to the bench 4 times each game. He needs to rest often because of all the energy he consumes every time he is on court.
He can't start
Who will guard the Chris Paul’s and Kirk Hinrich’s of the league?
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