Is he or isn't he? Rudy Fernandez has doubts

by rpxxxiv on Apr 1, 2008 9:51 AM PDT

I read in the Portland Tribune that Rudy is having some doubts about coming over to the Blazers. It appears he's concerned because of the lack of playing time for Sergio.

Is there any way that KP and/or Paul Allen can convince him that the issue with Sergio has to do with Sergio and his apparent lack of focus during key times, and not with any sort of pigeon holing by McMillian?

It will be a hard sell for Rudy, especially since he will more than likely take a pay cut to play for us. If he feels that he may end up at the end of the rotation like Sergio, what would be his motivation for making the move.

Just seeing if anyone else caught the Tribune article and what thoughts might be out there about this issue.

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Few days ago Rudy Fernandez

said there is "a 90 percent chance" to see him playing next season in the NBA, particularly in the ranks of Portland Trail Blazers.

He admitted that wants to meet "the dream" of playing in the United States, but has assured that his priority now is to bring to Joventut to win titles.

He said that often speaks with Sergio, who tells him about the team and the way of life in Portland.

Rudy said also that he wants Portland giving him much playing time to compensate for the economic loss that will involve his early years in the NBA.

"I do not want the fans of Joventut think badly of me, but the club already knew that I renewed my contract last year on the condition that I would go at the end of season."

This is the first time he openly admits that he will leave DKV Joventut this year, and his words come after Allen went to Spain to see a game of DKV Joventut.

by amlmart1 on Apr 1, 2008 10:52 AM PDT reply actions

The quote that you are referencing

is already two or three weeks old despite Eggers publishing it recently (who knows why?). Rudy has virtually guaranteed, as amlmart1 suggest above, that he will in fact come over after this season.

by The Graduate on Apr 1, 2008 11:10 AM PDT reply actions

Also

Just like how Allen just went over to meet Rudy (and ended up sitting with Rudy's father in the stands at the game), KP, his team, and hopefully Nate will make their way to Spain to meet young Rudy and extol the virtues of being a Portland Trail Blazer sometime soon. If there is any doubt left in Rudy's mind before the visit, KP will likely alleviate it. He's dreamy.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Apr 1, 2008 11:29 AM PDT reply actions

there's a...

nate-kp power struggle going to brew if Nate refuses to play sergio even these last few games with Roy out, and leaves doubt in Rudy's mind...It wouldn't surprise me to see KP force Nate's hands by not drafting a guard and moving Jack, virtually forcing Nate to play Rudy (unless he moves Martell to SG...) next year, or at least helping to convince him there's room for him.

I'm interested in what a Jack - Outlaw - pick - Raef package could net us?

all longshots:
Iggy (if contractual disputes don't clear up)
Harris (we missed our shot, he's playing great)
Deng (the bulls are probably frustrated, but don't think that package would work for them)

who knows?

My Favorite Non-Blazers: Dwight Howard, Andre Iguodala, Allen Iverson, Andrei Kirilenko, Gilbert Arenas, Elton Brand, Jermaine O'neal, Chris Bosh

by darkhelmit54 on Apr 1, 2008 11:49 AM PDT reply actions

Rudy knows he's the bomb

and he knows that Sergio is toast. The fact that Nate is not giving playing time to Sergio should have no influence on Rudy's thinking. Sergio was never a starter, let alone the "best player in Europe."

Nature bats last.

by fisheyes on Apr 1, 2008 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmm

Even if KP loves Sergio, I doubt Sergio is worth it to KP to create a wedge between himself and Nate. KP seems a lot smarter than that.

I like Sergio, he needs more time, and I believe he will prove himself in the long run. But this year, with this team, with this record, force feeding minutes that are not earned is not the right thing to do and I seriously doubt KP will be angry at Nate for not playing Sergio.

Sergio does NOT equal Rudy, and I'd hope Rudy is smart enough to see that. I'd be worried if he wasn't (obviously, I think Rudy seems more than smart enough to discern the difference between his game and Sergio's game and that Sergio's problem with not getting minutes doesn't translate to Rudy having problems just because they are both kinda' Spanish).

It sounds like Rudy wants to come over and is just deflecting concerns about it while he is playing for his current team-- which is the right thing to do. I don't think we should be worried.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Apr 1, 2008 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

There is no evidence of any power struggle

KP and Coach Nate are on the same page. Sergio will get minutes when he earns them ahead of the other PGs. Next year will perhaps see a change in the number of PGs ahead of Sergio so his minutes may go up on that factor.

by lee3022 on Apr 1, 2008 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

i've noticed

in the games where Roy is not playing...chances are Sergio gets really limited minutes (back when he was getting 13-15 mins a game, he'd only log 5 with roy out of the lineup) or logs in a DNP.

by Philthyanimal on Apr 1, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

that's because

with B Roy out, we don't get far enough out on the lead, and Nate as a coach insists that we compete.

Sergio has done good things. But I wonder whether he is clear on his role. He has to prove he will shoot and make some shots to open up passing lanes and free shooters and drivers. Mayeb it's hard for him to balance his game.

'77

by LaoTzu on Apr 2, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions

It should happen

The latest I have heard on the subject was pretty promising. I was listening to John canzano's radio show with Gavin Dawson last week, and he had an interview with KP. KP discussed the whole Paul Allen deal with him talking to Rudy's father, and KP said he is extremely confident he will come over. KP also mentioned some other intersting info on the subject, he knows the gm of Rudy's team because when KP played basketball with the gm in spain, and they are pretty good friends. Like I said KP said he was extremely confident, and that makes me hopeful that Rudy will come over next season.

by BenMatlockTheLawyer on Apr 1, 2008 12:48 PM PDT reply actions

Barcelona, April 1. 2008 .-

Rudy Fernandez wanted to make it clear today that he focuses on the present and thinks only about his team, in the ACB League and the ULEB Cup, but has acknowledged that playing in the NBA is a "real objective" for his career.

"But today I reiterate my absolute concentration with DKV Joventut," insisted in a communiqué issued by the club.

Rudy recalled that his team enters "the crucial moment" of the season, with two titles at stake. Next week Juventut will do face the finals of the ULEB Cup, and also aspires to the maximum in the ACB .

"Portland is making a very big effort in order to I go there next year and that is important. I appreciate it very much," said Rudy Fernandez.

Anyway, the player already made it clear that the decision will be taken in summer, and that his goal now is to help the DKV Joventut, his club "lifetime", to win more titles.

by amlmart1 on Apr 1, 2008 2:38 PM PDT reply actions