Rudy Recap: Game 2
by Dave on Aug 12, 2008 7:40 AM PDT
117 comments
We got another good, long look at Rudy Fernandez against China last night. Here's the observation buffet:
--I didn't get to see the first quarter at all. I don't know if the televised it on another channel or didn't televise the game until the second quarter, but my Tivo didn't pick it up.
--The most impressive aspect of Rudy's game--and probably THE game overall--was the way he took over when the Spanish made their comeback in the fourth. Those two drives against Yao Ming were priceless. He picked that team up and carried them on his back. Others would come along and add to the win but Rudy did it first. Brilliant. You could tell how much the coach was relying on him as well by the minutes he got.
--For the most part Rudy drove under control tonight and got deeper to the cup. This showcased him a lot better. I like how he can drive either side of the lane.
--I still drool over how well Rudy moves without the ball no matter how many cuts I see him make. If the other Blazers will recognize the potential there and take care to get him the ball...oh boy. This showcases his quickness more than any other aspect of the game.
--When the floor is open, Rudy is at his best. He takes advantage of the space the other team leaves.
--Things get a little more sticky when things get congested. This showed up in his passing game tonight. When there's a lane he feeds the ball extremely well. But he was also making passes that didn't fly in the international game, let alone the NBA. In the NBA you cannot throw it across the lane, over the lane, or into the lane if the pass is soft or into heavy traffic. Applause for the unselfishness, but the crisp, straight tosses are the way to go.
--There's a difference in Rudy's whole game when things are clicking for him offensively (or at least energy-wise, which comes out offensively) and when they're not. Sometimes you're just begging for him to block out or go for a rebound...move...do something besides watch when he doesn't have the ball. Then all of a sudden he gets on a roll and his energy spills over into rebounding and defense as well. His drives sparked him tonight and he took it into overdrive. He plays much better when the spring is in his step. One of the adjustments he'll need to make is gearing up and being that energy guy right away and keeping it there, as he won't get much time to ebb and flow coming off the bench.
--This is critical to his defense. There's a big difference between the Rudy who moves his feet and makes plays and the Rudy who shows up late and/or takes a step and then waves at the ball with his arms.
--Overall I thought Rudy dealt with picks better tonight.
--Again we saw that Rudy's best halfcourt defense is the zone. Other than that, he's a lot better when you allow him to roam the passing lanes and try to create chaos than he is when you stick him on someone one-on-one and ask him to control them. Fortunately he'll have a couple things going for him coming to Portland. The Blazers have played a lot of zone under Nate McMillan. Plus Greg Oden should make a nice mop-up guy if and when Rudy gets on the wrong side of his man or a play.
This showing was even better than the first. I am excited to see how he responds against Team USA and whether he'll consider it a challenge to step up. If he can move consistently without the ball and if Spain feeds him the Americans could have a hard time keeping up.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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agreed
The more I watch him the more I can see him only playing a 2 guard. Which means he will be effective with Brandon at PG or for Brandon when he’s on the bench. It is amazing how he really took control. It reminds me of how Brandon is in the last quarter when it all goes thru him. I wonder how that will play with the two of them. I really loved the pick up of Rudy, at the time it was depth considering the team we had. Now I’m a little reserved with the way it will all play out with Brandon, Rudy, Blake, Bayless and Sergio. It’s easy to write out Sergio. At the same time, the diversity in PG and SG is more pronounced considering that Webster could very easily play the 2 also. I love that the Blazers have an opportunity to move someone that has value if needed.
Inallthetime
by inallthetime on Aug 12, 2008 8:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hands down the most exciting thing
is that this team loves to pass. And Rudy will not only be great at passing for a two-guard, he will also be FANTASTIC getting open to receive those passes. This is another reason he can’t play small forward, at least the way our offense is currently constructed. The small forward stands around on the weak side a lot. That would be a total waste. However I suspect within a couple years we’re going to see a completely revamped halfcourt offense anyway. These players are going to merit some wrinkles in the system once they get experienced enough (in general and with each other) to outgrow the basics.
—Dave
by Dave on Aug 12, 2008 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate's "One On One" (Comcast) was revealing
Nate said that as a player his favorite position had been the three. He said he had few responsibilties there (e.g., stopping guard penetration or getting back on defense), so he could free-lance according to the situation. Although Rudy clearly is well-suited to playing the two, I can also envision him in that free-lancing three role. He seems to really have the aptitude for it.
In that situation, Rudy could lay in the weeds for steals (as Nate used to do playing alongside the pressuring Gary Payton), fly in for opportunistic offensive boards, and generally make plays. That, above all, is what we’re seeing from Rudy in these Olympics: the guy can make plays. Often spectacular plays!
"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla
by hurryup09 on Aug 12, 2008 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this...
................................................. I believe Rex is the real deal. We know that Roy is the real deal. I believe Rudy is the real deal. You’ve basically got 3 “skill player” slots and 2 “power player” slots (to borrow a concept from the NFL, so those are the pegs one needs to make fit the three holes.
Rex guards 1s and functions like a 2 on offense; Roy guards 2s and functions like a 1 on offense in crunchtime; which leaves the slashing, 6’5” Mr. Fernandez to play small forward.
LMA and Oden anchoring the front line, QED.
Travis as 6th man, and Martell not getting his $10M payday from Wild Paul Allen…
t
"He shoots....................... he scores!!!"
by timbo on Aug 12, 2008 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can dig it
Though if Martell plays anywhere close to a level where 10 million is even THOUGHT of, he might be worth keeping.
Of course we’ll just have to wait n’ see. Right now he’s at Outlaw-level money, with a short deal so bring the real payday on faster.
Man, if Rudy could play SF, it’d make things easier. He so tiny right now! And I don’t think he’s getting taller.
I can’t wait to see how things shake out.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Oden being a down-low threat and our guards having more firepower . . .
. . . I wouldn’t be surprised to see the offensive scheme get re-worked
to put LaMardridge in the weak-side-sneak role, and get the small forward more involved.
And you know what? It would WORK.
LMA on the weak side would just kill people sagging to the other threats
and getting screened by Oden from moving strong-side-to-weak.
Blazers have a five-on-three...and they pull it back and wait for help.
by QualityPie on Aug 12, 2008 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have to Feel Good.
21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 34 minutes and 50% field goal shooting. The Spanish team has Pau and Marc Gasol, Navarro, Calderon etc., yet it was Pau at 34 minutes and Rudy who the coaches went to at crunch time to carry the team. Rudy picked up as many rebounds as Pau, and Calderon’s line of 22 minutes, 2 pts and 1 assist simply paled in comparison. Navarro and Marc Gasol, in turn, played less than 20 minutes. We can talk NBA all night, but the bottom line is that Rudy – the rooky – is (with the exception of Pau) outplaying Calderon, Navarro and March Gasol, and the rest. (to include Yao). Further, he has that intangible – leadership. He moves, he passes, he shoots, he disrupts, and he hustles. All good attributes.
Right now, my feeling for Rudy is somewhat similar to the one I got from watching Bayless in summer league. It wasn’t the NBA, and neither is the Olympics, but when it’s your guy that is outplaying the rest, you can hardly not allow yourself to feel good about your guy.
At this point, I can see why KP and the Blazers wanted him on the team. Just like, after seeing Bayless perform, we could see why KP wanted him – and thought he was the 4th best player in the entire draft. KP said that Rudy could do some things that few players in the NBA could do. Many of us kind of wrote that comment off (to homerism no doubt), but now we can get an idea of what he was talking about.
As far as the guards, from where I sit it’s no problem. Never forget that Mac prefers a three guard rotation. Rudy is clearly superior to Sergio. The Spanish coaches know that, and we’re now learning why. Webster, further, is not going to play SG. Roy, Blake, Rudy and Bayless will be the guards – period. Bayless and Rudy also both have an intangible that coaches love. They are determined to win. Rudy clearly brings that to the table as well. Bayless is relentless, and Rudy has some of that same quality.
by Eben Calder on Aug 12, 2008 8:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t go too far with the Rudy vs. Calderon comparison. Sure, in this game his stats were better than Calderon’s, but they are not playing against each other; they were being guarded by different players, Calderon took a mean whack to the back of the head and missed some time; and, most importantly, it was just one game. In Spain’s games against Argentina prior to the Olympics, games Spain was quite serious about winning, Calderon ha
I also don’t think it’s really accurate to say ” Rudy was who the coaches went to at crunch time ot carry the team.” Yes, he made a bunch of key plays in their comeback, but several were in transition, few looked like set “Rudy plays”, he was removed for most of the final three minutes of regulation and he did not take the last shot.
by PoliSam on Aug 12, 2008 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
finishing last sentence in first paragraph
“Calderon had much bigger numbers than Rudy.”
Anyway, it was definitely a very good game for Rudy, I just don’t know how many conclusions I’d draw from it. Dwayne Wade went 7 for 7 from the floor and 4 for 4 for the free throw line in about 20 minutes against China….. China has Yao and a bunch and some guys that would be back-ups in summer league. In fact, the Chinese national team lost to summer league teams last summer.
by PoliSam on Aug 12, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
three guard line-up
I’d love to see Rudy in three guard line-up with Roy.
by PoliSam on Aug 12, 2008 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One more thing
Sorry for being such a Negative Nancy. My posts were pretty nit-picky. I’m totally excited about Rudy as well, just trying to develop an image of how he’ll fit on our roster.
Jeez. Today is a day I would really enjoy the ability to edit my posts.
by PoliSam on Aug 12, 2008 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In two games Rudy already has 7 times as many assists as Bayless had in an entire summer league.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 9:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Tom, remember who they are playing with makes a difference.
I could be wrong now. But I don't think so!
by Kampeska on Aug 12, 2008 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't make me! Neener, neener, neener!
No one cared about that after summer league.
I mean seriously, has Bayless ever been credited with a single assist? I don’t know how to use the internet well enough to look it up.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know he had one
in the second game.
by jamon51 on Aug 12, 2008 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t believe it.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean the assist he got when
his shot was deflected and bounced off a teammate’s head and went into the hoop?
Asked his specialty in the kitchen, Oden paused and said, "Hamburger Helper and tuna fish."
by MiledAnimal on Aug 12, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The photo of that assist
Was proven to be a fake. It’s just a log with a hat on it.
NO ASSIST BY BAYLESS HAS YET TO BE DOCUMENTED.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I once saw a photo of a Bayless assist.
It was from his third grade rec league team, the Glendale Gophers. It was given to me by a Sherpa in the Golopagus mountains. Unfortunately it dissolved in my hands, and all I had left to show for it was an acidic burn (like the kind Ed Norton took in Fight Club). I tried to report it to the NBA’s Office of Statistics, and they gave me an address to go tell my story. But it was for the local asylum.
There’s also a small town in Idaho that swears they saw a Bayless assist sometime in the summer of ‘03. But there’s a fertilizer plant just down the road, and the particulate count was high that day.
Bayless isn't the second coming of Jordan.
Jordan was the first coming of Bayless.
by KP Corleone on Aug 12, 2008 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rudy the passer
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a photo of a much-maligned Jack Pass, by the way...
"He shoots....................... he scores!!!"
by timbo on Aug 12, 2008 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, Wrap Arounds are Cool
Jack wouldn’t start the wraparound that high, he’d do it as he was about to land as a last resort.
Nash, Paul, Deron, all good PGs do this wraparound pass. The idea is good, the execution wasn’t (sometimes), in Jack’s case. And I love the kid!
I’m rooting for Jack to overtake TJ Ford for the PG spot at Indy.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of wraparound passes
When Chris Webber played for the Kings, do any of you remember seeing that pass he did to himself around Jake Tsakalidis’ torso? Very funny.
Asked his specialty in the kitchen, Oden paused and said, "Hamburger Helper and tuna fish."
by MiledAnimal on Aug 13, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How tall is he in Timbo height in that photo? Yao’s elbow is bigger than his head.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao is 6'7", tops
Making Rudy 5’11” after wearing Kevin Love’s patented 3 inch pumps for measuring day.
Timbo is like 6’4” or something, so I think he just wants to be taller than everyone. THAT GUY AIN’T TALL. NOW ME, THAT’S TALL, BUDDY is an exact quote that Timbo gave the AP before the Lithuania/Greece contest.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been excited to see him in a blazers uniform since we first aquired him, but being 1/2 Korean, the recent team photo where they are all making those slant eye gestures sure put a bad taste in my mouth. I’m sure he was just doing what he was told by the SBA suits, but I hope he knows that this crap is unacceptable over here.
by kikifromdowntown on Aug 12, 2008 9:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
right with you
very very bad taste.
Boomshakalaka
by jksnake99 on Aug 12, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
thanks for speeking up
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rudy's D
He’s not a lockdown defender by any means, but ballhawks who get steals can be valuable if you have guys that can play goalie at the rim, which Oden and Aldridge should be able to do. Obviously, he won’t be guarding the other team’s best player, but I’m not that concerned about his D.
Boomshakalaka
by jksnake99 on Aug 12, 2008 9:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
can someone plz plz give me a link so i can finally watch the game plz?
by blazerholic5 on Aug 12, 2008 9:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
here it is
when the rewind button is up you can watch the game on your cpu
Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.
by jonestr on Aug 12, 2008 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is up now
Just click on the replay of the US game, then in the side bar there is a link for the spain/china game.
by usmcr3049 on Aug 12, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just got through watching,
and yeah Rudy looked good out there and was a big reason they won. I just have to ask who owns the rights to Ricky Rubio? He’s 17? Wow…
by lethaldose on Aug 12, 2008 10:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think his parents own his rights
he will be in next years draft
Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.
by jonestr on Aug 12, 2008 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now Joventut Badalona, Rudy's old team
They played there together for the last few seasons. If you think Sergio to Rudy is a good combo, just dream of Ricky to Rudy. Hey, dreaming is allowed.
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rubio will go top 3 next year
If not number 1
by BlazerD on Aug 12, 2008 10:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Your probably right
Oh well we’ve had it pretty good in the draft the last few years. Here’s hoping KP can pull off another steal.
by lethaldose on Aug 12, 2008 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
if any on can… lol
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rubio is 17 right now,
So there’s no way he can enter the draft next year. He will not come out till 2010 offseason, prolly along with Lance Stephenson, when the NBA goes into its biggest free-agency market possibly ever.
Andy Roddick has the most wimbledon titles in the world. He just hides them in Federer's trophy case
by premthegrem on Aug 12, 2008 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, he's entering the draft
It’s been reported pretty widely that he is expected to enter the draft. I think he can as an 18 year old because he’s been a pro for forever.
I could be wrong, but all of the ‘experts’ say he’s going to enter the draft. Draft Express, etc and so forth and onwards.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hears a link
most have him in the number one spot. this links to a site whear they keep updates from just about every website that does a moch draft.
http://dcprosportsreport.com/NBAMocks.htm
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to turn 19 in the year of the draft, not before the draft. His birthday is in the fall.
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 13, 2008 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marca reports that Rudy appeared at the press conference with ice place in the interior part of the right thigh...
a slight limp and clear gestures of feeling pain. Link in Spanish.
The Midnight Rambler
by amlmart1 on Aug 12, 2008 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rats, I knew we should have taken Michael Jordan with that pick
Asked his specialty in the kitchen, Oden paused and said, "Hamburger Helper and tuna fish."
by MiledAnimal on Aug 12, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I tought
it was “Rudy > MJ”?
Ball Don't Lie
by bothteamsplayedhard on Aug 12, 2008 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, he's a bust.
Perhaps he was feeling pain because somebody strapped a big bag of ice to his inner thigh. That could explain the limp too. He should ice it.
by lukeyhere on Aug 12, 2008 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!
Well played, sir. Well played.
by DonkeyShins on Aug 12, 2008 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe I can fly
Love that it seems like he draws contact on every play. He will either get a lot of trips to the line or a lot of offensive fouls
Casey Holdahl also has some nice examples at Center Court.
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 11:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He's also
going to be injured a lot.
That’s the nature of his style of play and why he should be our spark off the bench. It’ll reduce the wear and tear of his style of game.
Ford: Bill, you're claiming victory already? Have you had a "Mission Accomplished" banner printed yet?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=DraftDebate-080624
by ratbastird on Aug 12, 2008 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has played this way as long as I have watched him
and has only had minor injuries as far as I know. Skinny doesn’t equal injury proneness, just ask Kevin Martin, Rip Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince….
RUDY > MJ
by myemic23 on Aug 12, 2008 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And AI - but that guy is the exception to the rule
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone see what happened to Jimenez?
he was the guy who looked like he tripped over his own feet going after a block on a break away lay up. Took a hard, abit very funny, fall into the basketball stand. The replay doesn’t show any really good replays of the play to see why he did such a thing. It looked like he was running full speed, then someone, somehow tied his shoe laces together so he just tripped and went down hard.
by usmcr3049 on Aug 12, 2008 12:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was sad and funny
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got a good look on the internet feed second time around. He clearly slipped on the floor...
.................................... the TV replays made it look like he was diving for the block, but the side-view was totally clear that he was going all out, hit a wet spot, and it was lights out, Louise…
"He shoots....................... he scores!!!"
by timbo on Aug 12, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watched it in HD
To me it looked like he was going to jump and instead of leaping off his front foot, it just kind of planted and he did a pole vault off his own leg.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya thats sorta of what I saw
It looked like he went to jump and his left leg just wouldn’t cooperate. Probably on of the weirder things I have seen watching a Bball game…
RUDY > MJ
by myemic23 on Aug 12, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure he just had a stroke
And or the wet moldy towels the court crew was using isn’t keeping the floor as dry as you’d think.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is what I first thought tom
it is almost like his left leg powered up and his right leg tried to plant, but just planted on air. SO funny, but I hope he is okay.
by usmcr3049 on Aug 12, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he is
He was holding his head. That’s a quick recovery sometimes. I split my head open once and it took three days before I didn’t get crazy dizzy spells every time I changed the position of my head, and six months to get over post concussion syndrome. He just was all Debo like. He’ll be fine by the next game.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ohhh... you guys didn't hear?
He died rather painfully last night. Yeah.
So you guys joking about it makes you awful people.
Sorry…?
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some people said he slipped because there was sweat on the floor.
by BRoyInThe4th on Aug 12, 2008 1:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
HEY!
This is no time to be serious. just kidding, seriously.
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dale Schlueter,
the 6’10” not-too-coordinated center for the Blazers in the early days, had just made a rare (for him) basket in a nationally televised game against the Pistons and was running back downcourt. The camera was on him as he began slowing down and turning around to get into defensive position. His feet tangled and he crashed to floor so quickly that he left the camera frame. I laughed for an hour.
Asked his specialty in the kitchen, Oden paused and said, "Hamburger Helper and tuna fish."
by MiledAnimal on Aug 13, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Charting Rudy
Nice review. As a supplement, here is a run down of all of the possessions Rudy that used>
First Half
1. Missed catch and shoot three.
2. Assist pass in semi-transition.
3. Drew shooting foul off dribble drive. (Dribble drive initiated off of screen).
4. Step back three (right corner)
5. Step back three (left corner)
6. Steal for a dunk.
7. Missed shot off pick and roll. (right wing).
8. Assist pass to Gasol from top of the key.
9. Missed Alley-Oop attempt (great cut).
10. Dribble drive lay-in off of pump fake in semi-transition (and was being covered by a Chinese big on perimeter).
11. Drew intentional foul in transition.
12. Missed lay-in off of half court drive (guarded by Yi).
Second Half
13. Missed catch and shoot three.
14. Turnover from drive to the lane in semi-transition
15. Turnover from drive to the lane off of a pick and roll.
16. Missed lay-in off of dribble drive (dribble drive initiated off of screen).
17. Assist pass off of dribble drive (drive and kick).
18. Missed lay-in in transition.
19. Turnover on traveling violation (loose ball).
20. Assist pass off of pick and roll (alley oop to Gasol).
21. Lay-in from dribble drive off of pick and roll.
22. Lay-in off of dribble drive in transition.
23. Put back in transition.
OT
24. Turnover off of pick and roll.
25. Assist (perhaps) off of offensive rebound tap.
26. Lay-in off of back door cut.
By my count he had 9 points in transition or “semi-transition” (meaning all five defenders were not down the floor). He scored 6 points on threes, 2 on a back door cut, and three on half court drives. That breakdown supports Dave’s claim that Rudy is a bit better in transition and moving without the ball. I potential counter argument to that claim is that several of his assists came from dribble penetration. I’d say, however, that the Chinese perimeter defense was fairly weak and it’s big men are relatively easy to pass against, being somewhat slow footed. In addition, he also had three turnovers while driving the ball into the lane… and almost had a couple more.
One thing not mentioned much (and not in my break down of possessions) was that Rudy was a terror on the offensive glass and loose balls. In particular, at the start of overtime Rudy had at least three offense rebounds or tips that helped Spain take control of the game.
Rudy played a lot of minutes in this game as a third guard. I think this would be his perfect roll for the Blazers. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’d like to see him playing WITH Roy, Oden, and Aldridge. I rather have him scoring in transition and coming off of screens than trying to create his offense by himself or off of pick and rolls with the second unit. I’d like to see him being able to pass the ball to Oden. I’d like to see him getting outlet passes from Oden. I’d like to see him benefit from Roy’s play-making skills. I’d like to see him punishing opposing defenses for doubling teaming by shooting threes and cutting to the hoop. We’ll see if it happens.
by PoliSam on Aug 12, 2008 1:12 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Edits
Edits:
I have no idea how the link got in there. The first line should read, “here is a rundown of all of the possessions that Rudy used:”
I meant to say he had four on half court drives.
I have him for five assists… the official score says 6, might have missed one on an outlet pass or loose ball.
by PoliSam on Aug 12, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is really good stuff
Thank you for breaking that down. Rudy did look MUCH better off of the dribble this game.
—Dave
by Dave on Aug 12, 2008 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I like most
about what I have seen so far is the high speed perpetual motion machine,he can make things happen for his team without even touching the ball
by southern oregon on Aug 12, 2008 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is what I like about Rudy
The closer the ball is to the basket, the closer Rudy gets to the ball.
He can tell if the shot is going out or if it is a miss and he gets himself in position to be where the ball will be when it bounces off of the rim.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 1:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Some guys
Just know where the rebound as soon as it leaves the other guys hand,a rare and unteachable skill
by southern oregon on Aug 12, 2008 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I can’t believe I wrote “He can tell if the shot is going out or if it is a miss.” I meant “in” and I’m glad you got that. Thanks again.
Watch the next game. When the shot goes up, he does not run to the basket, he runs to a spot on the floor.
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd like to see an update
from Dave after he’s seen the first quarter on the net. I thought Rudy played incredible until they took him out leading 20-16. He definitely works harder when he has his groove on which was in the first and last quarters and OT. Does he look a little like Ben Affleck or am I crazy? Hope his acting is better.
by sonofagun on Aug 12, 2008 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i just sent him a link to that first quarter
with the note “rudy is killllllling.”
"You'd rather say 'whoa' than 'giddyup.'" ~ Dean Demopoulos
by Ben. on Aug 12, 2008 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was the link posted here?
I missed it, unless it’s on NBCOlympics.com?
I was watching on TV and they cut to the game as the 1st quarter ended, on MSNBC. We had to suffer through some God-awful 24 hr news channel talk show and I nearly jumped out my window waiting for the game to start.
Rudy does crazy things to my heart :-( Who is this Bayless fellow people mentioned above again?
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It happend to me too
I mentioned it last night that my programming only let me start recording at 11:00 PM HST and the recording started and then an announcer said, “We now join some basketball near the end of the first quarter.”
I so had a racist joke to write there. Seriously folks, what is the deal with the Chinese sweat wiper uppers?
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the link
http://www.nbcolympics.com/basketball/video/index.html
whole game is up. best part = no commentary!
rudy’s performance was really special. the only qualifier is that it was against china’s guards. but just knowing he has that skill set is heart-fluttering for sure.
i’m still with the bayless bandwagon. i can see the bayless/rudy combo being ruthless.
there will be zero bemoaning of the jack trade.
"You'd rather say 'whoa' than 'giddyup.'" ~ Dean Demopoulos
by Ben. on Aug 12, 2008 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sun Yue will be a L@ker next season - then we are all set with Rudy
Though probably he will only be the bench replacement for Coby Karl.
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know how to get one of his team China jerseys?
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What interests me
is that people are writing things like “with Oden to mop up” and “Oden and Aldridge playing goalie” (paraphrases not real quotes) which puts in him the starting lineup. No mention of him playing with Channing & Przy … Who is it going to be? Bayless or Fernandez? Or are we going to start 3 guards and toss Webster to the winds?
"We, as Blazer fans, are perhaps the luckiest fans in the league."-Idog1976, July 19.
by jorga on Aug 12, 2008 2:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
no doubt
the pressure being put upon martell is the biggest development in this rudy story.
i think starters are blake, roy, martell, aldridge, oden.
i think the two obvious fourth quarter combinations right now are
bayless, roy, outlaw, aldridge, oden
roy, rudy, outlaw, aldridge, oden
rudy will see plenty of minutes with pryz.
as for channing, if LMA continues to be LMA and stays healthy, frye will not be seeing much PT at all.
"You'd rather say 'whoa' than 'giddyup.'" ~ Dean Demopoulos
by Ben. on Aug 12, 2008 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
personally
I want to see a 4th qtr line up of
Bayless, Roy, Rudy, LMA, and Oden.
If that happens it means everyone has developed to where we all hope they would, and the Blazers would be a very dangerous team.
by usmcr3049 on Aug 12, 2008 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
another great possibility
however, that probably necessitates an outlaw trade.
if he can’t crack our fourth quarter lineup, it’s time for him to move on.
i can see this as a solid possibility but not until after the trade deadline, mostly for chemistry reasons.
"You'd rather say 'whoa' than 'giddyup.'" ~ Dean Demopoulos
by Ben. on Aug 12, 2008 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
#25
"You'd rather say 'whoa' than 'giddyup.'" ~ Dean Demopoulos
by Ben. on Aug 12, 2008 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outlaw is staying.
He can hit shots in the fourth. Too few of those around. (winners)
I could be wrong now. But I don't think so!
by Kampeska on Aug 12, 2008 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could we apply to the NBA to start playing 6 on 6?
We have too much talent…
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
units aren't hard and fast
For example, Jack and Outlaw spent plenty of time with the first unit last year.
You make a good point though.
Boomshakalaka
by jksnake99 on Aug 12, 2008 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden and Aldridge
will eventually play massive minutes and will see time with just about everybody. If Przybilla sticks around then he’s not a bad mopper-upper either.
—Dave
by Dave on Aug 12, 2008 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets hope Przybilla sticks around
He’s the man.
by DonkeyShins on Aug 12, 2008 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden won't play "massive minutes" because he will accumulate "massive fouls"...
................................................... I’m looking for a 55-45 time split with Pryz. Willing to bet money it won’t be over 60-40.
t
"He shoots....................... he scores!!!"
by timbo on Aug 12, 2008 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's throw some other first overall pick names in there and see if it makes sense.
Derrick Rose won’t play more than 27 minutes a game. He’ll be splitting time with Kirk Hinrich.
Dwight Howard won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
LeBron James won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
Yao Ming won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
Elton Brand won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
Tim Duncan won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
Allen Iverson won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
Shaquille O’Neal won’t play more than 27 minutes a game…
We’re not just talking about this year here. We’re talking about long careers with Rudy and Oden and all of the rest of them. If our once-in-a-generation center first overall pick never plays more than 27-29 minutes per game then we completely wasted that draft pick. We should have taken Kevin Durant instead, by a mile. So let’s hope that your hypothesis doesn’t come true, otherwise the Blazers aren’t going to be near the team people are hoping they’ll be.
—Dave
by Dave on Aug 13, 2008 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
draft kevin durant for the win
We should have taken Kevin Durant instead, by a mile.
out of context this is a beautiful statement!
"You'd rather say 'whoa' than 'giddyup.'" ~ Dean Demopoulos
by Ben. on Aug 13, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
off handed remark
i was looking at the center court blog photo display of rudy`s efforts in game two .it seems to me he has a bad habit of clearing way for his drives with the off arm.i dont think this will fly in the nba.
by 2phattoplay on Aug 12, 2008 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I noticed that too, but think it gets whistled more often in international play than in the NBA
Grabbing around your defender with your off-arm is immediately an offensive foul. Maybe not so much when you make contact while in the air. Depends probably a little bit on your standing in the league.
Also, it’s harder to draw fouls under European rules, so Rudy’s FT attempts might even go up.
Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...
by Norsktroll on Aug 12, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He uses his arms a ton
Watch him when he gets matched up against a bigger opponent that he has to defend. He’s more grabby than Ben Golliver in a Hooters booth.
—Dave
by Dave on Aug 12, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Me notice three!
Sergio does that a LOT as well, and I remember other team’s commentators complaining about it a few times.
I’m repeatedly surprised that Sergio doesn’t get called for it, because he throws his arm/elbow out a lot when he tries to get past someone or fend off defensive pressure.
It SHOULD be called, but we’ll see what happens!
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mortimer
Ah, c’mon. You remember Bayless, don’t you? He was the kid that mopped up the other rookies in this years draft. Rudy was in last years. This year they said Rudy would’ve been a top 10. In fact, ESPN projected him as the 4th best rookie in their top 50 class for this year.
Looks like a pretty good three guard rotation downstream to me. With two sets of twin towers, we might even play some small ball. I could see Rudy driving some people crazy on the wing. Certainly didn’t seem worried about all those 7 footers. Also remember that KP went a little overboard about Fernandez a few days after he was signed, and then backed off a little by saying he didn’t want to put too much pressure on him right away to be a starter.
Now, does anyone here think that Bayless will “ever” be happy doing anything but starting? That kids motor and determination doesn’t let him think that anyone – including the great one – is really better than he is. Looks like Mac has some real competitors on his hands.
by Eben Calder on Aug 12, 2008 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yes, i think Rudy will be fine if he doesn't start
He has played many times as a bench player. If he performs he will get minutes, and that is his desire as far as I can see. To fit into the team, and help the Blazers win, if that means he comes off the bench than great, he will get more shots that way. *(kinda like Travis)
However I see him as our starting PG of the future, just because his skills seem to match up so well with Roy’s. If everyone matures according to plan, than next year the starting line up will be Bayless, Roy, Martel, LMA, and Oden. With Rudy and Outlaw providing the bench pop.
by usmcr3049 on Aug 12, 2008 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bayless who?
If Bayless was so good he woulda’ made the Spanish National Team. I don’t see him playing, so out of sight out of mind.
I thinks, in the long run, all 3 could play with each other (all 3 = Roy/Rudy/Bayless). What of Martell and Trout? Dunno!
The players will figure it out though. We will not suffer from a lack of options, that much is certain.
I think Bayless will start at PG soon enough and Rudy will be the premier 6th man in the league and a huge fan favorite all over until everyone realizes he flops all day (though he hasn’t flopped as much in the Olympics yet). I dunno what becomes of Travis, or Martell, but everyone’s fate is in their own hands as they’ll all get minutes to prove themself.
Except for Frye. I think he gets the shaft, and so does Blake eventually. I wanna keep Blake if we can, but I think Frye is too talented (for a big) to be okay getting the shaft from us.
Is ‘getting the shaft’ dirty? I’m just referring to the expression in a mine shaft sorta way, like when a mine collapses on you and you lose all of your minutes to Oden pushing Pryz to a backup role and the need to get Outlaw minutes anywhere we can, which will be PF.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Aug 12, 2008 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone is so short sighted
Paul Allen’s money.
Paul Allen’s money.
Money from Paul Allen.
Money from Paul Allen.
Paul Allen’s money shared with players.
Paul Allen’s money shared with players.
Players happy and content in their roles.
Players happy and content in their roles.
Because players are compensated.
Because players are compensated.
Paul Allen’s money.
Paul Allen’s money.
Paul Allen’s money, yo!
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 12, 2008 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
What's that, Lassie!
What are you trying to say, girl?
Timmy’s fallen down a mineshaft and needs Paul Allen’s money to keep the Blazers stocked with talent?
(woof!)
by DonkeyShins on Aug 12, 2008 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm gonna rec that!
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rudy had a much better game. Great O, Great D.
I could be wrong now. But I don't think so!
by Kampeska on Aug 12, 2008 2:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
how can you go wrong with 21-8-6, plus 2 steals and a block
granted they were playing china, but those are still great numbers.
allow my self to introduce myself................ I am ME!!
by AND1attorney on Aug 12, 2008 2:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
better than the rest.
after watching all the basketball games so far, i would say that rudy is as far ahead of the rest of the field than bayless was in summerleague.that includes our guys!!!!
by 2phattoplay on Aug 12, 2008 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rudiker is to the olympics
what B-Rex “the Face” Fear-less was to the summer league? I’ll buy that.
Untill Spain plays US, and we get to see him preform against top flight NBA talent, we just don”t really know. Even if he gives an average performance, I will be estatic. If he performs well…...
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few observations
- Fernandez can create space to get off his own shot in international competition. Against NBA defenders, perhaps not so much.
- He is an opportunistic defender, looking for steals and double-teaming when he can, but not a good on-ball defender.
- He dribbles with his head up, and can both lead the break and finish on the wing. He is not a confident dribbler under pressure.
- He has good shot mechanics and has been accurate throughout his career from distance.
- He positional rebounding is very good for a SG/SF, he actively goes after the ball.
- He’s a team player, staying within the offense, and a willing and able passer.
- His ability to take it to the basket and finish in traffic will translate to the NBA.
- Strength is clearly going to be an issue, Yi cleared him out easily while posting up.
In the NBA, his natural position, as others have said, is clearly at shooting guard. With his skill set, he can clearly be successful in the NBA. It’s difficult to see where he gets minutes with the Blazers with Roy playing SG 35 minutes a game. This team has a serious minutes crunch issue – with too many players who will need and deserve them and not enough to go around.
by baduk on Aug 12, 2008 4:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Olympics Basketball Channel
The Olympics Basketball Channel played the entire game between Spain and China in HD. It is on channel 99 on Dish Network. if you have it.. Plays all the basketball at the Olympics and repeats some of the games.
by richarda97 on Aug 12, 2008 4:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the Up-date
appriciated by all that have it, im sure. :) Causes jealisy in those that don’t. :(
"I love Sheed. I wish he’d write a children’s book. Maybe he’d call it - How to $&%# Cuss Like a Big Boy."
--- tominhawaii on May 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT
Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations
by ptwnblzr on Aug 12, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's 5 minutes of game highlights from NBCOlympics.com
"He shoots....................... he scores!!!"
by timbo on Aug 12, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
About the game "against Team USA and whether Rudy'll consider it a challenge to step up."
He will certainly. Because Nate is one of their coaches it will be even something personal. Hope he keeps himself in control because Rudy will play hearing all time the Supretramp´s song Rudy>
How can you live without love, its not fair?
Someone said give but I just didnt dare.
What good advice are you waiting to hear?
Hearings alright for them thats all there
Youd better gain control now
Youd better showem all now
Youd better make or break now
Youd better give and take now
Youll have to push and shove now
Youll have to find some love now
Youd better gain control now.
The Midnight Rambler
by amlmart1 on Aug 13, 2008 12:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I saw Rudy try to take a charge from Yao
"I grab every opportunity to tweak Timbo." - annthefan
by tominhawaii on Aug 13, 2008 4:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow Yao!
Just watched the game last night, and I’m still trying get the the smell of burnt toast out of my house! Yao is like maybe @ 6% full strenth right now. Rudy is going to totally mess with some NBA defenders minds this year! I hope the Blazers are planning on having a few extra backboards around for home games, and have a team like a Nascar pit crew, where they can swap out a board in under 5 minutes. Because once Rudy and Oden hook up on some of those sweet lob passes….In the words of Wheels ” OOOOhhh that was nasty!!!”
2-4 the who
by 24thewho on Aug 13, 2008 9:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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