FanPost

Can Rudy Play SF?

Can Rudy play the small forward position?

Cons: He’s not big enough, can’t defend NBA small forwards

Pros: can hit the three, excellent offensive player, decent team defender

Let’s consider a few things in this discussion. The first is that, as of right now, we have Martell Webster starting at small forward. I would argue that offensively Rudy can contribute more offense to the starting lineup than Martell. Second, Rudy can potentially get stronger and improve his defense. I’m not saying that Rudy is ever going to be a lock down defender, but he could develop into an adequate defender. Third, Paul Pierce just won a championship playing the small forward. Pierce is, 6’7”  235 according to Wikipedia, Rudy is, 6’5” 185, according to Wikipedia. He’s not considerably smaller than Pierce, especially since I remember Pierce being listed at 6’6”. Rudy could bulk up and add muscle. Rudy could develop into a very capable starting small forward. I suggest that we play him at the small forward this year, so he can learn the position.

Offensively a starting lineup of Blake, Roy, Rudy, Aldridge, and Oden would be unstoppable. Defensively Oden would be able to help overcome the weak spots in our defense, specifically Rudy and Blake, so we would be adequate. This lineup would leave Bayless to come off the bench to backup Roy and Blake, Travis could backup Rudy and Aldridge, and Pryz would backup Oden. There’s a solid 8 man rotation for the playoffs. During the regular season we run a nine or ten man lineup that includes Martell and/or Channing. Then the lineup would be tightened for the playoffs.  

Minutes Breakdown of my lineup

PG: Blake 28/ Bayless 20

SG: Roy: 37/Bayless 11

SF: Rudy 32/ Outlaw 16

PF: Aldridge 37/ Outlaw 11

C: Oden 35/ Pryz 13

Total Minutes:

Blake: 28

Bayless: 31

Roy: 37

Rudy: 32

Outlaw: 27

Aldridge: 37

Oden: 35

Pryz: 13