Rudy Tiene Una Sorpresa
by Ben. on Jan 23, 2009 2:40 PM PST
58 comments
That's right, Rudy has a surprise. Another day at practice, another day of post-practice slam dunk preparation for Rudy Fernandez.
After I described his soccer skills, I was a little bit taken aback that some of you guys were mad at me for letting the cat out of the bag. Really?
That is, until today, when I tried to film a little bit of Rudy's dunk preparation. Take a look at what happened.
At the end, you can see Rudy gesture and hear him yell "no camera!" at me so I shut it off. Maybe that Marca report got back to him? Or maybe he just Bedges all day.
So what was Rudy working on? Well, I'll respect his wishes and not get specific. Let's just say he practiced at least 4 different looks in roughly 15 minutes, all of which were pretty impressive. He does need to up his conversion percentage a little bit though.
If you're an astute listener, you can hear Coach Monty Williams in the beginning of the video saying "don't worry about the dunk or you'll be here another hour, don't worry about it." He was talking to Travis and Nic, who were having a wee bit of trouble concentrating on their end-of-practice jumpers with Rudy high-flying across the way.
As Trout and Nic wrapped up shooting, Rudy yelled out "Traw vees!" to make sure Outlaw was watching, and then proceeded to throw down a windmill. Travis's responses, "whooo --- hooooo."
And here's one final dunk nugget: Nic Batum can almost throw it down from the free throw line a la Dr. J, MJ and Brent "Air Bones" Barry. He couldn't quite execute it today but judging by the quality of his attempt he's probably done it before. Ridiculous.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)
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Nice try Ben!
Better luck getting the covert details next time!
I’d love to see Nic throw one down from the free throw line, that would be awesome. – Elgin
I get what I deserve. I deserve what I get. I have it so I deserve it. I deserve
it for I have it. I get what I deserve. What I deserve - what I deserve what
I get. I have it so I deserve. - Gentle Giant
by 22baylor on Jan 23, 2009 2:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
yea can you get some video of that?
If he can actually lift off before the free throw line he would be the first to accomplish that. I don’t think anybody has actually lifted off before the line, in the dunk competition.
From the back of Travis Outlaw's Franz card: Travis leads the team in monstrous thunder dunks, wins awards for post game interviews, and often gets extra points for degree of difficulty.
by TheOdenator on Jan 23, 2009 2:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ben, you peeping Tom you.
Leave that stuff up to the sneaks in Hawaii.
"What's that, some kind of hamburger?"
--Bo Outlaw on being asked how he felt about recording his first triple double.
by prezofdeath on Jan 23, 2009 2:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we'll see Batum in the dunk contest soon.
Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.
"I want to put points on your face."
-Rudy to Pau Gasol
NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"
by rockingharder on Jan 23, 2009 2:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
it's more of a lust thing for me but ....
I’m sure our authors knew they were studs ;) ;o
+1
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
by faith on Jan 23, 2009 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Uhmm...
And Clyde Drexler from the free throw line. Sure, his foot was maybe a smidgen past the line, but really!
This isn't the Lakers,...
"It's not Show time. It's GO time!"
by GameFace on Jan 23, 2009 2:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I have to admit that I have never understood all the attention dunking gets.
Sure, I like how it can get the crowd and even the players fired up and as a catylst for team energy, I’m all for it. But in the end it is only two points. A layup is worth just as much and is an equally high percentage shot. One of the aspects of Roy’s game that I appreciate is that he doesn’t get caught up in the hype of the dunk. He can do it, but unless he sees that some additional benefit might acrue from it, he usually settles for a lay in.
I prefer a deadeye jump shooter. That’s why I’m a fan of guys like Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen. Sure, a dunk represents raw power, but there is something beautiful about seeing a shot swoosh through the net from a distance. And when that distance is beyond the 3 pt arc, there is the added benefit of an extra point.
In other words, anyone tall enough or with enough hops can dunk the ball. No real basketball skill is required. Having a pure jump shot is a skill, one that I think is under appreciated by most fans.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Jan 23, 2009 3:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
nah
a dunk is a much higher percentage shot. It is almost completely unblockable, the only thing that can go wrong is missing it.
From the back of Travis Outlaw's Franz card: Travis leads the team in monstrous thunder dunks, wins awards for post game interviews, and often gets extra points for degree of difficulty.
by TheOdenator on Jan 23, 2009 3:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Most Exciting Shot In Basketball
100% shooting @ the Free Throw Line !
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
by NOWINE on Jan 23, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
haha
From the back of Travis Outlaw's Franz card: Travis leads the team in monstrous thunder dunks, wins awards for post game interviews, and often gets extra points for degree of difficulty.
by TheOdenator on Jan 23, 2009 3:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wilt Chambelain used to shoot free throws that way
until the NBA quickly changed the rules mandating it be a set shot.
by EngineerScotty on Jan 23, 2009 3:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
way back, they didn’t have the rule saying you couldn’t cross the FT line like they do now, so he would just jump from the frett throw line toward the basket and kind of lay it in or whatever (ive never seen footage of it, just read about it)
Rule #1 of nitpicking is to get it right.
by douglast on Jan 23, 2009 8:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
serious?
can some old fuddy dud confirm?
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
by faith on Jan 23, 2009 9:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He was still playing
when I started following the NBA, but the rule had changed. I’ve heard the stories, too. I don’t know if he always did it that way, or just a few times on a lark because he was so bad at normal FTs.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jan 24, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Link
http://www.school-for-champions.com/sports/basketball_rule_changes.htm
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jan 24, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone can dunk?
Maybe at practice—but part of dunking is being able to beat your man enough to get in there and slam it home. You’ve got to have good body position—and a whole lot of aggression and motivation—to dunk.
by torridjoe on Jan 23, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Neither a Dunk nor a Layup is a gimme
The fastest, most athletic, best shooter in my B-Ball class has bricked like 3 dunks in games.
Both require skill and athletic ability, dunking more so. To say that “no real basketball skill is required” is horse poo though. Tim Duncan dunks are super efficient like lay ins.
- Rookie fe[a]st 2009 -
by appel82 on Jan 23, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
true.
that reminds me, I’ve got to sign up for wnba league pass.
;-D
Good night, Blazer fans, whereEVER you may be.... DAA-daddle-a-DA-da-da-DA-da-da-DAA
by jerome glide porterworth on Jan 23, 2009 4:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyways
It’s Good to see/hear the Teammates getting involved and supporting RUDY.
Next weekend… SUPERBOWL
Following weekend – ALL-STAR WEEKEND
speaking of which.. Arizona gets to watch there team play in the superbowl, then a week later host the dang All-Star weekend.
Good to be in Zona.
by B-ROYalty on Jan 23, 2009 3:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yes..Really...
I did not mention it yesterday, because I guess at some level I don’t take it THAT seriously. However The way I see it, the only chance Rudy has in the dunk competition is to become an instant fan favorite and the only chance he has to do that is to come up with some embraceable gimic. So the trick is to let out just enough information to create intrigue but not enough to give it all away. So yes, quit trying to reveal all that he is trying to do. Otherwise I really fear for Rudy. He’s a great dunker but not really a high flyer, float in the air type. His popularity has put him in a difficult spot. Add to it that his foot is sore. I am simultaneously happy for Rudy and scared for Rudy. Can you win a dunk contest through creative thought? He’ going to need more than 1 special dunk. Ah forget it! What’s spanish for “Go for Broke ya Crazy Spaniard!”? How about he dunks after jumping over a Brama Bull? At least he cares, nice to know he is actually trying to come up with something. Damn, now I’m making myself start to worry about this! Go Rudy! By any means necessary!
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Jan 23, 2009 3:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think you're going to give yourself an ulcer
My question is why people are scared for him or whether he’ll get embarrassed? It’s. A. Dunk. Contest.
The only way he would truly embarrass himself is if he missed all his attempts or fell on his rear. If that happens, the sports shows would air it for about 3 straight days and then stop.
by Gwen on Jan 23, 2009 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Chris 'Birdman' Anderson
That is how you embarrass yourself. Rudy is no Birdman.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 23, 2009 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
or nate robinson...
i mean if you miss 50 attempts at a dunk, there’’s no way you could show your face at a dunk contest again, right?
oh wait.
by nima on Jan 23, 2009 4:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That contest was a joke
The dunk where he started at half court… he missed it like 8 times? It was the worst All-Star weekend moment in basketball history.
by Zaig on Jan 23, 2009 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously. Didn't Chris Kamen have one of those "50 try" dunks, too?
While I appreciate his pluckiness, I was cringing for the guy. Was that before the time limit rule?
Good night, Blazer fans, whereEVER you may be.... DAA-daddle-a-DA-da-da-DA-da-da-DAA
by jerome glide porterworth on Jan 23, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah, it was Chris Anderson. I'm an idiot.
“puts down b*ng”
Good night, Blazer fans, whereEVER you may be.... DAA-daddle-a-DA-da-da-DA-da-da-DAA
by jerome glide porterworth on Jan 23, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid....
My first sentence was that I don’t take it THAT seriously. First of all I want Rudy to do well because I’m a Blazer fan. Secondly I’m a little worried because usually these contests are won on the strength of the athletic dunk. If this was a alley oop, catch you when you are sleeping dunk contest, I’d pick Rudy to win- but it won’t be. No hopefully Rudy will have fun with it, hopefully we fans will have fun with it. I figure when the contest is over it will either be something I want to keep recorded forever or instantly erase…I can deal with either scenario.
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Jan 23, 2009 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Power dunks or...
Doing an extremely boring dunk, but being 5’9 so the hype wins it regardless. (Spud did this as well IIRC.)
by Zaig on Jan 24, 2009 1:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about the secrecy Ben
I saw references to your report about Rudy using Soccer in his dunks in two different places after you posted that, and it added to my anxiety that word of it would spread.
For his dunks to have the impact we are hoping for, they have to be new and surprising. You have to remember that this blog isn’t just talking to your friends or a few readers any more.
by MavetheGreat on Jan 23, 2009 3:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Word of mouth isn't going to hurt the awesomeness of a dunk
I think you’re overestimating the impact of this website as well as underestimating the difference between seeing a dunk live and just hearing about what it will look like. Only if a video of Rudy’s eventual dunk were released would there be significant let down. Otherwise, I think speculation and rumor is only going to amp up the contest.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
by Magnum on Jan 23, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Word of mouth
That was my point. If it was word of mouth or there was a few readers, it wouldn’t be a big deal. I saw links to Ben’s article on ESPN. In other words, it won’t be a secret.
I agree that the idea of a dunk is different than seeing it live. I also agree with Krang that some intrigue is great.
I like the days when everything was a surprise and your mind was blown away when you saw it. To me that’s better than half expecting all the dunks and merely being impressed they were able to pull them off. Why do we have to know now? I’m much more patient than that.
by MavetheGreat on Jan 23, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you got anxious over it?
really?
Do you have anxiety attacks when a girl comes up and says hi too?
by nima on Jan 23, 2009 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ben....
Are you the luckiest Blazer fan ever?
I think so.
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 23, 2009 3:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Hey Ben...
Lets hook it up with some BlazerEdge GIVEAWAYS.
Free Tickets
Autographs
T-Shirts
Lets get it rolling!!!
by B-ROYalty on Jan 23, 2009 3:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That was such a sik move he did
all these celeberties always trying to outrun paperazzi and rudy just shuts them down with his spanish accent and a “no cameraa!” it was like his hand wave slapped the camera down from across the room. whata G
Also that quote “you gotta work dont worry about the dunk youll be here for another hour”. Think about their work is practising a game and getting paid crazy amounts of money.
Why didnt my dad marry a 6ft 7 lady or at least make me play a sport everyday from a young age?
by tevisthe4th on Jan 23, 2009 4:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
No
If you were paparazza (what is one paparazzi?) Rudy would have run away from you. You are a reporter, so he just told you to buzz off . . . – Elgin
I get what I deserve. I deserve what I get. I have it so I deserve it. I deserve
it for I have it. I get what I deserve. What I deserve - what I deserve what
I get. I have it so I deserve. - Gentle Giant
by 22baylor on Jan 23, 2009 4:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I believe the singular is paparazzo
thank you Mr. Burns
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
by Magnum on Jan 23, 2009 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol no but I voted rudy is god so everything he does has to be...godlike?
just having a freindly neighborhood reporter turn off his camera doesnt seem nearly as awesome as shutting down paperazi with a few words and a flick of a wrist.
by tevisthe4th on Jan 23, 2009 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, you're the shoe paparazzi
I actually envision you at every pregame, running behind each player during warmups, bent over with your camera and trying to snap pictures of everyone’s shoes.
by Timmay! on Jan 23, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the Nic nugget. . .
always makes my day
Sophia
Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare
"He should have his face
shaved into the back of his head.. Then there would be no escape" OutlawisRejector on what Bayless' next haircut ought to be...
by BlazerFan1 on Jan 23, 2009 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
What kind of sauce do you like your Nic nuggets dipped in?
I'm a Blazers fan and If you ban me from your blog, I'll sue you!
Please don't feed the trolls.
God forgives, tominhawaii doesn't.
by tominhawaii on Jan 23, 2009 6:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
mcdonalds
has the best nugget sauces…my fav is honey mustard.
The most hated Blazer is like the least hottest supermodel - Sabonis4Ever
by Philthyanimal on Jan 23, 2009 8:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I really am pulling for Rudy. Lot of people are counting him out saying he doesn’t have a chance, esp. with the foot injury. I remember listening to John Canzano the other day saying that Rudy’s Rainbow could be similar to Nate Robinson were the amount of attempts might ruin the dunk with Canzano saying that Sergio had the Rainbow better than Rudy.
I still think Rudy should bring a cardboard cutout of Dwight Howard and try to dunk on and/or over him if that’s possible.
Let RudyMania Reign!!
by DowntownChinatown on Jan 23, 2009 5:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
¡Que emocionante!
Too bad the dunk contest is on Valentine’s Day and the lady must come first.
by kono on Jan 23, 2009 7:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
dude tiennes que pensar
just you know, get in a little fight a couple of days before valentines, somthing easily fixed like a mix up in communication or a well placed slip of paper with a phone number and the name “candy” written in loopy letters and hearts, have V-day off for the contest, then repair all damages the day after.
I do that almost every other year on pointless days like her birthday, my birthday, her moms funeral, christmas, valentines day…ect
by tevisthe4th on Jan 23, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Is "her" a small dog by chance???
If not, does she have a sister????
RUDY > MJ
by myemic23 on Jan 24, 2009 1:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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