Rudy's most revealing interview
Best offseason Rudy's interview. Sorry it's almost 4 am in Spain an I'm a bit lazy so I used a web translator.
PS: As promised, I tried my best, hope you like it.
(Headlines) Rudy: "I have felt very frustrated"
"To the point of the depression no, but I’ve been fucked up" • "It did not see myself able to help the team and preferred to be in the bench" • "I do not need nobody saying to me that I am very good and later not giving me any relevance" • "In the last games, I was very selfish not trying to help the team" • "After the year I had, the national team feels like paradise"
QUESTION. How do you feel about your possible trade? Do you think a lot about it?
ANSWER. To be honest, lately I think a lot in everything. I’m a little tired of not knowing my future nor where I’m going to end up. It does not affect me, you can ask my teammates and the coach, but when I have some free time I’m thinking on it more and more.
Q. That your not going to stay in Portland seems evident.
A. Yes. Based on what I listen and read, you can count on it, but for now I’m a Blazer’s player, and I can't do anything about it.
Q. Do you feel like you are arm-wrestling the team?
A. No. More than arm-wrestling, we are trying to speak with them and make them understand my position. And I understand their position too, that's a fact. We must agree and be able to find an exit as fast as possible. I made a big effort moving to United States with a lower contract than I could have had in Europe. This year, with my agents, we decided that the best was to try a trade to be in another team with more chances to play minutes, to have my game, that’s the reason I’m here in the end.
Q. Do you understand then that they don’t let you leave easily? In addition, you have a good image in the NBA. You are still the one who dunked on Howard and beat the rookie three point shooting record.
A. That’s clear, but the recognition I was able to get in the NBA helps me as much as it harms me. Portland can request much in exchange for me and, and having a rookie salary, many teams can be interested in a player who offers certain things to them in return of the little money I make. I understand their position, but I made an effort for them and I hope now they will do it for me.
Q. If this is not solved, you may en in the bottom of the bench or whistled by the Portalnd crowd when you play, I don’t know what would be worse.
A. I will have t olive with that if the is no agreement. I will have to fight for the minutes. Portland fans have been always great to me and I have nothing against them. It is a pity that the status of the team is not the best for me. If I have to be there I will try my best. If I have to cheer from the bench, I will do it. But If I see that this situation can be real, I will think in other exit possibilities.
Q. Your possible future in Europe depends on where you may end up? It is not the same a trade to bad team than a trade to Boston, Chicago or New York, as it has been rumored lately.
A. Yes, the are good teams and seem to be great cities and franchises. I would like to be in a competitive team were we could fight for the ring, and where I could play my game. If I’m traded to a team were there is no warranties, I would think about returning to Europe.
Q. You have the European big teams expecting.
A. I have those assets, which are appealing and I am delighted with their interest. But now are jus speculations, cause I cannot make any choice. If that was my call, I would have done it already.
Q. And your decision would be?
A. If I could return to Europe, I would be delighted. But, in the same way, If I could decide my future and an NBA team can guarantee me playing minutes and a game style good for my characteristics, I would like to stay there. Its fifty fifty.
Q, After a tough year as you had, Is the National team a change for the better?
A. Feels like paradise. I’m really happy with all the people, with my teammates, coaches… To be able to enjoy again and have a good time is always good.
Q. How do you feel when after so long, you are given the ball, participating in the game, being a key piece in the team?
A. The truth is that I missed that feeling (laughs). It’s different to be able to help the team in different ways. In the national team we all know the role we play. I’m very happy or the way I’m playing with Juan Carlos (Navarro), even with the adjustments I have to make to defend players taller than me.
Q. How can we understand the transformation of the Rudy in the National team to the Rudy in Portland? Did not they see what you did in the Europeans in Poland, for example?
A. You have to ask that to the coach. In every workout in Portalnd I’ve tried to do my best, and the colleagues have told me that I’m an important player. Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldrige, two of our references, said that I was an important piece in the team, and that makes you feel good, and makes you realize that all the work over the year was good, but the reward has not been the same . It is tru also that we have a lot of injuries, including mine, and that is tough for a coach. But, anyway, every player has a year like that sometime. Hopefully this is resolved I will enjoy basketball again.
Q. Have you felt frustrated during the year?
A. Yes, I felt quite frustrated. Also because of the injury in my back, that wont let me work as I wanted. After the surgery all was good and I had some good games, but it was all up and down. I played a good game and then I would loose my confidence because I did not play minutes.
Q. It was said that you almost reach depression?
A. To the point of the depression no, but yes in the mental limit of being fucked up. I wasn’t feeling good on court, and sometimes, I preferred to be on the bench. I didn’t feel like I could help the team in the court, and that's something really hard to feel for a player.
Q. Your coach, Nate McMillan, will be an assistant of team USA in the Madrid tournament, What will you tell him if you see him?
A. He is still my coach. I’ll say hello and talk to him, of course. If I continue to play in Portand, I would like to know his opinion about what are his plans for me or what do he wants from me in the future. If by the time I’m in another team, I will say hello anyway, in the end, he was the coach that gave me my first chance of playing in the NBA, I will always remember that.
Q. Do you think is all McMillan’s fault? Have you been self-critical?
A. Of course is not all his fault. The coach pulls the strings of the team and he has to think in the best for the group. That's what he does. HE also has a game philosophy and sometimes I wasn’t part of it. It is true that Roy is in front of me, that he is a superstar and plays a lot of minutes in the court. But I don’t understand that I was promised a lot of things that never came true. I don’t need nobody to tell me that I’m very good, or that he sees me playing in some way, but in the end he does not give you the role you expect. That things hurts you mentally. It hurts because you are told one thing, and he makes the opposite. You start to think what you did wrong, what is that he didn’t like… You accumulate all those things and you end up playing your brain to the point that you don’t see yourself helping the team, and you prefer to be in the bench.
Q. In the last games, it was said from Portalnd that your attitude was not the best, that you were given a last chance with Roy injured, and you blow it.
A. For the first time in all year, I was a starter in Phoenix. In the first game I think I made three shots (it was seven) and in the second two. After that I was in the bench again because Bayless was playing good and he started. Later I went back up again with outside shoots cause Roy was already playing and he opened more spaces. I always had a good attitude, and always tried to have it., but yes sometimes I was frustrated in court, and that was reflected in my game. You could see it in my face, in my gestures. That is what I had to learn. That sometimes it goes well and sometimes wrong, but you always have to try to help the team, and put those things aside. I think that was very selfish on my side..
I've learned, I've grown a lot mentally and made me mature a lot.
Q. And, for the World Cup, What are the chances of the national team?
A. We have plenty and we have to be ambitious. We have already played important games against good rivals. You have to give it all in every friendly game and then reach the top at the World Cup, like we did in the second leg of the European championship.
Q. You have seen them close, Would you say that team USA is being underrated because their nig stars are not playing?
A. Of course. In United States there is no A, B or C team. They are all good. From the ones that will play, there are several All Stars that are very important for their teams, even when they don’t have the hype of other stars, but this is a team to fear. I’m sure they will be very competitive.
almost 2 years ago
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thank you!
unreadable currently
by Oden Mad, Oden Smash! on Aug 12, 2010 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks for posting this
From what I can get it is interesting, but reading it like this makes me feel like I’m in Saturn Valley (kinda funny that way though)
fearless controlled aggression
by sammymohawk on Aug 11, 2010 6:55 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
REC FOR SATURN VALLEY!
"It's just senseless! 33 million for 2 years of Z-Bo? Might as well pay 33 million to get kicked in the balls 82 times a year."-Eric in Madison(Canis Hoops)
by YikesItsCameron on Aug 11, 2010 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Looks like they are translating "equipo" as "equipment",
as opposed to “team”, which is what I think it actually means.
Yes, Google translator has a hard time getting it right when translating from languages with more complex pronoun structures like German, Spanish, French
Thus e.g. Rudy himself is often referred to as ‘it’ instead of ‘he’
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
I would have to try Russian sometimes. Tons of declinations and cases.
Italian seems to work very well.
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
Yes, that's consistent with past google translations
what I do not understand he is that they have promised many things to me that soon are not carried out.
It always seems to come back to this, for Rudy. He understands that Roy is a better SG, but not why he can’t play more or be given more freedom to “unfold” in Portland
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Aug 11, 2010 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
There are lots of things that get lost in translation
For instance, I’m pretty sure parties = games and trainer = coach. Hopefully, in the future, web translators will be able to handle these relatively simple sports terms.
But I hope that the web translators never get perfect. I’d miss it if we didn’t read things like ’tooted by the public of Portland" and “the track always is tuna well.”
I think the Google translation is easier to understand.
Here is part of that:
P. Do you think that all were to blame McMillan? Have you made self-criticism?
R. Of course all the fault is not theirs. The coach holds the reins of the team and has to think about what is best for the group. That does it. It also has a philosophy of play and sometimes I did not fall. It is true that I have in front of Roy, who is a superstar and accumulated many minutes on the track. But I do not understand is that I have promised many things they are not carried out. I do not need someone telling me to go all day I’m very good or he sees me playing very well so that the end does not give you the role you expect. Those things hurt you mentally. Affect you because you said one thing and does the opposite. You start thinking about what you have done wrong, what is it that did not like … Accumulate all that and you just eat a headache to the point of not seeing you able to help the team and prefer to be on the bench.
P. In the last few games, from Portland said their attitude was not the most appropriate. That gave him one last chance with injured and missed Roy.
R. For the first time all year I started Phoenix. In the first game I think I did three shots [were seven] and the second two. After that I went back up again because Bayless was playing well and was the holder. Then I had a little more prominence with outside shots because Roy was already on track and opened more spaces. I’ve always had good attitude and tried to have it, but there were times I felt frustrated and this was reflected in the track. She looked in my face, my gestures. That’s what I had to learn: that sometimes can do well and others, but you must always try to help your team and leave the rest aside. I think that was very selfish on my part. I’ve learned, I’ve grown a lot mentally and made me mature a lot.
Matty Walker: You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man. - Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 11, 2010 7:46 PM PDT reply actions
Uh . . .
I majored in Spanish Translation and would work on this, but it’s late so here are my thoughts in a nutshell:
On the one hand Rudy complains about his role on the team, but on the other he recognizes that his pouting during the season was selfish, and that he should have done everything he could for the team.
I love Rudy, and in this interview he says a lot of the right things, and he also says a lot of things that should probably be put on the shelf. I understand wanting to play a bigger role, or a different style. But I personally prefer the players who come out and say, “I want to play more next season, but I fully expect to earn those minutes by working my donkey off this summer.”
Rudy mentions several times that he sacrificed to come to Portland, that he was promised big things, and that those promises haven’t come true. He is hoping that Portland is willing to make the same sacrifices for him that he made for Portland.
But honestly, where is Rudy going to go where he will get more than 25 minutes, and be allowed to play “his game”? Rudy is an energy player, he gets you some steals, maybe takes a charge, hits some big threes and gets the crowd going. But in two years I don’t think Rudy has shown that he’s ready to carry a team, at least not a team that’s any good. And this is coming from the biggest Rudy homer out there . . .
That's pretty much what Nate said today in a different interview (fanshot just below this one)
He might be able to start on some teams, but on most he would be a backup like on the Celtics Nate was asked about. He calls him a “rotational player”, and that he is a Blazer “for now” and plans with him until further notice.
Honestly the best for both sides would be if Rudy had some huge games at the world championships, especially should Spain face the US at some point but also in games versus solid competition like Nic with France. Which seems entirely possible going by the test games Spain has played so far, and due to Pau Gasol not playing giving Rudy more responsibility to carry the offensive scoring load.
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
I think . . .
the best thing would be for Rudy to admit that his game needs some work, and then to throw himself 100% into his role this season. Play like a maniac on defense, run the floor, make plays, etc. Make it impossible to justify playing Bayless or Matthews over him.
I love his game, I love his potential, I just think he’s a year away from really being able to say that he has earned a bigger role. Don’t tell me that you deserve to start, prove it to me.
by Foofighting101 on Aug 11, 2010 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if Rudy understands his role well enough to know what to work on.
I personally believe that the only place for him on the blazers in the realm of what he desires is at pg next to Roy. He has tons of work to do to get there though. I hope he stays and has a place in the rotation next season, but I believe it is best for both Rudy and the blazers to part ways. Despite how much I hate the thought of it.
He knows the running floater in the lane needs work.
That shot is almost game ready… part of the reason the Blazers are trying to move him.
by 52therim on Aug 11, 2010 10:03 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
that the only place for him on the blazers in the realm of what he desires is at pg next to Roy.
That guard combo would be so weak defensively that Nate couldn’t leave them out on the floor together for long. Playing 3 guard lineups (where Brandon defends the opposing SF) has been tried for 2 years, and Roy’s health has suffered for it
I understand why Portland wanted to add a talented player to their roster in 2008, I just think it was a poor fit from the beginning because of Roy and Nate’s system and that Rudy’s departure is overdue. If he can hook up with a PG like Sergio on a different NBA team he will do OK. I don’t like how he and his agent have made specific demands on his new team that have limited the Blazer’s trade options and further reduced his trade value, this offseason
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Defense and ball handling are where significant improvements would need to be made.
He wouldn’t need to be a lock down defender, just a smart and relatively capable one. Batum ease’s the importance of this. His ball handling needs to get much better, it would be interesting to see where he could be at if this was a focal point for him the last two years. I think it is fairly obvious that Rudy’s ship has sailed here in Portland.
Where I believe the blazers(Nate) really blew this whole situation was when they went to the 3 guard lineup using Blake at the 2. It should have been Rudy feasting on those spot up 3’s in the starting unit. After his rookie year, I think he deserved that chance. I can understand frustration setting in there and thats when the snowball starts rollin’.
I didn't mind the 3-guard lineup with Blake
first of all, the team went 7-2 during that stretch so it was hardly a disaster
Miller starting at PG had a positive effect on Oden
and Blake-Andre-Roy communicated well on defense, IIRC the opponent’s FG% took a dive because the team’s D-rotations were so tight
When Roy tweaked his hammy and Nate chose Bayless to start at PG was when Rudy started eating his brain, as the google translation so eloquently puts it. Amlmart1 tipped us off at the time, and he was right on the money. Everything went downhill re: Rudy from that point forward, and I have little confidence that he can maintain a positive mindset for very long if he’s back in a Blazer uniform and facing PT challenges from Bayless and Matthews this October
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Aug 12, 2010 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think that's spot on.
Matty Walker: You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man. - Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 12, 2010 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I dont really disagree.
Going 7-2 really isnt all that impressive when your wins came against the Spurs(when they were really sucking), Minnesota(twice), Memphis, New Orleans, Charlotte and Detroit. The losses were against Atl and the Warriors. If the blazers were at all interested in Rudy long term, he should have got that opportunity over Blake, who very few people believed would even be on the team after his contract expired. I imagine that contributed to his frustration when Bayless got the call to start over him. “First Blake and now Bayless!?!”. I suppose that is purely speculation, but my belief is that Rudy’s frustrations were brewing all season long for various reasons. Bayless starting is when it appeared to come to a head.
It certainly is hard to see this relationship being repaired with the addition of Matthews to the rotation, no disagreements there.
Rudy really needs to stop talking.....
And just let his performance do the talking. He didn’t deserve a lot of minutes last year as he was extremely inconsistent. He’s not good enough to demand that the Blazers make sacrifices for him.
I didn't mean to turn you on
Look, its just an interview.
How is he supposed to ‘perform’ for us in the off-season? He’s already playing this summer with Spain and has played well this far.
by collectiveshane on Aug 12, 2010 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Translate it back to Spanish then back to English and it will sound even funnier.
by Gay4Roy on Aug 11, 2010 10:38 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the heads-up. This was an interesting and revealing interview. Rec.
"One of the bright spots of the young season has been rookie point guard Jonny Flynn, whose name sounds like he should be the lead character in a Broadway Musical. "What are you doing here, Jonny Flynn?" "Why I'm here to court trouble, and woo a girl, and build the most fantastical contraption the world has ever seen!" -- Dave, Game 7 Blazers versus Timberwolves preview
"It was bad reffing...but not rip apart the fabric of time bad." -- The Arkitect, Game 79 Blazers versus Mavericks Post-Game Thread
I think this whole situation is an overreaction by Rudy
Rudy was injured for an extended period last year and struggled. This happens to a lot of players. Rudy admits that he was egoistic, so I assume he knows he’s partially (or mostly) to blame for things not working out. I think if he comes in with an open mind and a good attitude he can be an important piece on this team.
Rudy should give the team another year, he said he enjoyed his first season here so we know things can work out. Last season he never found his rhythm and was hampered with injuries so I don’t think that experience will be representative of his future in PDX.
Come back next year, give it your best if it isn’t working then we can say goodbye. And stop talking to the media.
"Talk's cheap, we all know that. It's like I've always said - 'don't tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
-Buddy Nix
That ship sailed when we added Matthews for $33M.
Matty Walker: You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man. - Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 12, 2010 2:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Rudy needs a binky
After one play today, Bayless walked to the sideline, picked up the garbage bucket that collects the extra basketball balls and then slammed it down forcefully while shouting. For no particular reason. - Ben
by The Penguin on Aug 12, 2010 8:50 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
No kidding. At least he wouldn't be able to talk with a binky in his mouth.
Ugh. With each additional interview, it becomes clearer that he doesn’t have what it takes to make it in the NBA.
I'm surprised to see that coming from you, Corvid.
I think the problem is as much people overreacting to Rudy being honest as it is Rudy speaking his mind. I’m sure he is learning what happens to NBA players who speak their mind and will learn sooner or later how to answer questions without actually saying anything.
Rudy has enough talent to play in the NBA. He just needs a few cheeseburgers and a BowFlex.
by MiledAnimal on Aug 12, 2010 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Non-stop complaining to the press has always been a pet peeve of mine.
In this case, he’s screwing himself with his honesty. Why would he want to publicize that he’s a head case? That he preferred to sit on the bench? If he’s matured (like he says he has) he should stifle the urge to explain everything in the press and let his agent do the talking, i.e. start being professional.
Rudy certainly has the talent to play in the NBA, but it takes more than talent. I just don’t think he has the physical and mental strength for it.
He's a sensitive, intelligent guy in touch with his feelings.
I’ll bet he’d make a wonderful boyfriend.
by MiledAnimal on Aug 12, 2010 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
I guess to be professional you have to lie to the press
I hope athletes never get professional.
Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!
"I'm sorry, but I can't talk about this right now" isn't lying.
Athletes hold things back from the press all the time. It’s part of their job.
I'm all for him being honest
in a private conversation with team management, the way professionals are supposed to handle discontent. That way, he would not be hurting his trade value any more than his poor play already has.
After one play today, Bayless walked to the sideline, picked up the garbage bucket that collects the extra basketball balls and then slammed it down forcefully while shouting. For no particular reason. - Ben
by The Penguin on Aug 12, 2010 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"Talk's cheap, we all know that. It's like I've always said - 'don't tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
-Buddy Nix
by billsfan4life on Aug 13, 2010 2:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh absolutely. But do you really think he's helping his career with this interview?
I’m sure his agent wasn’t happy to read this stuff.
heh...
took me a minute
After one play today, Bayless walked to the sideline, picked up the garbage bucket that collects the extra basketball balls and then slammed it down forcefully while shouting. For no particular reason. - Ben
On Blogabull the f-bomb is the title of the story :)
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
Just stop talking Rudy...
You are not helping yourself.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
This is not even ment for you/us
it’s from a spanish news website for the SPANISH PEOPLE
that’s why I dont translate these news to divert comments like yours xP
So his comments can only be read spaniards?
When you give an interview, it’s for anyone who reads it. If he thought different, then he’s really not fit for the NBA.
“In the last games, I was very selfish not trying to help the team”
We noticed. Why any Blazer fan wants to give this guy another chance is beyond me
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Aug 12, 2010 4:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
lost in translation
Rudy was overrated, but a reasonable acquisition and worth taking a chance on. He is a spoiled Spaniard and this is what will hurt his career the most. You simply have to be mentally tough in the NBA but at the level the Blazers were at his first year, he fit just fine.
The next level will drop several players along the way, with Outlaw, Webster, and now Rudy as causalities of moving on. The regimented structure of the Blazers will have to change as well….The game is simple enough if your fundamentally sound, but the formula for building a good team structure takes in so much more…building championship teams has a high probability of failing…building one from scratch will take several good breaks and a sound foundation and a declaration (of sorts) on what will be the team’s identity.
I am sure there will be plenty of different faces in the team’s championship photo. So far, Nate’s system is tight, pressing and unimaginative. Players either adapt, or they sit on the bench. I do not blame Rudy entirely for his recent, decline, because the team as whole, has not honestly evaluated their weaknesses. ..This is how you get better..period!
However, it does appear that there is a new direction….or at least “standing pat” has had it’s opportunity…IMO getting out of the blocks on a high note is critical. I do not believe they have been that well prepared at the start of the season, in the past…just my observation
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
I am sure there will be plenty of different faces in the team’s championship photo.
I don’t know about plenty, but at least a few more 30+ year old faces. Hopefully we won’t have to wait until those grizzled vets are Oden and Batum
the team as whole, has not honestly evaluated their weaknesses.
Their plausible deniability has been injuries. Nate has said he never really had the chance to see all the players play together who were supposed to be in the regular roster. First Martell was out for a year, then Batum, Rudy and Travis, then Greg and Joel, etc. It’s tough to evaluate when the lineups are constantly in flux. (That’s no one’s fault, unless blaming the training staff makes you feel better…)
I will give the Blazers front office high marks for rolling over the wing position in the past 2 years. Instead of mental midgets Outlaw, Webster and Fernandez the upcoming duo of Batum and Matthews will be an upgrade re: perimeter defense and BBIQ, without sacrificing shooting—especially from downtown. Both of these young players’ upside and desire to compete is tremendous.
Next, it’s time to look at the PF position with the same scrutiny, and to decide in the next 6-12 months if LMA is ever going to earn his paycheck, or become the next WARP casualty
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
regularrosterrotation
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Like I wrote elsewhere, yesterday
BBIQ can also be defined as “feel for the game”. Batum and Matthews are the sons of former pro players, so they may have the “it” factor that others don’t
(This is not to say that the kids of every NBA player is going to reach the same level as his dad, but it sure doesn’t seem to hurt many of them.)
I obviously haven’t seen as much of Wesley as I have of Nic, but from what I have seen on video and read about him defending Melo and K*be last spring, he’s got something special on the defensive end. The Blazers have needed that, and it’s good to hear scouts like Born and Buchanan relate that acquiring superior defenders has become the team’s new emphasis. It sure beats the alternative
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I certainly agree about defense
…..and of course good BBIQ is an asset that can’t be overlooked. (The notion that this attribute can be developed through more experience and playing environment.) I give this notion a little room, but still would be considered skeptical that the brain, and subsequent motor skills involved, can develop itself beyond certain points …by this I mean certain individuals simply have more intelligence to start with to help them get the most out of a professional application….. BBIQ is definitive and would have to be considered as such. So each person may have his own application and description…For me, it takes in more than just intelligence and would encompass, training, fundamental soundness, style of play, coordination and team environment. Intelligence alone just isn’t enough when applied to BBIQ.
If I were to pick a player on the current Blazer team that seems to lack (in my definition) good BBIQ…..it would be Bayless I don’t dislike him as a player, but casting him into a starting spot as point guard would give me cause for concern. Reinventing a player like Bayless (an aggressive, free flowing, option player) into something that he is not… of course, I acknowledge that this is purely judgmental on my part, and I would be just pointing out my observation from his play, so far. That said, I would be pleasantly surprised if he can develop into more than what he shows, so far. Youth is still on his side and he has some skills for sure.
I also agree about LMA…and it is easy to exemplify the importance of how key his play will mean to the future of this team. But I would also suggest that each member of this team, including Roy and Nate, be more prepared than ever to move on as well. This team will never become anything other than an also ran without more flexibility from the key players and head coach.
One other note of opinion; The Blazers defensive #‘s show that they are above average and even one of the best teams in the league. (low scoring averages). But if you really look at their play and add in some inconsistent fundamentals, you will see that their defense still leaves plenty of room for improvement. Rotations are inconsistent and positioning often out of whack. Also they never use their defense as an offensive weapon, because of their automatic slowdown in transition. I believe the #’s are skewered, in part, to the slowdown, half court game and do not necessarily reflect that they are that good defensively. You can still control the pace of the game if you wish, with a primary half court offensive system, but not letting your team defense take advantage of what it produces is not very smart and also puts a lot more pressure on your offense.
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
BBIQ = feel for the game
It’s not about a player’s intelligence, although they do need to remember the plays and the defensive rotations
Batum has a feel for the game, and from what I’ve seen of Matthews, he has it too—at least on the defensive end. It’s likely they have it in their DNA, because they’re both sons of pro players. Wesley hasn’t got the A+ athletic ability, but he’s worked hard at every level and perhaps he’ll be a late bloomer.
I remember watching his video last month and he ran the wing and finished extremely well, especially after steals. If a PG like Miller will just kick the ball ahead to Matthews, that will result in transition baskets or FT opportunities. Improved perimeter defense from Batum and Matthews, plus the interior defense of the centers should lead to more stops and chances to score on fast breaks, even if they’re not the traditional kind where the PG dribbles the ball down the middle of the court and dishes to wing men on either side for a lay-in
Bayless has to learn how to change his pace when he penetrates, it can’t always be “hair on fire and cock the ball” for a dunk. If he can’t learn the benefits of changing pace from watching Miller and Roy (or defending them in practice) then he never will. But I think Jerryd will eventually figure things out, if he can just get consistent minutes like he finally did last year, once Roy went down and Blake was traded
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
So... he officially canned the end of the season.
and he thinks he deserves a chance to play… why?
I was a Rudy fan. he’s fun to watch and I loved his off the ball movement. Hearing this I want the guy off the team on another team where he can simmer buried into obscurity. i HATE players that toss the towel before the games are done.
"We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
enough
I used to be a huge Rudy fan, but that has since dissipated considerably after witnessing his playoff performance and getting a feel for what is going through his head via these several Spanish interviews.
You know what we should be hearing from him in an interview? “I had a bad year last year but this year I am determined to prove that I can contribute to a good team in the NBA. I’m working on my mid-range game, working on getting to the hoop more, and I have started a strength and conditioning regiment because that is what it will take to play in the NBA.” etc…
And please, I don’t want hear about his dunk on Dwight Howard anymore. It was awesome and I was impressed at the time, but 99 out of 100 times, Howard would make Rudy eat the basketball in the same situation. It’s the NBA, every player is an elite athlete and can jump out of the gym. In fact, I’m not even impressed with his vertical – he relies on timing rather than shear jumping ability.
by ToplessBlazerDancer3000 on Aug 12, 2010 4:40 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
i am completely reccing this
Rudy earned his benching and then some.
"We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Rudy needs to negotiate a release and to go back to Europe...
He’ll have a happy life there.
At least he wasn’t as worthless a draft pick as Freeland and Claver.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
The future of Freeland and Claver is a blog post that is yet to be written
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
one manzana podrida don't make the rest go bad
until it does
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Roy still seems to like him, and want him back
Now, this could just be Brandon being diplomatic, because until Rudy is traded he could still be a potential teammate. But it’s amazing to me that there isn’t some player animosity re: how Fernandez performed in the Suns series. Perhaps it’s the foxhole syndrome, or maybe the other players are doing a better job of keeping their feelings to themselves (at the front office’s urging?) than #5 has
Regardless, there’s a good reason why the players (and coach) shouldn’t be making the front office decisions. Players play, coaches coach, and GMs adjust the roster (unless you have FA/superstar leverage like Wade, LBJ and Bosh…)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
It's nice to see some self-reflection there
The transition from big fish to small pond can’t be easy. I lived overseas for several years, and all expats do is complain. Lots give up very quickly and go home, especially those that aren’t happy at work. As a matter of fact, just think about your break room at work.
They shove a microphone in his face and he says what he feels. I wish he was saying ’I’m unhappy with my role but want to make things work in Portland,’ but it sounds like he’s going to work hard if he’s here. It’s nice to know that he recognizes the poor play and decisions on the court. It’s hard to fault him for wanting a bigger role. As long as he’s working on it he can talk about it if he wants.
I really wish he didn’t feel that what he needs is a change of scenery. But that’s where he’s at. It’s too bad. But I’m not sure why everyone is being so hard on him.
volatilelyle.wordpress.com
by almost awesome on Aug 12, 2010 10:09 PM PDT reply actions
whoops
the first sentence there doesn’t make much sense. I mean to say ‘big fish in a small pond.’
volatilelyle.wordpress.com
by almost awesome on Aug 12, 2010 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure why everyone is being so hard on him.
And I’m not sure why Blazer fans are still sticking up for him. Don’t let the screen door hit ya where the good Lord split ya, Rudy.
I don’t blame Cho/Allen for making Fernandez squirm and sucking every last drop of trade value out of his skinny physique
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
i figured he'd be naked
that’s why im here…
Geriatric Dunk Squad!
1/4/10 - Juwan Howard dunks on Chris Kaman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkOqDgLb6s
3/7/10 - Andre Miller Tomahawk jams on the Denver Nuggets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JVgm7F1QA
4/12/10 - Marcus Camby drops 30 and 13 on OKC to cement 50 wins. http://www.nba.com/blazers/media/camby_chant_041310.mp3
by Eat Politicians on Aug 13, 2010 8:03 PM PDT reply actions
Lost in all the anti-Rudy whining
from Portland fans is that everything he says, including his self-deprecating comments, is 100% true.
If you think speaking the truth is a character flaw, then you’re being way too judgmental of your chattel professional athletes.
Don't tell me what you're going to do, show me
Rudy didn’t show up when the team needed him the most. So his words (honest, or otherwise) mean little
The NBA is a performance-based business, so how someone sounds off to Dr. Phil after the battle is over is not going to provide anything to help the Blazers succeed out on the court in the future
If you’re unhappy with your role or usage, look in the mirror and do something about it. Don’t undermine the coach and front office with complaints to the international media. Under promise, then over produce. Don’t under produce then claim the other side didn’t fulfill their promises.
I’ll take players with the Bayless approach over “Fernandez types” for all 15 spots on the roster.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
his words
were that he mailed it in. I don’t care about anything after that remark.
"We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
What gives?
Rudy requests a trade and many want to march him up the gallows.
Paul (allegedly) wants a trade and seemingly all want to roll out the red carpet for him.
I wish Rudy wanted to stay, and I wish he was being more grateful, but he hasn’t said anything to really anger me. He has been respectful to the organization and to the fans, and he has been honest and objective in his self-assessment. Further, he has said he is willing to work hard to do his part to solve his problems in Portland if he stays.
volatilelyle.wordpress.com
I understand your sentiments
Although I did not feel that Rudy was quite the dynamic player he was cast as overseas, he still has plenty of skills that could potentially become NBA caliber. I believe Rudy has been a bit spoiled or pampered, if you will (in his early life)…His lack of mental toughness has hurt his game and is likely the cause for his alienation of his former fans….I honestly feel his teammates appreciate him, as he is a great team player and wants to fit in any way he can. He came in here as more than just a 3 point shooter, in which he was relegated to this past season…..It’s a similar vision when comparing to the Miller situation…Nate tried to reinvent him into something he was not…and we all know how that played itself out.
However, as a professional player, Rudy still has responsibilities to man up to. He is still pretty young, but immature by NBA standards. (He’s not alone)…Rudy’s style of play will keep him frustrated in Portland…he has little chance in Nate’s automatic slowdown game. Also Nate’s insistence on his players fit their game to his style, doesn’t give free flowing players like Rudy the best opportunities to succeed.
Bottom line….Rudy is an NBA player, if he wants to be…the major liabilities he carries with him, is lack of defensive fundamentals and mental toughness.
One other note that could be considered a bit political; We have become a “discarding” nation. We are quick to discard both material and humans once we have determined they are no longer of any use or don’t suit our needs or goals at any particular moment. This is often done without regard or regret.
sorry, this next paragraph is an example that is a little beside the point…….
Technology is in part to blame, but if you consider at some point in our history, when a person bought a car and invested their hard earned money, they were hoping it would be a lasting relationship. They expected that car to last for at least ten years (with proper care) and thus some insight on getting a return for their investment over the longer haul…Now the average is less than 3 years and often coincides with when the warranty runs out. The consumer has given in to the manufacturer and doesn’t demand more value for the product. he simply “throws it away” and buys a new one. I still own an old analog TV that is 17 years old…it has been left behind by technology, but still delivers me a decent picture . It has outlasted two other new digital TV’s in progression….so I sit in the far bedroom and watch my sports and my wife watches reality and variety shows on her brand new Plasma…her third TV all (so-called) prominent name brands currently made in China
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
Batum gets praised for his anti PC whining to the press ("...do the Portland..."),
while Rudy gets maligned.
I realize it is probably different people doing either, but the feel of this blog is quite hypocritical.
Look. Part of what makes a great team is a situation where good players can have their roles reduced, but still feel like they are important. Do we have the personnel to create that team environment?
In Bayless I trust.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
The difference
Fernandez is playing behind an all-star SG and neither of them can really defend any other position
Batum has no limitation re: playing time, other than his own health, production and the coach’s decision
Whatever was promised to Rudy back in 2008 has not been satisfactory to him for quite some time. I had a hard time believing from the start that he and Roy could coexist for very long, and it’s a shame that the organization (from the owner on down) didn’t agree to move him along sooner. Instead, they waited until negative momentum has built up following each European interview where Fernandez spoke his mind
Do I think that the way the Blazers treat their players is fatally flawed? No. But I do think that we’ve just come through a period of time where acquiring and stockpiling talent without a careful-enough regard to roster balance has been tried, and I’m hopeful that important lessons have been learned and that consolidation deals will be made in a more timely manner, in the future.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
rotation players
in Portland have been average and no standouts have firmly taken the job. This is reasonable with youthful projects and a “yet to be determined” team identity.
Some will say it is a rotation of the 1,2,3 and sometimes 4, with the outside shot being around 50 % of the arsenal. This has proven to be too narrow when it comes to playing the tougher defensive teams. The ones you usually see with the best opportunities to advance in the playoffs.
Hopefully this season will shed some light and some more solid and consistent play will develop. I don’t discount injuries, but good deep teams (like Portland) should be able to get through some injuries without stumbling too badly…if you don’t use them for an excuse it will generally play itself through with hard work and accepting the responsibility. Last year it forced players to step up and also forced Nate’s hand a bit….usually good teams can come out of a frustrating season like last year and be a better team in the long haul…
Its time for the key players to coexist with the established veterans(Camby, Miller) and help generate a team atmosphere that puts individual play on the back burner. LMA and Roy are now veterans themselves and Oden will have to become a veteran overnight…
One of the more important issues will be functioning as a unit and essentially leaving no man a spectator, even when Roy and LMA are doing their gigs.
Its hard to get a feel for how Nate coaches in game situations because he seems to talk (post game) the things they should of done, instead of actually getting them corrected when they matter…Could be that the players are just not that good, but I still would expect Nate to loosen up the reins this year and let the players dictate more of the play out on the floor. He can no longer bottle up his players instinctive play, knowing that the predictability of this team has often been a liability…..It was actually Miller and Camby that got them some new looks, but it also appears that both Nate and Roy have conceded that the system needs refinement if they are to get to the next level. With, Miller, Camby, and Roy all capable of providing leadership. This team should start to challenge each other out on the floor…it’s all part of team unity and communication and one of the avenues to getting better.
As for Rudy…well lets just say he’s an up-tempo, quick hitting player trying to fit a style that goes against his grain. He could be a decent rotation player, but not in the auto-slow down game. He lacks good defensive fundamentals…(which I think could be polished up with some hard work and dedication) I would be surprised to see him as a Blazer next year, but would not be opposed to a more free flowing offense that could utilize his skills better…After all, the guy was a legitimate weapon in 2008-2009
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
it also appears that both Nate and Roy have conceded that the system needs refinement if they are to get to the next level.
I think the first time we heard of this was after the Rocket’s series in ’09. Roy said he needed some veteran help, and Nate spoke with Miller during their dinner in Vegas about finding various options in the offense where Andre could help his teammates score more easily. Of course, Nate intended for Dre to be the “leader” of the second unit, which created a conflict at the beginning of the season, but Miller would prove to be invaluable once the injuries cropped up and forced KP to deal Blake
[Rudy] was a legitimate weapon in 2008-2009
He was, and Fernandez owed a lot of his success in his rookie year to Sergio’s passing skills. Looking back in hindsight, it’s pretty clear now that Rodriguez was too focused on setting up his countryman instead of spreading the scoring around evenly to the rest of their 2nd unit teammates. The Spanish Air-mada was a lot of fun to watch, but how effective was it going to be as a long-term strategy? The duo’s future was only as good as Sergio’s upside, and he clearly wasn’t going to break through as a starting PG.
Once Portland decided to draft Bayless in the lottery (and then sign Miller) Rodriguez’ Blazer fate was sealed, and even without Jerryd vying for PT it’s very unlikely that Sergio had the defensive chops to be a playoff rotation PG for Nate. No Sergio = no high-flying Rudy. Fernandez wanted to handle the ball more in the offense, but when he was given the opportunity the results were mercurial. For every slick entry pass there were the face-palming turnovers. And even though Rudy is a willing defender who anticipates the passing lanes well, his man-on defense leaves a lot to be desired, as Richardson and Barbosa exposed during the Sun’s series.
It was time to go in a different direction at the backup SG, on several levels. Only the fact that Fernandez has an affordable contract and popular appeal in the Portland market has kept him attractive as a Blazer player; his on-court contributions last season were a mixed bag, making him a bubble player on the future championship roster even without the ongoing drama re: his role and usage versus what was “promised” to him back in ’08
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I haven't perceived Batum's comments as whining.
He not only has a high BBIQ at an exceptionally young age, but he is a student of the game, who analyzes his opponents and himself. He seems to understand how his learning curve is being managed and buys into it. He appears to know exactly what is expected of him during the process and is comfortable talking about it. I don’t think he is complaining at all.
Batum started from almost zero (summer league two years ago) and has shown such improvement over two years that I don’t think anyone can really predict yet what his ceiling will be, or what his skills limitations may be in 2 or 3 more years. We can’t say he won’t be able to do something until we see some of his skills begin to plateau, or see him try to learn things and fail. So far we just see steady upward progress. On the other hand, I think expectations are too inflated. It’s overly optimistic to assume his abilities will just keep improving until he becomes Scottie Pippen. Maybe that will happen, but the statistical odds are against it.
Rudy is in a completely different situation. I don’t think he’s made (or perhaps accepts) a realistic assessment of his own talent level. That was understandable when he first came over because he had success and fame in Europe. But after playing in the NBA for a year, he should have figured out where he needed to get better and what his limitations really were.
It was pretty obvious what he needed to do to regularly get more minutes and to help create the offense (which are still his two two major complaints I believe). He needed to do two things. First, and most importantly, he needed to develop a couple of offensive moves to get and make 18’ to 20’ shots at an excellent percentage so he wouldn’t be pigeonholed as a 3-pt shooter. Based on his play in Europe I thought there was a reasonable expectation he could do that. If he had done that his second year, Nate would have found more minutes for him and his trade value would have become very high.
Based on that I thought it worthwhile to let him develop his second year before making a decision about trading him, but unfortunately he made no progress at all developing a midrange offensive game last year. Hence, he wasn’t ready to step into the starting lineup when Roy injured his hamstring and wasn’t effective replacing Roy in the playoffs. Yes, he was injured early, but his complaints now about lack of playing time replacing Roy are simply unfounded because he didn’t develop the game to do it when he got the opportunity.
The second thing he could have done was improve his ball handling so he could play some backup PG and get an opportunity to show he could initiate the offense. That was obviously a more difficult task, but it was the only way he could get more minutes and stay with the Blazers (the latter probably wasn’t a priority for him, but it would also ensure him more minutes somewhere else in the NBA). I think Rudy felt that Nate promised to give him that opportunity, but after the Blazers signed Miller and kept Bayless along with Blake, that wasn’t going to happen early in the season. After Blake was traded Rudy got only a very few minutes at PG, so he may be justified when he said Nate did not live up to his promises. Nevertheless, there wasn’t much indication that Rudy had improved his ball handling skills last year either.
The really disappointing thing about Rudy, and I think the reason so many fans have emotionally flipped on him, is that he pouted and more or less quit on the team during the season. That coupled with his complaining and demands this summer have driven down his trade value far below the actual level dictated by his shooting last year. He shot 37% vs 40% his first year from the 3-pt line, and still played 23 minutes a game, so his trade value shouldn’t have dropped off a cliff. But it did because of his immature and unprofessional behavior.
Matty Walker: You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man. - Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 17, 2010 1:03 AM PDT up reply actions
After Blake was traded Rudy got only a very few minutes at PG
This is open to interpretation. I thought I saw Rudy and Jerryd sharing the “PG duties” last spring. (Jerryd defended the opposing PGs, of course.)
Batum has become what we thought Rudy would be, back in 2008. The advantage is Nic can defend SFs, so he doesn’t have a direct PT conflict with Roy
Fernandez was more dependent on Sergio Rodriguez’ passing than anyone realized
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I gotta say, that I'm not a huge fan of Rudy's language
He needs to not cuss because it send the wrong message to children.
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