Wolves interested in Rudy Fernandez?

[The J Rocka]

The Blazers Beat Writer was on the radio in Portland today to talk about the Blazers and he said that he expects Rudy to be traded during the draft and the Wolves are apparently very interested in him because they view Rudy as a lure to get Rubio to the NBA.

Interview here - http://www.955thegame.com/Kevin-Pritcha ... ns/7408560

Got this from the trade board. I know we have talked about Fernandez for awhile, do the Wolves make a move like this just for Rubio or for an upgrade at SG? Personally I like George or Henry over him and think we should focus on them instead, thoughts?

[Krapinsky]

George or Henry should not be a mutually exclusive options to Fernandez. We have adequate pieces to get Fernandez -- 23, Pek, Ellington, 2nds. Playing time should not be much of an issue either since George or Henry could play the 3 spot and are most likely not ready to come in and start right away anyway.

[Klomp]

Fixed the link for you J.

[Klomp]

Rudy Fernandez for Wayne Ellington?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=276kry5

[PeeDee]

Rudy Fernandez for Wayne Ellington?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=276kry5

Nice, 16 wins next year!

[Saltine]

I should think the 23rd pick would be enough. I wouldn't want to give up Wayne, we only have him and brewer at the 2 and 3.

[Krapinsky]

I don't know if Wayne will ever be more than a capable reserve. I think he's easily replaceable. I like a lot of players that are in the 25-40 range on the mocks more than I like Ellington. Besides, Fernandez fits our offense better and gives Rubio a playmate.

[revprodeji]

What is Rudy's contract situation? I would be afraid to give up an asset to have him go back to Spain in a year.

I like Rudy's skill set, but I would not give up much to bring him in. 23rd seems about right to me.

[Krapinsky]

He has a team option for 2011-2012. Fro my understanding of FIBA rules, if a team picks that up he can't just leave and go play for Europe. I think he would have to sit out a year.

[Darko Miliminutes]

I like depth. Can't have too many solid role players, especially if it might help Rubio's level of comfort.

The Barbosa's, Marquis Daniels, and Delfinos of the league intrigue me. I like Rudy, if the cost is acceptable.

[Narf]

IMO, Pekovic for Fernandez straight up is the deal that makes the most sense. Portland needs a young PF/C post scorer, he's a perfect fit. On our side, we have too many PF/C's and not enough quality SGs. Fernandez should thrive in a running offense, is extremely athletic, and can shoot the 3 and play D. He's also made it extremely clear that he wants out of Portland.

I'm sure they're quite happy at the idea of getting a young, talented PF/C for their disgruntled employee that everyone knows is disgruntled.

[Esohny]

IMO, Pekovic for Fernandez straight up is the deal that makes the most sense. Portland needs a young PF/C post scorer, he's a perfect fit. On our side, we have too many PF/C's and not enough quality SGs. Fernandez should thrive in a running offense, is extremely athletic, and can shoot the 3 and play D. He's also made it extremely clear that he wants out of Portland.

I'm sure they're quite happy at the idea of getting a young, talented PF/C for their disgruntled employee that everyone knows is disgruntled.

I think Pekovic has more value than that.

[Saltine]

Yep, that's way to good a deal for them... Give em Hollins

[revprodeji]

Pekovic has more value then Rudy IMO. Pekovic could very easily be a starting offensive big in the league. I see Rudy as a very good bench SG 20+min a night guy, but not as someone I am comfortable putting as the starter for the next 5+ years.

Am I wrong in my assessment of Rudy? He seems to have regressed this year, so I doubt we would expect a giant growth in production. He has a nice EfG but only a +1.8 at the SG spot. Decent role player, but I do not see him as a starter on a good playoff team.

[PeeDee]

I think it's too early to say Rudy is what he is. A lot of people are calling him a bum after the year he had. I think it's too early to say that.

[revprodeji]

This year was almost identical in terms of production as last year and he is already 25. I could see him having success in this system and playing with Rudy would be nice, but I would need to understand why he was unproductive in portland. Is it system/opportunity based or is he simply what he is.

[Esohny]

He's not particularly special. I don't think I'd even trade 23 for him.

[Krapinsky]

He's not special, but then neither is the 23rd pick. Fernandez plays a position of need, has adequate height for the 2 guard spot, and fits our desired style of play perfectly. Because he is in a bad situation in Portland -- being used wrong, limited minutes, doesn't fit McMillan's style -- he still a lot of upside compared ot his current production. And 25 is not old by any means. John Salmons and Manu Ginobilli are two examples of swingmen that didn't do any thing in the league until they were past 25.

[revprodeji]

So we agree. #23 for him.

[Krapinsky]

I personally would do Ellington or 23. I'd prefer Ellington, since Fernandez would be getting his minutes anyway. Then we can use the 23 on a different position.