Interbasket

Rotowire is reporting that Rudy Fernandez, the exciting “rookie” guard from Spain and Interbasket’s latest, greatest favorite player could be joining Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Joel Pryzbilla in the Blazers’ starting lineup.

The move would force either Steve Blake or fellow international rookie Nicolas Batum to the bench.  With Portland off to a so-so start, coach McMillan is looking for a little energy from the get-go.

Though French forward Nicolas Batum has showed great potential, an understanding of help side team defense, awesome hustle and is displayed the ability to consistently finsih at the basket, he may be the odd man out with Portland’s slow start and Rudy’s great play off the bench.

In Portland’s five games, Fernandez has come off the bench to score double figures in four of those games to average 14.2 points in only 27 minutes of play.

Rudy has shot 47% from the field, 44% from three, and 94.% from the Free throw line, more importantly, he is being aggressive and getting to the line an average of three times a game.  In his five games, Rudy’s stats have looked like this:

10/28 Lakers (L): 16 pts, 4 asts, 2 steals (box)
10/31 Spurs (W): 6 pts, 8 rebs, 1-6 FG  (box)
11/01 Phoenix (L): 20 pts on 8-13 FG (box)
11/05 Utah (L): 14 pts, 3 rebs, 3 asts (box)
11/06 Houston (W): 15 pts, 2 asts (box)

In his last three games, the Street-fighter-Ken doppleganger has shot magnificently from the floor and the line; 53.3% from the floor (16-30), 46.7% from three (7-15), and 100% from the line (10-10).  I think it’s a only a matter of time before Portland inserts the 6-5 shooting guard into the starting lineup.  Talent and understanding for the game has a way of rising to the top, no matter how many minutes one plays.  And McMillan knows how to get the most out of his player.

Links and Resources: Rudy Fernandez could join starting lineup (Rotowire), Nicolas Batum Profile (Interbasket), Despite loss to Lakers, Rudy Fernandez Portland debut is successful (Interbasket), Rudy Fernandez: Off to Strong Start (Rotowire),