Monday, November 9, 2009

I'm Baaaccckk!


After multiple guilt trips from people, I have decided to stop being a bum and to start up the Rip City Report again. However I think I am going to modify it from last years format, because the idea of doing game previews and game reviews is overwhelming and makes me not want to do it. So instead I am going to write about other stuff, like general observations, my persona thoughts, questions, and just basic conversation starters. There is a thousand places you can read game recaps from people that have way more time and are way better writers then me. I’ll try to link you to those. So there you have it, are you happy now?


Let’s jump into this thing with something kind of off the wall. I think we should trade Rudy Fernandez. Yes, I mean that, no typos here (although I am sure you can find 5+ in the rest of my post). For those of you that didn’t already see this today:

PORTLAND — Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez sounded uncertain about his role on the team during an interview before the start of Sunday’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Rose Garden. But before thut before the blowout, he questioned his role on a team filled with talent and depth at the guard position, using the phrase "I don’t know" four times during a two-minute pregame interview.


"Right now, I don’t know my situation in the team," said Fernandez, who dealt with back spasms during training camp and missed four preseason games. "Blake play in the 2 (guard) position. For sure (that) is one more player in that position. Right now, I’m focusing in my work and taking (care of) my back. And when I’m on the court, play hard to help my teammates."

It’s clear Rudy wants to be featured more. My question is what makes him think he deserves this? Rudy is all flash and little substance. He can shoot the 3 (not this year, he is shooting 26.9% from deep so far this year) and gamble to get steals. He wants the ball in his hands more to “make plays” but he hardly has a left hand. If he is not shooting a wide open 3 that someone sets up for him, he is taking extremely difficult shots. I mean sometimes Rudy’s shots make Outlaws look like (gulp) good shots. He cannot finish in traffic, and he rarely gets to the free throw line. Yes, he does show flashes of potential sometimes, but overall I think he is overrated. And the NBA, just like the stock market is a place where it is best to buy low and sell high. Rudy is as high as Snoop right now, so let’s capitalize on that. Because it’s what I love to do, I even put together a nice little hypothetical trade for you guys.


Portland Gets: Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, & Marko Jaric

Memphis Gets: Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake, Martell Webster, & Rudy Fernandez


Yes, it hurts giving up Martell, but Rudy Gay is a top tier athlete that can do everything. You bring in Conley for a backup to Miller and by the time Miller sets sail Conley is ready to step in. You let Bayless be your backup at the 2, like a Monta Ellis lite. The only bad part is it leaves us thin at the 3 until Batum is back, so maybe this is a trade that takes place closer to the deadline, so we don’t have to deal with Marko Jaric getting playing time ever? Memphis does it because they not only have $1 mil this year, but almost $8 mil in expiring contracts between Blake and Outlaw. Also they get cheap talent in Martell and Rudy while unloading Marko Jaric’s disgusting contract.


Thoughts?