NBA Shooting Guard Rudy Fernandez Is On The Move

By Sharmaine Jones

Portland Trailblazers fan favorite Rudy Fernandez is on the move. The Blazers are reportedly in talks to deal the popular shooting guard to one of three Eastern Conference teams.

Fernandez — former Spanish ACB League 2008 “Spanish Kings Cup MVP” — is understandably unhappy with his limited playing time behind All-Star guard Brandon Roy and coaching style of Nate McMillan. McMillan generally uses Fernandez as an outside shooter (maybe Fernandez shouldn't have set that NBA rookie record for most 3 pointers (159) in a single season two years ago!) and not as the play maker he has the potential to be.

From a defensive standpoint, Rudy's quick hands and good anticipation in passing lanes put him 3rd on the team in steals (62) and his steals per minute played is excellent (2.06 per 48 minutes) Apparently, the 6'6 Spaniard is more than a one dimensional player and wants the chance to prove it.

The Trailblazers are looking to trade Fernandez to either the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, or the Chicago Bulls. When you weigh all factors, the team with the playing style that will most accommodate Rudy is the Knicks.

Mike D'Antoni's uptempo playing style would allow for lots of running and with the newly acquired Amare' Stoudemire, Rudy will have a “finisher” to pass the ball to. The Knicks are still in the rebuilding process so it may take time for the team to build chemistry. Fernandez, coming from a winning team (50-32 winning record in the tough Western Conference), may have difficulty transitioning to a losing team.

If traded to the Celtics or Bulls, he stands a better chance of winning — with limited playing time of course — but Fernandez is only 25-years-old and probably more focused on establishing his game in more of a significant role. Realistically, how do you solidify yourself on the Boston Celtics — the Eastern Conference Championship team?

And if Rudy thinks playing behind Brandon Roy on the Blazers is difficult, try playing on the Chicago Bulls with Derrick Rose as the starting point guard. Rose is an amazing scorer and demands lots of ball-handling time.

Wherever he may go, Rudy isn't sweating it. He posted his take on his Twitter account:

“últimos tres días de campus! pasandolo muy bien y sin preocuparme por los rumores”

Way to play it cool! We'll keep close tabs on ya, Rudy!

Which team do you think Rudy Fernandez should play for? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags basketball, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, NBA, NY Knicks, Portland Trailblazers, Rudy Fernandez, Sports