What's The Real Story With Rudy?

Written by wendell maxey | 08 December 2009

Here we go….more ammunition for speculation about Portland’s alleged unhappy and unhealthy locker room.

When it was learned prior to tip-off against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night that Rudy Fernandez was a last minute scratch from the Blazers lineup, something seemed unusual.

Back trouble is nothing to take lightly (take it from someone who knows), so it’s no joke when word came from Portland that Fernandez was suffering from sciatic pain in his back. However, what is odd is the lingering results of his MRI (which he was expected to undergo on Saturday night) and his status going forward as the Oregonian’s Jason Quick described prior to the start of Portland/New York on Monday night.

To simplify the report: the Blazers and Fernandez are seeking a second opinion, although Kevin Pritchard would not confirm that report. Pritchard also said when asked that he couldn’t remember if Fernandez had an MRI done. Brandon Roy was told Rudy would miss games in New York and Indiana, while interim head coach Dean Demopoulos is uncertain of Fernandez’ status.

Cleary, the organization is not “on message”.

Instead, the door is now open for rumor winds to blow freely about Rudy’s overall health and happiness with his role and minutes in Portland.

This isn't the first time Rudy's name has been associated with an injury or even being unhappy with his situation in Portland (see the offseason story about him being upset about Hedo Turkoglu coming to the Blazers).

Something tells me this isn't the last we'll hear of it either.

Update: Looks like that second opinion involves surgery for Rudy Fernandez with the Blazers saying he'll undergo a procedure today to alleviate nerve pressure that is causing leg pain.

A timetable for his recovery will be determined after the procedure.

When reached via email for a comment about Fernandez' eventual return, Gerard Darnes - one of Rudy's agents along with Andy Miller - said the Blazers will inform everyone as soon as they have the information and would not specify when the procedure took place at Southwest Washington Regional Surgery Center in Vancouver, Wash..

According to Jay Allen of Portland's 95.5FM, doctors are saying recovery time could be anywhere from 6-12 weeks for full recovery from this procedure.

photo: daylife