No one is ever going to confuse me with Dwight Jaynes. Something about our age and hair style. But having talked to Dwight repeatedly during the season about Rudy Fernandez, it didn’t surprise me that he feels Rudy’s long term future won’t be in Portland. He’s not alone.

I’m with Dwight on this one.

As much as it pains those in Portland to read his words from OregonLive’s “You Be The GM: Rudy Fernandez" that ran on Thursday, it’s going to hurt even more when two….three...years down the road when Fernandez is grouped in a package deal.

It’s not so much about money or the spotlight or playing time. It’s really not.

For me, it’s going to come down to wants versus needs.

If Portland – for example – doesn’t solve their lingering point guard needs (no offense Mr. Blake and Mr. Bayless) this summer or next or the year after, the Blazers might have to make sacrifices in order to get what they want – regardless of the need at the time. Yes, Portland wants Rudy to stay. The kid is smooth and brings shades of Reggie Miller to the floor the way he works off a screen and hits from outside. He knows his defense needs work too. That will come, albeit slowly.

But his stability and staying power around Rip City may not be the reality down the road.

Might as well begin to embrace that possibility now.

If not, at least nestle up along side of it for a bit.

pic via: beijing2008

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