| 21 December 2010
It was a sure sign Rudy Fernandez had found his comfort zone.
About an hour before tip-off, Fernandez sat at his locker wearing earphones and bumping some beat that kept the shooting-guard's hands drumming rapidly right along to the rhythm. He glanced at the scouting report real quick, tossed it to the side, and then it was right back to the music and more drumming.
Fernandez never missed a beat.
It's as if Fernandez carried that flow over to the game.
He has now strung together his third-straight double-figure game that has seen him sport everything from the "Three Goggles" to alley-oops to LaMarcus Aldridge in the open court during Portland's home stand against Minnesota, Golden State and Milwaukee.
"Right now, I think it's my moment and I take the minutes and I'm shooting the ball well on the court," said Fernandez after finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds against the Bucks, who were without Brandon Jennings.
"I have confidence in my play and the shots, and this is a big year for me."
Looking back nearly three months ago, it's almost easy to forget how Fernandez came into training camp in October and explained how all he wanted to do was return home to Spain and his family, and leave the NBA behind. But after everything the Blazers have been through since then - the constant flow of injuries, Andre's Miller's suspension, Brandon Roy's overall health concerns - Fernandez has somehow found calm in the middle of another Portland storm.
"The main thing is he has been professional about it. Everyone knows his feelings. But he has come in and worked hard and played hard. If you ask him today, I'm sure he feels the same way," Nate McMillan confessed.
"He is coming and doing his job, which you hope and expect players to do that. Basically, that is what I coach. I coach what I see. I understand his feelings...my focus is on what guys are doing, not what they are saying. I know what he's saying and what he feels because we have talked about it."
Between McMillan and Fernandez, those talks have centered around Rudy's role in the offense and just talking basketball more than how Fernandez has adjusted to being away from home this season in Portland.
"I think since October, we haven't talked about him moving (back to Spain). It's more, what can you do better or what we need you to do. It's been about basketball. It hasn't been about him going back home or trades," added McMillan.
Yet trade talks is exactly where many may continue to hear Fernandez's name floated about with the NBA trade deadline in February right around the corner.
Fernandez has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him $1.25 million this season. If he is not traded by the deadline, the pending NBA lockout could factor into play. With all signs pointing to a work stoppage next season in the league, Fernandez could actually elect to play basketball in Europe and opt not to return if/when the NBA resumes play. It's one of a number of options for Fernandez.
For now, Fernandez is simply focused on the Blazers and the basketball being played lately in style that fits Fernandez nicely. And he's doing it as he has all season long - handling the ups and downs and ups like a pro.
"He's been productive here with minutes the last few games...that's what you coach. If he was coming in with a negative attitude and wasn't working, that's a different story," said McMillan.
Fernandez has flourished in McMillan's offense lately, no doubt showing more flash in the open court and in transition. The outside shot has been falling for Fernandez too, which never hurts a team who has been struggling from the perimeter this season.
"I'm having fun right now and enjoying the game. I keep working every day and have minutes and I take my minutes. I'm happy," started Fernandez.
When asked if this was the most comfortable he's been playing since arriving in Portland, two seasons ago, Fernandez didn't hesitate.
"Yes. Probably yes, because I've taken the ball more than the last two years and with the second unit we run more on the fast break. And on defense, I'm probably more aggressive and I feel comfortable."
Back in the locker room after the game, Fernandez was right at home. He joked with Patty Mills about not getting him a present for Christmas, and bantered around with the media who wanted to break down his game against Milwaukee.
Even then, Fernandez wasn't thinking about October or after this season. He was thinking about winning basketball games.
"I'm happy to play, but what is important is a win for the team," Fernandez said.
"Right now, it's for the team and not myself."
photo: daylife
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