I recently had an argument with a friend, who loves Webster. He says 'Tell is much more valuable, better defender, etc. I tried to point to roland ratings and PER in my defense of Rudy, but he brushed those off. So, I'll leave it up to you to settle this. Who is the better player: Martell Webster or Rudy Fernandez?
Rudy, imo. I had a weird feeling Martel would have had a really nice year though, but we didn't get to see it. So since we really don't know how good Martell is right now we have to go off his first 3? years in the NBA and compare it to Rudy as of this past year, and I think Rudy has been better. I also believe the stats back me up on that (i'm not 100% sure though), even the 3pt shooting %s which was supposed to be Martell's strong point. Love 'em both though, but I do see either Travis or Martell gone this off-season.
That's really hard to say since we haven't seen Webster this year. Keep in mind that Webster is actually younger than Rudy, and the stats they have put up has been relatively the same. Yeah, Rudy probably brings more hustle and steals, but Websters size gives him an advantage in man-to-man defense. I'm inclined to go to Webster at this point honestly.
I say Rudy right now due to his basketaball IQ, but I believe Martel will be a very important player for the Blazers for years to come. Unless of course Martel can net us Deron or Devin.
Based on everything we've seen of Webster, Rudy is better. Webster has a decent shot, but Rudy's is better and Rudy can occasionally create for himself or others, whereas Webster can't. Webster might be slightly better in man defense, only because he's larger. Rudy is better on team defense. To me, Webster is expendable, while Rudy is a valuable player.
Rudy, although I think they're different players, with some similarities. I think Webster could excel in some areas that Rudy would not, and vice versa.
Martell has a little more potential on the defensive end, mostly due to size and strength. He looked like he was becoming a solid defender toward the end of 07-08. Otherwise, I would give it to Rudy at this point. I need to see another season of Webster to make a really fair comparison... Rudy IS a year older than Martell, and has a lot more experience in big games and as a professional. I have a gut feeling that Martell may still have a huge breakout year next season. Any player who can score 24 in a quarter at age 22 has big potential... I don't think we have seen Webs scratch the surface yet. I guess I am saying that Webster HAS THE POTENTIAL to be better than Rudy before his career is over. Yeah, definitely Rudy is better so far... it's not that close.
I voted Rudy if only because I think he doesn't seem to have the dodgy confidence issues that Martell seemed to have in his first three years, other than that I think Rudy is streaky as hell with his shot and pretty one dimensional in his shot selection, but his overall understanding of the team game and passing ability makes him a much more rounded offensive threat. Defensively, Martell really seemed to be embracing the 'defensive stopper' role Nate was trying to carve out for him the year before, but I don't recall him being lockdown or particularly stout on D. Bah, none of this matters, I want both of them to be good next year.
It's REALLY hard for me to call that now. On one hand, this was Rudy's year to adjust to the NBA and he will probably be more effective next year. On the other hand, Martell is an unknown, he's still so young. I can't say. Either way, get rid of Travis and replace him with Martell and we won't need to compare.
I voted for Rudy, but I don't think we know enough about either Rudy or Martell yet. Rudy has played very well even though he's never played this much, and he overcame the language barrier which has given other players trouble in the past. But he's shown almost no midrange game, nor does he go to the hoop much, except for back door. Martell has always been a below average NBA starter. However, he's really changed his attitude and I was anxious to see how he had improved. He played pretty well in a preseason game in Sacto, then he went down.
I like Webster a lot and I think there's a lot of what have you done for me lately syndrome going on. I think Webster is still the better overall player, however I honestly would have a harder time giving up Rudy at this point as I think he can be very Ginobli esque. But then again I don't know how it will shake out with him and Roy both needing lots of minutes in the future.
A little unfair for Marty considering his missed the entire season. Who knows how much he improved over last summer. I did go with Rudy however.
I'm more inclined to go with what have you done for me ever when it comes to Martell. He did have that single hot quarter, but for the most part he's been pretty forgettable. Besides shooting a deep set shot at a reasonable clip, he's mediocre or worse at most every facet of the game. Over 3 seasons his PER has been 11.6, 9.9, & 12.0. Rudy wins this comparison in a blowout. He is a threat to shoot, drive, or pass, runs his man hard off screens for his pull up J and seems to get more back cut slams then anyone on the team. Even when it comes to Martell's calling card (shooting) Fernandez wins any way you slice it. Comparing Martell's last season to Rudy's only, Rudy leads in FG% 0.425 to 0.422, FTs 84% to 73%, 3's 40% to 39%, & TS% 59% to 55%. He also hit several absolute daggers to seal away games. His PER was 15.4 If Martell is to get minutes next year he's going to need to take his game to another level as Batum Travis and Rudy all have been producing at a higher level then he ever has. STOMP
Rudy is a better player because Webster is only a spot-up shooter and can't drive like Rudy. Rudy shot 39.9% from 3 point land this year. Webster while improving each year has only shot 35.7%, 36.4% and 38.8%.
Of course y'all are voting for Rudy. He actually played. Did Rudy have a better 08-09 season than Martell's 07-08 season? No.
