Just for discussion purposes. If you had to choose one of the two to let go, who would it be and why? I would keep Batum and let Rudy go. I think the defense that Nic brings is more important than the shooting that Rudy brings. We could find another shooter easier then a great wing defender. Also, I think Nic isn't that far from shooting just as good as Rudy from 3. Your thoughts?
I think the fact, how set we are at SG and how much of a question mark SF is, both magnifies the importance of Batum and downplays the importance of Rudy. The Spaniard is a gamer though, and we will LOVE that guy when we are playing in BIG TIME games very soon.
That's not the question. For me it's Batum and it's not even close. Blocks shots, potential to be a lockdown wing defender, still lots of untapped potential on offense. Rudy is redundant behind Roy, and while he's a very nice player, he's already 24 so it's unlikely he's going to be making big quantum leaps in his game from this point forward ... refinements and maybe a little more strength for sure, just not the kind of leaps 19-20 year olds can make from one year to the next.
I voted for Batum, only because we have Brandon. Brandon plays three positions, but is really a SG. Rudy is really only a SG. Rudy will always be behind Brandon. Batum can be a very good starter some day. Rudy is a better player and may always be better. If we lost Roy, then I would put Rudy first.
It's just for conversation purposes. That is fine if you do not want to participate. Just trying to spark some talk in the off-season!
I chose Batum over Rudy for a couple of reasons 1. We have a SG that will always be ahead of Rudy on the depth chart, and at some point I think Rudy will want to start. 2. Rudy would bring back more in a trade right now than Batum would. 3. Batum does two things better at his age than Rudy does. Play defense and attack the basket.
I'd rather keep Batum. Not just for reasons listed, but I also think Fernandez is just a hotter commodity and could net more in a trade. Fernandez is exactly the kind of charismatic hotshot that fills arena seats with his style of play, his international following and (let's face it) his looks. And I think that'll play a major part in some mediocre team trading us a decent asset. Nobody buys a ticket to see Batum play, and that may always be true. He just won't command as much in a trade because the other team knows it'll be a lot harder to sell him to the fans. But he's got just as much (if not more) upside as Fernandez, and brings everything we need in our SF position.
By the way.. I really have no problem with in the future having a 3 guard rotation of Roy, Rudy, and Bayless. not just yet.. but it would be a good way of getting guys 28-30 MPG and Roy his 35
