Cry Me A River, Rudy....

ABM · Feb 17, 2010

Figuratively speaking, of course.

Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez hopes "tear drop" makes him harder to defend
By Joe Freeman, The Oregonian

It's roughly two hours until tipoff and the visiting team is still shuffling into the Rose Garden through the back entrance as Rudy Fernandez practices alone on the arena floor before a recent Trail Blazers game.

The time has come to work on "La Bomba."

Fernandez jogs from half court, collects a pass from assistant coach Kaleb Canales and fakes a shot from the three-point arc. After a hesitation, Fernandez drives toward the hoop and lofts a high-arcing floater near the free throw line as assistant coach Bill Bayno sprints toward him hoisting giant black pads with raised arms.

Splash.

Since returning from microdiscectomy surgery on Jan. 13, Fernandez has endured inconsistency as he has worked his way back into midseason form. But one thing that has remained consistent is his tireless pursuit at expanding his offensive repertoire to feature more than three-point shots. The second-year guard is intent on improving his driving ability and the weapon he practices most often is the tear drop, an Old School move that few in the NBA use.

"I think I'm a good shooter but I can do a lot more," Fernandez said. "I can go to the basket and I have the ability (to make) layups. I play hard and want to go to the basket more. I think it's a good move, a good shot, because in the NBA there are a lot of big men and athletic (players) ... and it's tough situation for them to block the shot."

The tear drop, which has the flair that characterizes Fernandez's game, also has much potential for the Blazers.

When the Blazers acquired center Marcus Camby on Tuesday, they did more than simply shore up their front line. By trading away proven veterans Travis Outlaw and, especially, Steve Blake, coach Nate McMillan said Blazers management showed that they "have committed to Rudy and (Jerryd) Bayless being our backup guards for the future."

And for Fernandez, a critical element of his future is the evolution of his offense. The tear drop is an especially difficult shot to defend because it's virtually impossible to block, particularly when a lanky and athletic 6-foot-6 player such as Fernandez is attempting it. And because so few players in the NBA use it, it's unconventional and often surprising.

Players who do feature it -- a short list that most notably includes San Antonio's Tony Parker, Phoenix's Steve Nash and Chicago's Derrick Rose -- are multifaceted offensive forces. The tear drop revolutionized Tony Parker's game, elevating him from a prospect into an All-Star. It helped Nash become an MVP.

There are negatives. As Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams says, it's a "high risk, high reward" shot because a miss often results in a long rebound and fast break for the opposing team. But when perfected, it can add a unique dimension to an offense that Williams calls "deadly." Because Fernandez is such a respected shooter, a simple pump fake frees him up to drive the lane unabated.

Once he reaches the free throw line, the threat of a tear drop then opens up multiple possibilities. If a front line player approaches to offer help defense, Fernandez can dish to a suddenly open teammate for an easy layup or dunk. Or Fernandez can simply lob the shot. Even if he misses, he might draw a foul and Fernandez is an 86 percent free-throw shooter.

And the best part of it all? The tear drop results in far less physical punishment than a routine layup through the heart of a defense because it tends to draw less contact. Ultimately it should help protect Fernandez' slight frame, including his once-ailing back.

"I want him attacking," McMillan said. "I like the fact that he's going to the paint. I like the aggressiveness. I think we need that. I think that's something he needs to add to his game. He should be a guy that can get to the rim and get to the free throw line because he goes hard, he knows how to draw fouls. So the floater comes into play. That's a shot he's comfortable with."

So why does Fernandez call it "La Bomba?" It's an ode to one of the most respected native Spanish players, Juan Carlos Navarro, who played with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007-08 before returning to the Spanish ACB League. Fernandez' relationship with Navarro dates to when he was 17 and playing on the Spanish National Team. Navarro, who's nickname is "La Bomba," was a mentor and one of his trademark moves is the tear drop.

Fernandez works on the challenging shot for extensive stretches during most practices and before every game with Canales. He's only attempted it a handful of times in games, but he's been successful, unofficially making four.

"I think it kind of opens the game up for him in general," Canales said. "I think he's always had it in his arsenal, but I think this year with him driving a little more to the basket, he's been able to utilize it more. He gets it nice and high and ... we're just trying to work on it and work on the touch. His touch around the basket is unbelievable."

Things have been up and down for Fernandez since he returned in January. In 17 games, he's scored in double figures just seven times and has been held to three or fewer points more than half that many (five). He averaged 10.4 points per game last season. But the back and leg pain he once endured has vanished. Physically, he says, he's great.

The next step is regaining consistency. And, perhaps, "La Bomba" can help Fernandez rediscover it.

"It's another move for me and I think every player needs to improve," Fernandez said. "I'm trying to improve. I'm happy when I'm on the court. I play aggressive and go aggressive to the basket. Probably, I need to play more consistent. But I'm happy when I'm on the court."
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Nikolokolus · Feb 17, 2010

Shit, if anybody needs a floater in the lane it's not Rudy, it's Jerryd.

THE HCP · Feb 17, 2010

I didn't read the article, but he does work on that shot over and over and over! I told him to use the finger roll....... it's prettier! Bayno told me to shut up and quit tryin' to coach!

Blazer_Hippie · Feb 17, 2010

For now I think I'd be content knowing he was just sitting outside the the 3 point line shooting those for the whole practice...

[video=youtube;v5bU3FdyxHk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5bU3FdyxHk[/video]

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Cry Me A River, Rudy....

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Cry Me A River, Rudy....

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ABM Happily Married In Music City, USA!

Nikolokolus There's always next year

THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

Blazer_Hippie Batum getting ballsy!

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