The reason why I mention this is I've noticed Rudy looking really tired on the court. All his outside shots are short; meaning his legs aren't under him. I have a theory on why he's so tired. 1.) Playing in Europe; the seasons are much shorter. 2.) He's never had to play significant minutes in Portland. In fact, there was a time when we rarely used him during Roy's amazing Allstar contribution. 3.) He's a wet 120. The games have gotten much more physical and he's getting bumped around a lot. 4.) Mental fatigue. His shot isn't falling; which is causing him to doubt himself. The more he doubts, the more the mental fatigue kicks in. Anyone else have anything to add?
so Mags has he been tired ALL year? he has shot consistently bad since his rookie year, I now think his rookie yr was an aberration and this crap shooting is normal, would not be sorry nor surprised if he is not back here next year
Well I won't argue that the entire season wasn't much to be proud of; but at least many of his shots were hitting the rim. Lately, it's hard to watch. They aren't even coming close. Also, he would drive to the bucket more and toss those lobs to Aldridge. Lately, he can't even do that. He is extremely tired right now. I think even Mills is a better asset than him right now.
rather see Nic and Wes take most of Rudy's minutes, Rudy may be a better ball handler than Nic and Wes but after that it's all down hill with Rudy in a large way
He played significantly more total minutes and more MPG as a rookie than he will this season. He played fewer games, but about the same MPG last season as this. 2008-09: 78 Games, 1993 MIN, 25.6 MPG, 0.425 FG%, 0.399 3FG% 2009-10: 62 Games, 1441 MIN, 23.2 MPG, 0.378 FG%, 0.368 3FG% 2010-11: 76 Games, 1758 MIN, 23.1 MPG, 0,367 FG%, 0.316 3FG% His minutes have remained fairly consistent, actually declining slightly. His shooting has been in steady decline since his rookie season. BNM
Two other possibilities: 5.) He's never recovered from the back injury suffered at the hands of Trevor Ariza. Not sure if it's mental, physical, or both, but he just hasn't shot well since the injury. 6.) His decline directly mirrors Roy's diminished capabilities. When Roy was penetrating, collapsing the defense and kicking out, Rudy got a lot of uncontested shots with his feet set. With Roy no longer the dominant player he once was, Rudy doesn't get as many wide open, uncontested shots. I'm not sure how much I believe this as Rudy seems to be missing plenty of wide open looks. BNM
7) The decline in his stats reflects the increase in his contributions outside the box score. He is much more active this season helping everyone and making things happen, at the cost of his focus on his own selfish stats. He stopped playing Nate's game loitering outside and started playing to his own talents nearer the basket.
I don't like how everyone has to mention Trevor Ariza when talking about Rudy's back injury. Just say back injury.. that shouldn't have even been a flagrant foul. I've never though Rudy was good, and at this point he doesn't deserve any playing time. His main asset is supposed to be the long ball but he sucks at it.
I was just reading the board and... 8) Rudy hasn't been the same since the judges tilted the backboard at the Dunk Contest. He has yet to recover his confidence. http://sportstwo.com/threads/183867-OT-Every-NBA-Slam-Dunk-Contest-Video-Visualization?
