I know that their are probably Rudy supporters out their, and I was one of them for a long time!  This post is not meant to be a knee-jerk reaction as the result of Rudy having one bad game, or even a couple of bad games.  Nor is this post meant to blame Rudy for personally being responsible for ruining our playoff chances.  

The fact of the matter is that outside of a couple of glimmers of fools gold Rudy has not delivered this season!  I know that some will blame it  on his injuries, but unless he is still injured that is just an excuse.  He has had plenty of time, and opportunities to get his game back, and in this playoff series with the Suns it seems as though he is sabotaging his/our chances by playing poor defense, and committing silly fouls.

Clearly his head/heart is not into the playoffs at all, because this is not the Rudy we knew, and fell in love with.  He has made reports to news organizations that he is unhappy here (missing being home in his country) & with his playing time (which he certainly is not earning, so it appears that his heart is not with playing for the Blazers.  

Rudy at one time was on my "Do Not Trade List" with all his potential, but now it appears obvious to me that in the best interest of Rudy & the team that he should be Traded (how about them Knicks? - Benefits being potential playing time, style of play, and with a larger community of Spaniards to support him possibly  making him feel more at home).  When you have a player that is vocally unhappy with their situation you need to remove, or resolve it quickly, as it is just like Cancer.

For those that disagree with me...Thanks for allowing me to express my opinions!

All the best,

Jeff

Since all of us blazer fans have lived through the Trader Bob era, and know first hand all the potential pitfalls.  I was curious to hear what my fellow blazer fans think of the moves that Danny Ainge has made this off-season?

I have put up a poll (because they are kinda fun), but with these types of player movements it brings up so many questions, and comments that cannot be covered in a poll.

Some questions that came to mind.....If we were guaranteed a championship, would you prefer to "build" (2-4 years out), or "buy" (win now) a championship team?  If Paul Allen gave out the orders to "buy" a championship team, do you think that K.P. could succeed where others have failed?  Does this "buy it now" mentallity ruin it for the fans?  There are so many more Q's the list could go on, and on.

So lets here it!

I am torn between picking Oden & Durant (like alot of us are).  I know people have posted some crazy trade proposals for us to get another first round pick, but can anyone come up with a trade senario where we could realisticly get Seattle's first round pick?  Is it even possible?  Is there a deal that Seattle would jump at, and where their fans would be happy as well?

I am guessing it would have to be a multi-team deal to work, and I know that Blazer fans would not even consider giving up LaMarcus, & Brandon!  

Who knows maybe someone can propose a trade that can grow legs, and get us the top 2 picks in this years draft.  Who is the next KP in waiting?

Notice how much less hoopla, and press coverage of Durant's arrival here in PDX versus the mass coverage in articles, and blogs of Oden's anticipated arrival well before he even got off the plane.  Clearly even the media is biased!  

I think we should give equal coverage, and keep an open mind. Maybe were talking Bowie vs. Jordan all over again.  History has a strange way of repeating itself (not that any of us want that).  

Lots of people are quick to compare & predict Oden to be one of the greatest centers of all-time.  How come nobody has balls to compare & predict Durant to be the next Jordan?  Personally I do not think we should make these kind of comparions to really unproven talents.  Both are overflowing with potential, and until they play & prove themselves in the NBA all they are is potential.  Lots of disappointments in the history of the NBA with players that were supposed to be the next greatest.

We will not know who would have been the better pick for years to come, so let's give them both a fair shake and let the best man win.