What he likes to Sergio Rodriguez (Tenerife, 1986) is playing basketball in Portland and barely makes it. After ending his second season in the NBA, the foundation raises his voice. For the first time there is continuity in the Blazers, a team that portends a great future but gives little confidence and less continuity. Another year and it would be cruel to him.

First, how is morale?
Okay. I help my character: I am quite happy and I try to look at the positive side of everything. It has been a difficult year but I learned a lot and I have matured.

Is not it considers lost?
Not at all. This is not the year that I would have liked to have, but we have to take the positive and think that everything that happens is for the better. This will help me in the future.

Can I thought that the second year could be worse than the rookie?
It has been tough, but no worse or harder than the novice. There have been different circumstances. We have become a winning team and it would be normal to be at playoffs, there have been no injuries, my adaptation has been better, I am happy in the city, with colleagues ...

I mean, what is that not only plays, which is the important thing.
Yes, the only thing is that I have not played what I would have liked.

And if next year is like?
Everything has its time. I have 21 years and these two have been to adapt. Next year, I would cost much aguantarlo.

His boss, Kevin Pritchard, puts an example to Outlaw, who waited five years to begin playing.
My career has been very rapid. I used to do everything fast and I always rush to get there and do your best. Also, because I can and I am able to do so. Outlaw's career has been different. Who knows if in the end will be similar, but neither is it my idea.

What we ask Portland for the coming year?
I ask what I asked him this year and what I asked before: continuity and confidence. With confidence to play better, calmer. And with continuity gives you time to make mistakes and correct them. I like to be many years in Portland, but the first thing is my career and my evolution. If you are unwilling or believe it is not the best for the team will need to find other solutions.

As the transfer request.
We did not request the transfer. I know that several teams asked about me and Portland said no. I stay with me and that Portland has shown. In the future will be what happens.

And it is only the option to remain in Portland?
Not. I took the decision to come to play for the NBA because it was my dream and hopefully be in Portland, but if we do not see other solutions.

Must be hard to say who has a future, but at the moment of truth given three minutes.
He rabies. I would like to play more, because I feel that could do it and help the team, but I must not look back. More work, which is what I have done and what is in my hands.

Pritchard is their main valedor. I think that until you send an inspirational message to the cellphone.
I have a smooth relationship with him and we talk a lot. It has always shown that believes in me.

And the coach, too?
With him I am a professional and correct. I also have sat several times to talk.

What did she say when she was seven matches without playing?
She told me that it was doing well, but after so many parties had realized that the rotation was difficult with three bases. So I stopped going out in the parties ... And seven matches later I went again.

Is it not illogical that disappear after matches in which he played and did well?
Yes, they are things that frustrate, but it is the coach who has to do what is best for the team.

And it is worth being in the NBA to play so little?
Of course. My dream as a child was to be here. I am living the dream of playing in the NBA and deal with major players. We take risks to come, but I think I have done well these past two years and I have shown that I can play. This way I am.

What Sergio is better, two years ago or now?
I am much better than two years ago, especially head. He progressed throughout the physical, mental and appearance in the game. I just lack continuity and confidence. When you have that, it will demonstrate.

Are you changing your game? Is not inhibited because if you lose a ball is going to the bank?
My game has not changed, and when I was given minutes. It is difficult to make my game, which is risky, in three minutes. I can not leave cold and try to do what I do when I am hot.

I imagine he knows that all this makes it difficult to be in the olympics.
Playing in the NBA is independent of going to the olympics. They will have to decide Pepu and the Federation. They know how to play and what it brings. I have been with the selection since the age of 14 and for me is the team this summer. The choice is yours and respect, but I have a great deal of enthusiasm for going to the Games.

This year the competition is tough: Calde, Cabezas, Raul, Ricky ...
That's good. If not, we would not be champions of the World. I am glad that they go so well.

Do you speak a lot with Pepu?
Yes, we often talk. I called for animarme and to continue. Insurance also would do if it were not the selector.

Sorry for my bad translation