Minnesota Sports Forum

kekgeek wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 12:55 pm I don’t know why I care at all but the National media destroying Rudy for losing in the group stage. Like “shocking a team lead by Rudy Gobert would flame out”. Rudy fucking has medaled the last 3 tournaments he has played in

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:18 am

kekgeek wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 12:55 pm I don’t know why I care at all but the National media destroying Rudy for losing in the group stage. Like “shocking a team lead by Rudy Gobert would flame out”. Rudy fucking has medaled the last 3 tournaments he has played in

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/rudy-g ... lves-trade

You should expect to take some heat in the national media, and deservedly so, when (a) you’re 31 years old in a League where players often begin to decline at that age; (b) you perform as poorly as Rudy has in this year’s FIBA; (c) you’re coming off your worse statistical NBA season since your rookie year; (d) a team recently gave up 4 unprotected first round picks along with another 1st round pick and three rotation players to get you; and (e) you’re about to be paid $43 million next season and around $50 million for each of two seasons after that. Lot’s of players with far less fodder have been hit with more media criticism over the years than Rudy’s getting now.

What matters to me is how Rudy plays and blends in with the team next season for the Wolves. I do think he’s in decline and I’ve never thought he’s a good fit for the Wolves in today’s NBA or worth anything close to what we gave up to get him. But he’s here now and not going anywhere. This team will go as far next season as Ant, KAT and Jaden can take them. I’m not counting on Rudy for much so I’ll be pleased if he’s a net overall positive for the team.

My concern with the criticism is that it reflects a general sentiment that’s likely shared by NBA front office executives. Rudy was worth a lot less than what the Wolves gave up to get him immediately after the trade was announced - i.e., it was a huge overpay at the time. His value undoubtedly declined further after last season but I still think the Wolves could have traded him for major salary relief and a few future 2nd-round picks. I’m concerned that Rudy might soon enter than dreaded category of overpriced players who can’t be traded without attaching valuable outgoing assets to them. That’s when you know a trade wasn’t just bad but historically horrendous. We’re not there yet so I’ll put Rudy’s FBIA performance in the rear view mirror and hope for the best from the grand Rudy experiment next season.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:18 am

kekgeek wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 12:55 pm I don’t know why I care at all but the National media destroying Rudy for losing in the group stage. Like “shocking a team lead by Rudy Gobert would flame out”. Rudy fucking has medaled the last 3 tournaments he has played in

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/rudy-g ... lves-trade

You should expect to take some heat in the national media, and deservedly so, when (a) you’re 31 years old in a League where players often begin to decline at that age; (b) you perform as poorly as Rudy has in this year’s FIBA; (c) you’re coming off your worse statistical NBA season since your rookie year; (d) a team recently gave up 4 unprotected first round picks along with another 1st round pick and three rotation players to get you; and (e) you’re about to be paid $43 million next season and around $50 million for each of two seasons after that. Lot’s of players with far less fodder have been hit with more media criticism over the years than Rudy’s getting now.

What matters to me is how Rudy plays and blends in with the team next season for the Wolves. I do think he’s in decline and I’ve never thought he’s a good fit for the Wolves in today’s NBA or worth anything close to what we gave up to get him. But he’s here now and not going anywhere. This team will go as far next season as Ant, KAT and Jaden can take them. I’m not counting on Rudy for much so I’ll be pleased if he’s a net overall positive for the team.

My concern with the criticism is that it reflects a general sentiment that’s likely shared by NBA front office executives. Rudy was worth a lot less than what the Wolves gave up to get him immediately after the trade was announced - i.e., it was a huge overpay at the time. His value undoubtedly declined further after last season but I still think the Wolves could have traded him for major salary relief and a few future 2nd-round picks. I’m concerned that Rudy might soon enter than dreaded category of overpriced players who can’t be traded without attaching valuable outgoing assets to them. That’s when you know a trade wasn’t just bad but historically horrendous. We’re not there yet so I’ll put Rudy’s FBIA performance in the rear view mirror and hope for the best from the grand Rudy experiment next season.

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:39 am I question how much he's fallen off versus how it's depicted by the media. Yes, last year was a down year for him but he was still a defensive stud with the Wolves. It was how he gummed up the offense that was the bigger issue and I even question how much of that is on him versus the other players and coaching. The Jazz were consistently a top 10 offense with Rudy!

Plenty of bigs have been able to maintain very high level defensive effectiveness well into their 30s. Al Horford and Brook Lopez to name two recent examples. Rudy isn't THAT old yet. You can't teach height and I doubt he has lost his technical abilities in terms of how to position himself, wall up, etc.

No doubt that it was a bad trade in hindsight. Hopefully Finch and Rudy figure out the best way to maximize his skillset this upcoming season.