Rudy Fernandez: Will step up for Blazers next season

Only the die hard Blazer fans have followed Rudy Fernandez, who is developing into one of the strongest guards overseas. Fernandez was picked up by the Blazers late in 07 NBA Draft. Instead of bringing him to Portland to sit on the bench the Blazers let him develop his game in Spain.

Fernandez, a 6 ft. 5 in. guard, looks to be one of many promising prospects in the Blazers organization. Rather the Blazers will keep him or use him in a trade to lure in a veteran for their playoff push Fernandez will play an important role in the Blazers success next season.

Fernandez has plenty of experience playing in a league that is tougher than the NBDL. In Spain Fernandez is regarded as one of the best players to play their, which includes current NBA players; Pau Gasol, Jose Calderon, and Jorge Garbajosa.

In the 06-07 season Fernandez led his team with a 16.1 ppg scoring average. Prompting the Blazers to take him from the Suns with the 24th pick. Since Draft Day Fernandez has made a buzz playing overseas and continued his dominance in the Spanish League, but has he done too well?

Fernandez has observed the sparse play that current Blazers gurad Sergio Rodriguez has received with the Blazers and is surely worried that he will get the same treatment. Perhaps the best thing for the Blazers to do with the up and coming Fernandez is to use him as trade bait next season to get that one player that can put Portland over the top and into the immediate Championship position.