Rudy Fernandez: Should the Chicago Bulls Trade For Him?

Funny how a little tweet erupts into a noisy buzz.

The latest rumor has the Chicago Bulls making a swap for Portland Trailblazers’ Rudy Fernandez, which could be done by Monday. This began with a tweet posted by Tommy Dee (TheKnicksBlog) saying:

“Source says a deal with Rudy Fernandez and the Bulls could be done by monday. James Johnson to portland but blaz want a draft pick as well.”

“Source?” Hmmm.

Yes, the Bulls did sign the Spurs’ Keith Bogans after striking out to Roger Mason Jr. Many might think this puts an end to the Rudy rumors.

But the deal with Bogans is believed to be two years and worth $2.5 million, meaning the Bulls still have enough cap space for Rudy, who has just one year and under $1.25 million left in his contract.

It appears as if no one will know for sure about Rudy and the Bulls until Monday, which still leaves reason to analyze this imminent (or not so imminent) trade.

Pro No. 1 – Rudy is the best shooter available

If the Bulls are looking for a shooter, then Rudy is their guy.

In his 2008-09 rookie year, Rudy shot 39 percent from behind the arc. And in the final eight games of that season, when the Blazers clinched their first playoff berth since 2003, Rudy went 50.9 percent.

Yeah, he’s a guy who can go on hot stretches.

Though his numbers dropped slightly last year, he still shot 37 percent. Do keep in mind that he struggled with adjusting to a new role while backing up Brandon Roy, and saw fewer minutes.

But will that change with the Bulls?

The Bulls aren’t the Blazers, and their only shooting threat is newly signed Kyle Korver.

If the Bulls need outside shooting, then Rudy is the best option.

The Spaniard is a fine shooter. He’s hot when he’s hot.

He sure can knock down those threes. 

Pro No. 2 – Rudy isn’t just a shooter

Rudy isn’t a player with just one label on him.

The Bulls have depth in their wing rotation, but are limited to very defined roles.

Korver is their shooter, while Ronnie Brewer is the defensive guy. Bogans is the insurance man in the two-three rotations. C.J. Watson, a hopeful 26-year-old with potential (note “potential”), plays the young backup point guard for Derrick Rose.

Just by watching Rudy play, one can tell he has natural athleticism and all-around talent.

Don’t limit Rudy to the SG position. He can also play as a front guard and moves very well off the ball, creating opportunities for Rose all around the court.

As a shooter, Rudy looks to shoot first. Common.

If the shot isn’t there, he’ll pass if up or even create his own shot. Maybe even a little drive to the basket.

He's a flashy guy, but that can be a liability.

There have been mixed reviews on his ball-handling skills, but remember that he’s not a point guard. Yet, he is capable of handling the ball, which leads to the next slide.

Pro No. 3 – Rudy can take pressure off Rose

Rose and Rudy on the same floor could be just as effective as Rose and Watson coming off the bench, or Rose and Bogans. Or even Rose and Korver.

As stated earlier, Rudy can move off the ball and be a second ball handler, which could work well as opponents attempt to constantly keep a body on Rose at all times.

Having Rudy alongside Rose would be just as potent than having Watson offensively and defensively.

Consider the Bulls backcourt size with two mini guards, Rose and Watson.

Rudy, standing at 6’6, adds size to a small backcourt.

Yes, his defense is lackluster, and he gets banged up by the bigger guys. But would the Bulls rather have an undersized guard defensively, or a long guy who can provide an offensive spark off the bench?

They did pick up Bogans, who does add size on defensive end, but that’s about it. Bogans doesn’t really produce offensively, but Rudy does, and is great for a team looking to run an uptempo offense.

The answer to his lackluster defense: Put him on a non-scorer.

Con No. 1 – Defense, defense, defense

With defense being stressed by Tom Thibodeau, Rudy’s lack of it can’t go unnoticed.

On one possession, he’ll look like he doesn’t play defense, then on the next, he’ll look like he changed his mind and decided to move his feet.

Call it an all-show and no-go.

Sure, Rudy will make up for Kirk Hinrich on the offensive end, but not defensively.

Are there any “Can we have Hinrich back?” chants now?

Yes and no. 

Con No. 2 – The Bulls don’t have room for a disgruntled man

This is the most crucial point.

The Bulls can pat themselves on the back for their depth.

But in this case, when they are desperate for another scoring threat, too much depth might not be a good idea.

The Bulls already have a backed-up wing rotation with the additions of Korver, Brewer, Watson, and Bogans.

Rudy would be a nice addition to have, but he wants playing minutes, and he’s not guaranteed those with the Bulls.

The Bulls’ lineup is already set.

But can they fit Rudy somewhere in there?

It’d be great to know what Rudy himself thinks about coming to the Bulls. Maybe Chris Paul can convince him to get a Twitter account.

Last season, Rudy was unhappy with just 23 minutes with the Blazers, which was down from 25 in his rookie season. How many would he see with the Bulls?

It seems like he’s driven more by the will to play than the will to win with a conference contender.

His talent fits well with the Bulls’ roster, but his attitude is detrimental to the team’s chemistry.

The Bulls grabbed players who are excited about joining the team and starting the season. The least they need is one selfish guy who could spoil the fun. 

Con No. 3 – Blazers want a first round pick with the trade

On paper, what seems to be at stake for the Bulls is James Johnson (a no-brainer there) and a first-round draft pick.

How badly do the Bulls really want to keep their first-round pick?

A fellow BR writer breaks it down very well here.

In general, giving up the draft pick would jeopardize the Bulls’ future financially, especially if they want to extend the one year left on Joakim Noah and Rose’s contracts.

Sure, the Bulls would give up a pick in the high teens or 20's, but they proved to be lucky with sleeper Taj Gibson.

Also, if the Bulls were to make a run for Carmelo Anthony or any other free agent next offseason, sacrificing their pick wouldn’t be smart.

Rumors also have Gibson in the trade mix somehow, but he's a no-touchy. 

Bottom line: The Bulls want the talent, but not the attitude

The idea of Rudy sounds great. He would add outside shooting and be a great offensive spark off the bench. At 25, he’s a young guy packed with plenty of talent.

But that talent can only blossom given more time on the floor, and Rudy knows that.

The Bulls already have a roster that’s as deep as a black hole.

If the Bulls had thought of Rudy earlier, they probably wouldn’t be in this dilemma. Now, the void that the Bulls are looking to fill in their roster doesn’t seem like the role Rudy has in mind.