Fernandez wants to return to Europe
After a two-year stint in the NBA, Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Rudy Fernandez is planning to return to Europe and resume his playing career near his family, the player disclosed
Tuesday.
The 25-year old Fernandez finally broke his silence about an ongoing trade negotiation between the Blazers and the Chicago Bulls, insisting he does not want to be traded or to stay longer
in the NBA.
"I don't want a trade, I prefer to go home with my family and play in Europe," Fernandez stated Tuesday. "I don't want to hear about New York or about Chicago. I want to hear (I'm going)
back to Europe."
It’s been a busy off-season Fernandez, who played with the Spanish National team at the World Basketball Championship.
Fernandez previously requested the Blazers for a trade after having a significant drop in minutes last season.
Many viewed the sharp development of shooting guard Jerryd Bayless as the reason behind the reduction of Fernandez playing time.
Considered as one of the best talents out of Spain, Fernandez scintillated the American sports audience with his scoring ability and an incredible athleticism rare to international players.
Many compared Fernandez’s playing style to San Antonio Spurs small forward Manu Ginobili, who also played in Spain in his early playing career.
In his rookie season, Fernandez averaged 10.4 points and 2.7 boards, and 2.0 assists in 25.6 minutes of action (78 games), earning him an NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection.
However, injuries and inconsistency plagued Fernandez’s second year with the Blazers, as he averaged 8.1 points, 2.0 boards, and 1.0 assists in 23.2 minutes (62 games).
In spite of a bad year, several NBA teams showed interest in acquiring the service of the Spanish shooting guard, including the talent-laden Bulls.
NBA analysts believed the Bulls will be a much better team with Fernandez on the fold.
Nevertheless, Fernandez does not want to come off the bench, a role he will likely assume with the Bulls.
The New York Knicks also expressed their interest to take Fernandez but the Blazers are not high on the team’s trade proposal.
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