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Rudy Fernández (basketball)
Encyclopedia
Rodolfo "Rudy" Fernández y Farrés (born April 4, 1985) is a Spanish
professional basketball
player. He is a 6'6" (1.98 m) tall shooting guard
/small forward
who is currently signed to the NBA
's Dallas Mavericks
, though he will play for Real Madrid
until the current NBA lockout
ends. He is also a member of the Spanish national basketball team
.
, the 2006 EuroChallenge championship, the 2008 Spanish King's Cup
championship, and the 2008 Eurocup
championship while playing with DKV Joventut
of the Spanish ACB League. He also won numerous personal awards while playing with DKV Joventut, such as the 2004 Spanish King's Cup
MVP, the 2006 EuroChallenge Final Four MVP, the Euroleague
2006-07 season
's Rising Star
award, the 2008 Spanish King's Cup
MVP, the 2008 Eurocup Finals MVP, and the 2007 Catalan Tournament
Final MVP.
He was also named the 2006 FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year
. In July 2007, his contract with Joventut was extended through the year 2011, however his contract was bought out early in the year 2008 so that he could join the NBA. On his exit out of the club he paid tribute to his DKV coach, Aito Garcia Reneses
, "All I know of basketball is thanks to Aito Garcia Reneses,” he said.
, valid only while a new NBA collective bargaining agreement
remains under negotiation. Fernandez signed for a reported €2.7 million, the largest contract in Spanish league history. His deal also gives him the option to return to Real when his Mavericks
contract ends..
by the Phoenix Suns
, who subsequently traded his draft rights along with James Jones
to the Portland Trail Blazers
for cash.
Rudy Fernández announced at a press conference on Friday, June 6, 2008, that he would leave DKV Joventut
to join the Portland Trail Blazers
for the 2008–09 NBA season
, and he signed a contract with the Blazers on July 1. "They [Portland] have shown a lot of interest in getting me and have assured me that I will be an important part in the team,” he said. Fernández joined the NBA team on September 22, 2008. He became the eighth Spaniard to play in the NBA.
For the 2008–09 NBA season
Fernandez joined several other fellow Spaniards in the league that included Pau
and Marc Gasol
, Jose Calderón
, and former Trail Blazers teammate Sergio Rodríguez
. He entered the NBA following his participation with the Spanish national team
at the 2008 Olympic basketball tournament
in Beijing
, China
.
Fernandez played in his first regular-season NBA game on October 28, 2008, coming off the bench to score 16 points in a 96–76 Portland loss to the Los Angeles Lakers
. On November 12, 2008; Rudy scored 25 points in 29 minutes against the Miami Heat
, including 8 of 8 from the free throw line adding to his already 92% FT shooting to set a new NBA career high. On January 18, 2009, it was announced that Fernández had won the fan voting to pick the fourth dunker to go to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2009 All-Star Weekend
. During the contest, he paid tribute to the late Trail Blazer Fernando Martín
by wearing his #10 jersey. Fernández was eliminated in the first round of the competition, after what some thought was biased judging.
On March 9, 2009, against the Los Angeles Lakers
, Fernández was taken off the court in a stretcher after being fouled hard by Laker Trevor Ariza
in the third quarter. The play resulted in a flagrant foul
and ejection for Ariza. Fernández was alert and conscious when leaving the court with full movement of his extremities, however, he was taken to the hospital due to chest pain. He was released from the hospital the next day with a bruised chest and a right hip pointer
.
Fernández was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team
on April 30, 2009. He set NBA rookie records for number of three-point field goals made (159), hitting a three-point field goal in 33 consecutive games, and making a three-pointer in his first 20 career NBA games.
On October 16, 2009, Blazers announced that they had exercised the third year of their option on Fernández's contract, keeping him with the team through the 2010-11 season.
In December 2009, Fernandez underwent microdiscectomy
surgery for a herniated disc that was causing leg pain
.
On August 20, 2010 Fernandez was fined $25,000 for "public statements detrimental to the NBA," a day after his agent publicly demanded a trade from the Blazers. On December 17, 2010 he hit 9-of-15 shots and four 3-pointers for a career-high 26 points with six assists in a 102-107 win against Minnesota
. Fernandez along with fellow teammate Patty Mills donated 50% of the proceeds from their jerseys sales, throughout the month of January, to help those affected by the floods in Australia
. Fernandez had a season-high eight assists on January 22 to go with 11 points, six rebounds and two steals in 37 minutes off the bench as a PG
in the 97-92 win against Indiana
. Disappointed Fernández and his team, for the third consecutive time, exited the first round of the playoffs
, this time against the Dallas Mavericks
. Fernandez struggled offensively for a good part of the year, but his improved play in other areas of the game has earned him praise from his peers. Blazers head coach Nate McMillan
, who isn't known to hand out compliments easily, singled out his defensive play in the second half of Game 4 against the Mavericks as the key to the 84-82 win.
and at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
with the Spanish national junior team.
, Fernández competed at the 2004 Olympics Basketball Tournament
, averaging 5.1 points in 10.6 minutes. The next year, he played at the EuroBasket 2005
, but his statistics were worse: 2.7 points in 16.3 minutes with a 31.6% FG% His third appearance with Spain's senior national team was at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
, where he became an important player for the Spanish team, and contributed with 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, to help his team win a gold medal.
He also played at the EuroBasket 2007
, where Spain won the tournament's silver medal. During this tournament Rudy averaged 9.9 points in 20.3 minutes per game. At the 2008 Olympics Basketball Tournament
, Spain lost to Team USA
in the gold medal match. Fernández scored 22 points in 18 minutes of play with 5 three-points goals, and completed a dunk over Dwight Howard
that ESPN
sportswriter Bill Simmons
described as "hellacious". During the Olympics, Fernandez had the following stats: 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.3 per game minutes.
The EuroBasket 2009
in Poland was his sixth consecutive appearance with the Spanish national team. Spain won the gold medal in a European Championship for the first time in its history, and Fernández averaged 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game in 28.4 minutes and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
In the 2010 FIBA World Championship
, Fernández averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.8 steals, but Spain only took sixth place in the tournament.
Fernandez then participated in EuroBasket 2011
, where Spain won the gold medal and clinched a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
in the Spanish ACB League with the professional club DKV Joventut
. His older sister, Marta Fernández
, played in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks
in 2007.
Fernández is currently dating model Helen Lindes, Miss Spain 2000 (second runner-up in the Miss Universe competition
).
| style="text-align:left;"| 2008–09
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 78 || 4 || 25.6 || .425 || .399 || .839 || 2.7 || 2.0 || .9 || .2 || 10.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 62 || 2 || 23.2 || .378 || .368 || .867 || 2.6 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .2 || 8.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010-11
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 78 || 3 || 23.3 || .370 || .321 || .863 || 2.2 || 2.5 || 1.1 || .2 || 8.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 218 || 9 || 24.1 || .394 || .364 || .855 || 2.5 || 2.2 || 1.0 || .2 || 9.1
| style="text-align:left;"| 2008–09
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 1 || 27.0 || .429 || .421 || 1.000 || 2.8 || 1.0 || 1.3 || .5 || 7.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 3 || 19.8 || .444 || .478 || .750 || 1.7 || 1.3 || .2 || .0 || 6.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010-11
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 0 || 13.5 || .222 || .300 || .667 || 2.0 || .8 || .3|| .2 || 2.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 18 || 4 || 20.1 || .388 || .423 || .792 || 2.2 || 1.1 || .6 || .2 || 5.7
Spanish people
The Spanish are citizens of the Kingdom of Spain. Within Spain, there are also a number of vigorous nationalisms and regionalisms, reflecting the country's complex history....
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player. He is a 6'6" (1.98 m) tall shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
/small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
who is currently signed to the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
, though he will play for Real Madrid
Real Madrid Baloncesto
Real Madrid Baloncesto is a Spanish professional basketball team founded in 1932 as a division of the Real Madrid club. They play in the Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto ....
until the current NBA lockout
2011 NBA lockout
The 2011 NBA lockout is the fourth lockout in the history of the National Basketball Association . The owners began the work stoppage at 12:01 am EDT on July 1, 2011. The main issues dividing the owners and the players are revenue sharing and the structure of the salary cap...
ends. He is also a member of the Spanish national basketball team
Spain national basketball team
The Spanish national basketball team is the basketball team representing Spain in international competitions, organized and run by the Spanish Basketball Federation...
.
ACB career
DKV Joventut
Rudy Fernández won the 2005 and 2007 Catalan TournamentsCatalan basketball league
The Catalan Basketball Cup, more commonly known as Lliga Catalana, is the regional preseason basketball cup competition that has been organized by the Catalan Basketball Federation since 1980, in Catalonia, Spain....
, the 2006 EuroChallenge championship, the 2008 Spanish King's Cup
Copa del Rey de Baloncesto
The Copa del Rey de Baloncesto is an annual cup competition for Spanish basketball teams organized by Spain's top professional league, Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto. It was originally known as the Copa de España de Baloncesto and was first played in 1933. It was the first nationwide...
championship, and the 2008 Eurocup
ULEB Cup
Eurocup Basketball is the second-tier level transnational professional basketball competition in Europe. The Eurocup is the level that is one tier below the Turkish Airlines Euroleague level...
championship while playing with DKV Joventut
Joventut Badalona
Club Joventut Badalona, S.A.D. is a Spanish professional basketball club based in Badalona, Catalonia, playing in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto . Known to their fans as La Penya , it is one of only three teams that have never been relegated from the top division of the Spanish League...
of the Spanish ACB League. He also won numerous personal awards while playing with DKV Joventut, such as the 2004 Spanish King's Cup
Copa del Rey de Baloncesto
The Copa del Rey de Baloncesto is an annual cup competition for Spanish basketball teams organized by Spain's top professional league, Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto. It was originally known as the Copa de España de Baloncesto and was first played in 1933. It was the first nationwide...
MVP, the 2006 EuroChallenge Final Four MVP, the Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
2006-07 season
Euroleague 2006-07
The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2006-2007 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The draw for the groups was held on September 14, 2006 in Athens. The competition began on October 24, 2006 at the Olympic...
's Rising Star
Euroleague Rising Star
The Euroleague Rising Star is the annual award for the Euroleague's best player, aged 22 and under, throughout the Euroleague season, up until the Euroleague Final Four stage of the season...
award, the 2008 Spanish King's Cup
Copa del Rey de Baloncesto
The Copa del Rey de Baloncesto is an annual cup competition for Spanish basketball teams organized by Spain's top professional league, Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto. It was originally known as the Copa de España de Baloncesto and was first played in 1933. It was the first nationwide...
MVP, the 2008 Eurocup Finals MVP, and the 2007 Catalan Tournament
Catalan basketball league
The Catalan Basketball Cup, more commonly known as Lliga Catalana, is the regional preseason basketball cup competition that has been organized by the Catalan Basketball Federation since 1980, in Catalonia, Spain....
Final MVP.
He was also named the 2006 FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year
FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award
The FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award is an annual award given by FIBA Europe, the European division of FIBA, the international governing body of the sport of basketball, to the best European basketball player aged 22 and under of the year. The inaugural award was given out in the...
. In July 2007, his contract with Joventut was extended through the year 2011, however his contract was bought out early in the year 2008 so that he could join the NBA. On his exit out of the club he paid tribute to his DKV coach, Aito Garcia Reneses
Aíto García Reneses
Alejandro García Reneses , usually known as "Aíto" García Reneses or just "Aíto", is one of the most prestigious Spanish basketball coaches. He has won nine Liga ACB titles, all with FC Barcelona...
, "All I know of basketball is thanks to Aito Garcia Reneses,” he said.
Real Madrid (2011-Present)
On September 20, 2011, it was reported that Rudy Fernandez signed one-year contract with ACB team Real MadridReal Madrid Baloncesto
Real Madrid Baloncesto is a Spanish professional basketball team founded in 1932 as a division of the Real Madrid club. They play in the Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto ....
, valid only while a new NBA collective bargaining agreement
2011 NBA lockout
The 2011 NBA lockout is the fourth lockout in the history of the National Basketball Association . The owners began the work stoppage at 12:01 am EDT on July 1, 2011. The main issues dividing the owners and the players are revenue sharing and the structure of the salary cap...
remains under negotiation. Fernandez signed for a reported €2.7 million, the largest contract in Spanish league history. His deal also gives him the option to return to Real when his Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
contract ends..
Portland Trail Blazers (2008-2011)
On June 28, 2007, Fernández was taken 24th overall in the NBA Draft2007 NBA Draft
The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. It was broadcast on television in 115 countries. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S...
by the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
, who subsequently traded his draft rights along with James Jones
James Jones (basketball player)
James Andrew Jones is an American professional basketball player who last played with the Miami Heat.The 6'8" , 215 lb small forward who attended American Senior High in Miami was picked 49th by the Indiana Pacers in the 2003 NBA Draft out of the University of Miami...
to the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
for cash.
Rudy Fernández announced at a press conference on Friday, June 6, 2008, that he would leave DKV Joventut
Joventut Badalona
Club Joventut Badalona, S.A.D. is a Spanish professional basketball club based in Badalona, Catalonia, playing in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto . Known to their fans as La Penya , it is one of only three teams that have never been relegated from the top division of the Spanish League...
to join the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
for the 2008–09 NBA season
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
, and he signed a contract with the Blazers on July 1. "They [Portland] have shown a lot of interest in getting me and have assured me that I will be an important part in the team,” he said. Fernández joined the NBA team on September 22, 2008. He became the eighth Spaniard to play in the NBA.
For the 2008–09 NBA season
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
Fernandez joined several other fellow Spaniards in the league that included Pau
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol Sáez is a Spanish professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . He was born to Marisa Sáez and Agustí Gasol, and he spent his childhood in Spain...
and Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol i Sàez is a Spanish professional basketball player for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. He was drafted in the second round, 48th overall, by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA Draft...
, Jose Calderón
José Calderón (basketball)
José Manuel Calderón Borrallo is a Spanish professional basketball player who plays for the National Basketball Association's Toronto Raptors and the Spanish national team.-European career:...
, and former Trail Blazers teammate Sergio Rodríguez
Sergio Rodríguez
Sergio Rodriguez Gomez is a Spanish professional basketball player. He is currently playing for Real Madrid...
. He entered the NBA following his participation with the Spanish national team
Spain national basketball team
The Spanish national basketball team is the basketball team representing Spain in international competitions, organized and run by the Spanish Basketball Federation...
at the 2008 Olympic basketball tournament
Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics
Basketball contests at the 2008 Olympic Games were held from August 9, 2008 to August 24, 2008. Competitions were held at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China...
in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
.
Fernandez played in his first regular-season NBA game on October 28, 2008, coming off the bench to score 16 points in a 96–76 Portland loss to the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. On November 12, 2008; Rudy scored 25 points in 29 minutes against the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
, including 8 of 8 from the free throw line adding to his already 92% FT shooting to set a new NBA career high. On January 18, 2009, it was announced that Fernández had won the fan voting to pick the fourth dunker to go to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2009 All-Star Weekend
2009 NBA All-Star Game
The 2009 NBA All-Star Game was an exhibition basketball game played on February 15, 2009 at US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, home of the Phoenix Suns. The game was the 58th edition of the National Basketball Association All-Star Game and was played during the 2008–09 NBA season...
. During the contest, he paid tribute to the late Trail Blazer Fernando Martín
Fernando Martín Espina
Fernando Martín Espina is considered one of the best Spanish basketball players ever....
by wearing his #10 jersey. Fernández was eliminated in the first round of the competition, after what some thought was biased judging.
On March 9, 2009, against the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, Fernández was taken off the court in a stretcher after being fouled hard by Laker Trevor Ariza
Trevor Ariza
Trevor Anthony Ariza is an American basketball player in the National Basketball Association who plays for the New Orleans Hornets. Primarily a small forward, he is listed at tall and 210 pounds.-Biography:...
in the third quarter. The play resulted in a flagrant foul
Flagrant foul
A flagrant foul is a serious contact foul involving unnecessary, excessive, or intentional contact in sport. There is a specific National Basketball Association foul termed a flagrant foul.-NBA flagrant fouls:...
and ejection for Ariza. Fernández was alert and conscious when leaving the court with full movement of his extremities, however, he was taken to the hospital due to chest pain. He was released from the hospital the next day with a bruised chest and a right hip pointer
Hip pointer
A hip pointer is a contusion on the pelvis caused by a direct blow to an iliac crest or hip bone. Contact sports are a frequent cause of this type of injury. The pain involved is due to the cluneal nerve that runs right along the Iliac Crest....
.
Fernández was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team
NBA All-Rookie Team
The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top rookies during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; who are not allowed to vote for players on their own team. The All-Rookie Team is generally...
on April 30, 2009. He set NBA rookie records for number of three-point field goals made (159), hitting a three-point field goal in 33 consecutive games, and making a three-pointer in his first 20 career NBA games.
On October 16, 2009, Blazers announced that they had exercised the third year of their option on Fernández's contract, keeping him with the team through the 2010-11 season.
In December 2009, Fernandez underwent microdiscectomy
Discectomy
A Discectomy is the surgical removal of herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The procedure involves removing the central portion of an intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, which causes pain by stressing the spinal cord or radiating nerves...
surgery for a herniated disc that was causing leg pain
Sciatica
Sciatica is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression or irritation of one of five spinal nerve roots that give rise to each sciatic nerve, or by compression or irritation of the left or right or both sciatic nerves. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, or...
.
On August 20, 2010 Fernandez was fined $25,000 for "public statements detrimental to the NBA," a day after his agent publicly demanded a trade from the Blazers. On December 17, 2010 he hit 9-of-15 shots and four 3-pointers for a career-high 26 points with six assists in a 102-107 win against Minnesota
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
. Fernandez along with fellow teammate Patty Mills donated 50% of the proceeds from their jerseys sales, throughout the month of January, to help those affected by the floods in Australia
Floods in Australia
This is a list of notable recorded floods that have occurred in the country of Australia.-Further reading:* Devin, L.B. and D.L. Purcell Flooding in Australia Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service ISBN 0644026278 : .-External links:* .* ....
. Fernandez had a season-high eight assists on January 22 to go with 11 points, six rebounds and two steals in 37 minutes off the bench as a PG
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
in the 97-92 win against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
. Disappointed Fernández and his team, for the third consecutive time, exited the first round of the playoffs
2011 NBA Playoffs
The 2011 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2010–11 season. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on...
, this time against the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
. Fernandez struggled offensively for a good part of the year, but his improved play in other areas of the game has earned him praise from his peers. Blazers head coach Nate McMillan
Nate McMillan
Nathaniel "Nate" McMillan is a retired American professional basketball player and current head coach of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers...
, who isn't known to hand out compliments easily, singled out his defensive play in the second half of Game 4 against the Mavericks as the key to the 84-82 win.
Dallas Mavericks
During the 2011 NBA Draft Rudy Fernandez was traded to the Mavericks in a three-team trade.Junior national team
Fernández has been participating in international basketball competitions since he was sixteen years old. He played at the FIBA Europe Under-16 ChampionshipFIBA Europe Under-16 Championship
FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, previously known as European Championship for Cadets, is a basketball competition inaugurated in 1971. Until 2003 it was held every second year, but from 2003 onwards it is held every year. The current champions are Croatia.-Results:-Performances by nation:-MVP...
and at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship was inaugurated in 1964 and for the following 40 years it had been held biannually. From 2004 onwards, it is held every year.-Summaries:-Performances by nation:...
with the Spanish national junior team.
Senior national team
As a member of the senior Spanish national basketball teamSpain national basketball team
The Spanish national basketball team is the basketball team representing Spain in international competitions, organized and run by the Spanish Basketball Federation...
, Fernández competed at the 2004 Olympics Basketball Tournament
Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics took place at the Helliniko Olympic Indoor Arena in Athens, Greece for the preliminary rounds, with the latter stages being held in the Olympic Indoor Hall at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex....
, averaging 5.1 points in 10.6 minutes. The next year, he played at the EuroBasket 2005
Eurobasket 2005
The EuroBasket 2005 was held in Serbia and Montenegro between 16 September and 25 September 2005. Greece won the gold medal by defeating Germany, while France won the bronze medal over Spain...
, but his statistics were worse: 2.7 points in 16.3 minutes with a 31.6% FG% His third appearance with Spain's senior national team was at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
2006 FIBA World Championship
The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
, where he became an important player for the Spanish team, and contributed with 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, to help his team win a gold medal.
He also played at the EuroBasket 2007
Eurobasket 2007
-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:-Second round:- Group E :- Group F :-Championship bracket:- Quarterfinals :-Classification rounds:- Semifinals :- Third place game:- Final :...
, where Spain won the tournament's silver medal. During this tournament Rudy averaged 9.9 points in 20.3 minutes per game. At the 2008 Olympics Basketball Tournament
Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics
Basketball contests at the 2008 Olympic Games were held from August 9, 2008 to August 24, 2008. Competitions were held at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China...
, Spain lost to Team USA
United States national basketball team
The United States men's national basketball team represents the United States of America in international men's basketball. The USA is the most successful team in international competition, winning medals in all sixteen Olympic tournaments it has entered, coming away with thirteen golds...
in the gold medal match. Fernández scored 22 points in 18 minutes of play with 5 three-points goals, and completed a dunk over Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
that ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
sportswriter Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons
William J. "Bill" Simmons III is a sports columnist, author, and podcaster. He currently writes columns and hosts podcasts for Grantland.com, which is affiliated with ESPN.com. He is a former writer for ESPN The Magazine and Jimmy Kimmel Live!...
described as "hellacious". During the Olympics, Fernandez had the following stats: 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.3 per game minutes.
The EuroBasket 2009
EuroBasket 2009
The EuroBasket 2009 was the 36th EuroBasket, the biennial regional basketball championship contested by European nations and held by FIBA Europe. The tournament, which was hosted by Poland, began on 7 September 2009 and concluded with the final on 20 September 2009...
in Poland was his sixth consecutive appearance with the Spanish national team. Spain won the gold medal in a European Championship for the first time in its history, and Fernández averaged 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game in 28.4 minutes and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
In the 2010 FIBA World Championship
2010 FIBA World Championship
The 2010 FIBA World Championship, hosted by Turkey, was the international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams. The tournament ran from August 28 to September 12, 2010. It was co-organized by the International Basketball Federation , Turkish Basketball Federation and the...
, Fernández averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.8 steals, but Spain only took sixth place in the tournament.
Fernandez then participated in EuroBasket 2011
Eurobasket 2011
EuroBasket 2011 was the 37th men's European Basketball Championship, held by FIBA Europe. The competition was hosted by Lithuania. This was the second time Eurobasket had been held in Lithuania, the country having also hosted the 1939 championship. FIBA Europe asserted that Lithuania managed to...
, where Spain won the gold medal and clinched a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Personal
Fernández played pro basketball alongside Ricky RubioRicky Rubio
Ricard "Ricky" Rubio Vives is a Spanish professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association . Rubio became the youngest player ever to play in the Spanish ACB League on October 15, 2005, at age 14...
in the Spanish ACB League with the professional club DKV Joventut
Joventut Badalona
Club Joventut Badalona, S.A.D. is a Spanish professional basketball club based in Badalona, Catalonia, playing in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto . Known to their fans as La Penya , it is one of only three teams that have never been relegated from the top division of the Spanish League...
. His older sister, Marta Fernández
Marta Fernández
Marta Fernández Farrés is a Spanish women's basketball player with Wisła of Poland's PLKK and the Spain women's national basketball team...
, played in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began...
in 2007.
Fernández is currently dating model Helen Lindes, Miss Spain 2000 (second runner-up in the Miss Universe competition
Miss Universe 2000
Miss Universe 2000, the 49th Miss Universe pageant was held at Eleftheria Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus on May 12, 2000. 79 delegates from around the universe competed for the crown. At the conclusion of the final night, Lara Dutta of India was crowned as the new Miss Universe 2000 by Miss Universe...
).
Pro career
- 2x Spanish King's CupCopa del Rey de BaloncestoThe Copa del Rey de Baloncesto is an annual cup competition for Spanish basketball teams organized by Spain's top professional league, Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto. It was originally known as the Copa de España de Baloncesto and was first played in 1933. It was the first nationwide...
MVP: 2004Copa del Rey de Baloncesto 2003-04The Copa del Rey 2003-04 was the 68th edition of the Spanish basketball Cup. It was organized by the ACB and wwas disputed in Sevilla in the Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo between days 26 and 29 of February, 2004. The winning team was TAU Cerámica....
, 2008Copa del Rey de Baloncesto 2007-08The Copa del Rey 2007-08 was the 72nd edition of the Spanish basketball Cup. It was organized by the ACB and was disputed in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country in the Fernando Buesa Arena Arena between days 7 and 10 of February... - 2x Catalan TournamentCatalan basketball leagueThe Catalan Basketball Cup, more commonly known as Lliga Catalana, is the regional preseason basketball cup competition that has been organized by the Catalan Basketball Federation since 1980, in Catalonia, Spain....
Champion: 2005, 2007 - EuroChallenge Champion: 2006
- EuroChallenge Final Four MVP: 2006
- FIBA Europe Young Player of the YearFIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year AwardThe FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award is an annual award given by FIBA Europe, the European division of FIBA, the international governing body of the sport of basketball, to the best European basketball player aged 22 and under of the year. The inaugural award was given out in the...
: 2006 - Euroleague Rising StarEuroleague Rising StarThe Euroleague Rising Star is the annual award for the Euroleague's best player, aged 22 and under, throughout the Euroleague season, up until the Euroleague Final Four stage of the season...
: 2007 - 2x All-Spanish League Team: 2007, 2008
- Catalan Tournament Final MVP: 2007
- Spanish League Defensive Player of the Year: 2008
- Spanish King's Cup Champion: 2008
- EurocupULEB CupEurocup Basketball is the second-tier level transnational professional basketball competition in Europe. The Eurocup is the level that is one tier below the Turkish Airlines Euroleague level...
Champion: 2008 - Eurocup Finals MVP: 2008
- Led Spanish League in scoring: 2008
- Led Spanish League in steals: 2008
- NBA All-Rookie Second TeamNBA All-Rookie TeamThe NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top rookies during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; who are not allowed to vote for players on their own team. The All-Rookie Team is generally...
: 20092008–09 NBA seasonThe 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
Spanish national team
- FIBA Europe Under-16 ChampionshipFIBA Europe Under-16 ChampionshipFIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, previously known as European Championship for Cadets, is a basketball competition inaugurated in 1971. Until 2003 it was held every second year, but from 2003 onwards it is held every year. The current champions are Croatia.-Results:-Performances by nation:-MVP...
: Bronze Medal: (2001) - 2006 FIBA World Championship2006 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
: Gold Medal - EuroBasket 2007Eurobasket 2007-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:-Second round:- Group E :- Group F :-Championship bracket:- Quarterfinals :-Classification rounds:- Semifinals :- Third place game:- Final :...
: Silver Medal - 2008 Summer OlympicsBasketball at the 2008 Summer OlympicsBasketball contests at the 2008 Olympic Games were held from August 9, 2008 to August 24, 2008. Competitions were held at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China...
: Silver Medal - EuroBasket 2009EuroBasket 2009The EuroBasket 2009 was the 36th EuroBasket, the biennial regional basketball championship contested by European nations and held by FIBA Europe. The tournament, which was hosted by Poland, began on 7 September 2009 and concluded with the final on 20 September 2009...
: Gold Medal - EuroBasket 2009: All-Tournament Team
- EuroBasket 2011Eurobasket 2011EuroBasket 2011 was the 37th men's European Basketball Championship, held by FIBA Europe. The competition was hosted by Lithuania. This was the second time Eurobasket had been held in Lithuania, the country having also hosted the 1939 championship. FIBA Europe asserted that Lithuania managed to...
: Gold Medal
Regular season
|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 78 || 4 || 25.6 || .425 || .399 || .839 || 2.7 || 2.0 || .9 || .2 || 10.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 62 || 2 || 23.2 || .378 || .368 || .867 || 2.6 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .2 || 8.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010-11
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 78 || 3 || 23.3 || .370 || .321 || .863 || 2.2 || 2.5 || 1.1 || .2 || 8.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 218 || 9 || 24.1 || .394 || .364 || .855 || 2.5 || 2.2 || 1.0 || .2 || 9.1
Playoffs
|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 6 || 1 || 27.0 || .429 || .421 || 1.000 || 2.8 || 1.0 || 1.3 || .5 || 7.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 3 || 19.8 || .444 || .478 || .750 || 1.7 || 1.3 || .2 || .0 || 6.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010-11
2011 NBA Playoffs
The 2011 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2010–11 season. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 0 || 13.5 || .222 || .300 || .667 || 2.0 || .8 || .3|| .2 || 2.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 18 || 4 || 20.1 || .388 || .423 || .792 || 2.2 || 1.1 || .6 || .2 || 5.7