Sergio The Scapegoat

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Sergio The Scapegoat

Written by wendell maxey

Friday, 26 June 2009 23:51

sergio2

Remember all the way back in November when Brandon Roy hit that clutch three-pointer and game winner to beat the Houston Rockets with .08 left in overtime on national television?

Sure you do.

But do you recall the story that dominated headlines in Portland the very next morning?

Probably not.

Let me take you back: Jose Ortiz – one of Sergio Rodriguez's agents, along with Herb Rudoy - told marca.com his client was "frustrated" about his situation in Portland and hoped Sergio, "gets traded to a team where he's going to be treated in a more natural manner."

Eight months later, Ortiz, Rudoy and especially Sergio got their wish in the draft day trade with Sacramento.

I’m not going to bust out an Easton and start beating a dead horse here about Rodriguez’s departure from Portland or the fact that the organization essentially paid the Kings to take him off their hands. Lord knows that’s already been done. Obviously a mutual split was necessary for both sides to grow towards whatever visions of success they imagine.

Sergio gets a fresh start. And the Blazers – well, their point guard dilemma remains unresolved for yet another day. Maybe for an entire offseason for all we know.

But in no way should Sergio be made a scapegoat for wanting more playing time and a substantial role in Portland over the past few seasons. I can't fault the guy for wanting to play and to do what he loves. Yes, the message he and his agents sent way back even before the season really got underway did nothing but damage his relationship with Nate McMillan. Reconciliation was preached. I’m just not sure it was frequently practiced from both sides on a daily basis.

Because on the floor, it’s really not about the playing time. It’s more about what you do with the playing time given to you.

The truth is, you loved Sergio.

In the beginning, you really did.

You loved the initial stylin’ and profilin’ from that kid from Spain – the no-look, the behind the back, the wrap around, the alley-oops. You loved him in the open floor. Back when Jason Williams had less tats and made retro Maravich look cool, you loved you some Spanish Chocolate.

Don’t lie.

But love was lost when defense became the priority at the point and Sergio’s efficiency and confidence waned soon after.

Now you just love that Sergio is gone.

pic via: oregonlive

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Comments (4) Add Comment

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written by nikolokolus, June 27, 2009

Honestly the thing I'm happiest about is hopefully not having to listen to the "cult of Sergio" incessantly crying about him not getting PT on various message boards and lamenting Nate MacMillan "crushing his spirit."

Best of luck to Chacho, but good riddance to the drama and maddeningly poor defense and poor shooting. He was just a square peg trying to fit into a round hole and something had to give.

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written by wmaxey, June 28, 2009

what's up nikolokolus.....funny thing is, i almost posted a small rant about this in the post.

can't remember how many times i wrote something about sergio that readers from spain would write to tell me how mcmillan was stunting the growth of "the best point guard from our country".

won't miss that for sure.

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written by tominhawaii, July 01, 2009

nikolokolus & Mr. Maxey, just wait for "Team Bayless." They are the Marabunta of basketball fans, they destroy every conversation in their wake.

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written by wmaxey, July 01, 2009

maholo tom....thanks for dropping a line.

ah yes, "team bayless". i know it well. ben golliver at blazersedge reminds me daily....by the minute actually.

know jerryd is putting in major work this offseason with coach john townsend making the treks down to phoenix. could there be another summer league mvp in the works?

know "team bayless" would be all over that one.