I was in the "he deserves some sort of max no matter what" camp. This year the most troubling thing for me is not health or catching the ball or some other thing, but the fact that he's had so many games where he doesn't noticeably have a positive impact on the game. In years past he's picked his spots on occasion.. or had a bad game or two... this year it seems like he's had way too many nights where he is not into it.
His physical attributes and athleticism are obviously his huge skills... but his fire, motivation, mental attitude were key to doing the hard things he is forced to do on a nightly basis. With money and success come comfort... and I wonder if that fire is still there.
I ain't trying to trade dude at all... I ain't saying we shouldn't re-sign him... I'm just nervous about that number.
They would never tell him they aren't supermaxing him though... what would the purpose of that be? I think its likely that Rudy is kinda feeling unappreciated by our guards willingness or ability to find him on the roll.
Joe was the only one who was effective driving last night... and I think it is because of the threat of the pass. They knew he could get the ball to Rudy so they hugged Rudy instead of going to Joe... on DM and others they can come over and help because they gonna shoot almost every time.
