Rudy

Fernandez

Fernandez had agreed to a contract over a month ago with the Spanish team, but now it’s official. He’ll have to play for Dallas through 2011-12, but after that, Fernandez will be a permanent member of Real Madrid for the length of his contract. We can’t say that we’re surprised Fernandez made the decision, as he’s flirted with the idea of a European return for quite some time.

Fernandez reportedly had some chance of playing but it wasn’t in the cards tonight. If he can get healthy and Wilson Chandler doesn’t land in Denver, then he has a puncher’s chance at value off the bench for the Nuggets.

Arron Afflalo chipped in with 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting (including three treys) to go with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in the loss. Both are sell-high guys with Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari (ankle) looming in the distance, not to mention Ty Lawson (ankle) and Rudy Fernandez (back).

Fernandez has missed five straight games, and the medical staff thought it would be best to push his return back to Sunday against the Spurs. With Danilo Gallinari (ankle) seemingly close to a return, Fernandez’s upside is going to be capped even once healthy. George Karl said he has a good feeling that Rudy will play on Sunday.

Fernandez’s timetable has been fluid throughout as he deals with a bad back. He’s missed five straight games with the injury, but Fernandez is working his way toward a return in the near future. He’s averaging 9.3 points, 1.1 steals and 1.3 treys in 24 minutes per game.

Fernandez practiced on Tuesday and was expected to play, so either the Nuggets are being cautious with him or he aggravated the injury during practice. Either way, Fernandez won’t play on Wednesday as a result. Corey Brewer, Al Harrington and Andre Miller should all pick up a few extra minutes in his absence.

The Nuggets haven’t ruled out a return during the playoffs for Fernandez. Even if that happens, he’d be behind Arron Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari (thumb, week-to-week), Wilson Chandler and Corey Brewer on the wings.

Miller has been a borderline play lately and with multiple wings about to join the party, owners need to figure out how to move him or be ready to drop him for a hot free agent. Danilo Gallinari (ankle), Rudy Fernandez (back), and Wilson Chandler (China) aren’t quite home yet, but that day is coming soon.

Fernandez has dealt with a bad back all season long and it’s bothering him once again. With averages of 8.7 points and 1.3 treys in 23 minutes per game, owners in standard-sized leagues can do better on the waiver wire. Wilson Chandler’s fantasy stock continues to point in the right direction.

Rudy missed 11 games before returning and playing at half-speed in four games, and his absence could be measured in weeks rather than days. Aaron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler are the most obvious beneficiaries of his absence.