Ricky Rubio... again...

by swamigusto on Jun 28, 2009 11:23 AM PDT Comment 33 comments

As most of you probably know, Ricky Rubio skipped the Minnesota Timberwolves' press conference on Friday where the team introduced its draftees. So, what does that mean? That Rubio doesn't want to play in Minnesota? That he doesn't think he can make enough money outside basketball in the flyover states that would help him pay off his staggering buyout from his Spanish team? Maybe a little of each? The answers are fuzzy.

Did Timberwolves' new GM David Kahn have a plan for trading down to the five spot, while he already held the sixth? Was he laying in wait for his dream point guard? Was that guard Rubio or Jonny Flynn (who they then grabbed at six)? Was he surprised to see Rubio still on the board, along with Flynn so he just grabbed both? Or was it all just fuzzy thinking?

The Knicks, of course, jumped in immediately and said, they'd like to trade Minnesota for Rubio, but what do they actually have to trade? David Lee? Number nine pick Jordan Hill? (Knicks don't have a #1 draft pick in 2010). Are those good players for Minnesota? They've already got Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. The picture is... fuzzy.

So... where does Ricky Rubio want to play? Well New York, Chicago of course, maybe Miami, Golden State I guess. Pick another city, but no small market teams and nowhere in the Midwest. But none of the teams listed above seem interested or in a position to bring him in anyway.

Then there's the Clippers. They're in a big market, Los Angeles. And they have tradable pieces, Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, Marcus Camby come immediately to mind but are any of them a fit in Minny? The TWolves have as much as announced they're rebuilding. An established team might desire those guys but that team's not in Minnesota

But, of course, we have something I think David Kahn would want a great deal. We have one of his future first round draft picks. Would Kahn take back his pick for Ricky Rubio? The pick is lottery-protected until 2011, two years from now. The TWolves are bad and aren't likely to get better fast. That pick could easily be in the top five. If you're the Clips do you make the trade? If you're the TWolves? For David Kahn, making the trade this year might be like kissing your sister but if Ricky Rubio doesn't want to report... can you get a better deal? A top five pick?

I don't think Ricky Rubio fits next to Jonny Flynn. He's a point, not a two and Flynn's a point as well, a small one at that. And sure, the Clips have Baron Davis, but they desperately need a solid backup and we saw Baron play off the ball quite a lot last year. A three-guard rotation of Davis, Eric Gordon and Ricky Rubio sounds pretty good to me.

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The Wolves didn’t draft Rubio just to dump him. Neither do I think Rubio’s hesitation to join the team right now is a surprise to them (unlike for the Magic with Fran Vasquez).

If the Clippers really want Rubio they will have to give up Gordon. A trade that probably would catch the Wolves attention is: EG and an extention of the lottery protection on the Wolves pick for Rubio and Corey Brewer.

I don’t thinlk the Clippers are prepared to go that hard after Rubio, and i wouldn’t blame them.

by eelcova on Jun 28, 2009 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They didn't draft him to dump him?

The word “dump” casts the move in the pejorative but if they didn’t draft him to trade him, what the heck are they thinking? You have two top ten picks and a lot of needs and you draft two players for one position? I think they absolutely drafted him to trade him. I’m kind of surprised there isn’t already a deal in place (though maybe there is).
And there’s no way the Clips give up Gordon. He’s already a proven commodity and one they need. Rubio’s a big question mark.
It really doesn’t matter, I like the Minny pick two years from now. It’s a good gamble to keep it.

by swamigusto on Jun 28, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kahn has stated he is willing to wait a ear or two for Rubio and he knows the situation.

by andrewexd on Jun 28, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope he knows the situation...

He created the situation. And at nineteen-years-old, it’s cheap and easy to leave Rubio in Europe. And, in Europe, Rubio’s value probably doesn’t go down… so he doesn’t have to trade him now, he can take his time.
But Kahn’s moves were strange… he traded down for that five pick in a weak draft by sending off Foye and Mills… two nice pieces with value on a team that’s really thin. Now he’s got two unhappy point guards who don’t know where they stand with the team. But is this how you build a young team or make a bad team better?
I don’t know maybe the guy’s really smart and he’s writing off this year entirely. He knows they’ll be back in the lottery next year and he might be shooting for the number one pick then… but then, they better get better fast… because they might not* have their next pick at all.

*From Hoopsworld- Clippers “receive Minnesota’s 2010 first-round pick (top-10 protected through 2011 and unprotected after)”. So the pick is in all likelihood THREE YEARS away.

by swamigusto on Jun 29, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i like you're thinking

I dont think the pick is enough to get Rubio, but I definitely don’t think you trade Gordon. I also dont think you have to. Rubio has options and I think Kahn looks terrible if he cant get his #5 pick to play for Minny. Not sure how you get it to work, but I like the idea of starting with giving their pick back. Maybe that pick with Kaman or Randolf for Rubio and someone else to make it work

by DocD on Jun 28, 2009 12:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't want Rubio for anything

I think there is a very good chance he is going to be bust. He can pass but it would be like having Ross at the point they would be playing 4 on 5 defense. Also we already have Griffin, Taylor and DJ as projects (although Griffin may not count but he still may have an adjustment period) do we really need another project.

In Gordon we trust

by bestclipfan on Jun 28, 2009 12:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think i heard

he shot 43% from 3-point range, yet for some reason he has a bad rap as a poor shooter. He won’t be a bust. He could be like a Jason Kidd, not the best scorer, but a game changing PG.

by DocD on Jun 28, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He shot 23% from 2pt land

by Qlippers on Jun 28, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He MIGHT be a bust...

But that pick is an unknowable quantity as well.

by swamigusto on Jun 28, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rubio will return to Spain to complete his contract...

then come and play in Minny. Maybe that is the true reason Flynn was drafted. Kahn didn’t want to admit that on draft night because he want to see what offers come his way.

Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D

by daddydai on Jun 28, 2009 12:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Swami - great post

I have similar thoughts. I think we should try to trade our pick among other things to get him.

by Jax on Jun 28, 2009 2:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

daddydai is right

Minny knows that rubio is probably not coming for another year or to but they are willing to wait because they really believe hes a great player that you cant pass up. therefor they drafted flynn to help them out now

by AtotheZ on Jun 28, 2009 3:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why is Rubio good?

Are people amazed at the potential of the Player or the actual ability to contribute today? Nobody can demonstrate to me how a player who played only 22 games in Spain and averaged 10 points, 6.1 assist on 23 minutes of play can be effective in the NBA. His stats in the Olympics are very underwhelming, especially against the US.

His weaknesses are listed: (draftexpress)
- Efficiency
- Mid-range game
- Turnover prone
- Ability to fight through screens
- Ability to finish around basket
- Average athleticism
- Average explosiveness
- Plays below the rim
- Strength
- Ability to shoot off the dribble
- Low shooting percentages
- Slow release

If you want to acquire a player on potential, you get Brandon Jennings, who has won ever national award that superstars in the NBA have won.

    * Named the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Les Schwab Invitational Tournament
    * Co-MVP of the 2006 Elite 24 Hoops Classic
    * Co-MVP of the 2007 Elite 24 Hoops Classic (with Tyreke Evans)
    * 2007 Las Vegas Easter Classic Most Valuable Player
    * 2007 NBAPS Top 100 High School Camp Best Playmaker
    * 2007 The Goazcats.com Showdown Most Valuable Player
    * 2008 Naismith Male Player of the year
    * 2007-08 Gatorade Player of the year Virginia
    * 2008 Parade Magazine Player of the Year
    * 2008 EA SPORTS National Player of the Year
    * 2007-08 MaxPreps National Player of the Year
    * 2008 Jordan Brand Classic Most Valuable Player for the East
    * No. 1 rated senior by ESPN (2008)
    * No. 1 rated senior by Van Coleman Hoopmaster (2008)
    * No. 1 rated senior by Clark Franics Hoopscoop (2007 and 2008)
    * No. 1 rated senior by Dave Telep Scout.com 2008

Give me the kid that has won the same awards as Kobe, ZO, Chris Webber, Jason Kidd, Lebron James, and etc.

Don’t give me a kid that is the best in a league with people that nobody have ever heard of.

At the end of the day, I don’t feel we need another project on our team. If we do need a project at least pick the project with the best chance of being a superstar in the league.

by sqrebck on Jun 28, 2009 3:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

if having played well against team USA is a reason to draft a guy #2, then why did patty mills go 55.

Rubio could be a horrible bust.

by hans007 on Jun 28, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jennings

has been terrible last year here in Rome…

by ClipperIt on Jun 29, 2009 1:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was too bias bro.

Rubio is probably actually more known than Brandon Jennings. Afterall, he almost Torched Team USA.

I’m not going to debate whos better, because I really dont know. I like Jennings, and I’m gaining a bit of a feel for Rubio’s game, so this is going to be a tough choice.

Oh btw, I just said that it was bias because you listed the +’s for Jenning’s and the -‘s for Rubio. Have to admit that if your going to something like that, you could post the positives for Rubio and the negatives for Jenning’s also to prove your point a bit more.

Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!

by JackduhSun on Jun 29, 2009 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Torched?

Explain to me how he “almost torched” team USA? Can anybody show me where he almost torched anybody?

The NBA has a need to expand the brand, and most of chatter about Ricky is just that chatter, to make the NBA more interesting in Spain. I can’t find any evidence that he can play in the NBA, he didn’t torch team USA or any other team. Calderon is the reason that Spain did as well as they did in the Olympics and not Rubio.

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 6:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

I think Jennings is an idiot personally.

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 6:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it is safe to say

that sqrebck is not a fan of Ricky Rubio :)

by Michael White on Jun 29, 2009 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL, I don't hate Rubio

I am just tired of the Hype Machine on Rubio, He is a prospect player that has promise. If we are going to commit resources to acquire a player, lets get one that can contribute today.

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Calderon was injuried

he didn’t play at all in the olympics.

by ClipperIt on Jun 29, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is incorrect...

Calderon played all the games with the exception of the last 2.

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 8:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.fiba.com

Zach has recently agreed to a six-year, $84 million contract extension with the Trail Blazers. Paying Randolph the $84 million was a big concession for the Blazers, who on Oct. 29 were offering $72 million. However, the Blazers are deferring 30 percent of his contract ($25 million), which will be paid out over six years beginning in 2012, ESPN Insider Chad Ford reports.

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops...

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.fiba.com

GAME BY GAME STATISTICS
2pts 3pts FT Rbds
Match Min M/A % M/A % M/A % O D Tot As PF To St BS Pts
vs GRE 24 3/3 100 2/5 40 1/1 100 1 3 4 1 2 4 1 1 13
vs CHN 23 1/4 25 0/2 0 0/0 0 2 4 6 1 1 2 1 0 2
vs GER 22 2/4 50 3/4 75 2/2 100 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 15
vs USA 22 1/5 20 0/4 0 2/2 100 1 3 4 0 1 1 0 0 4
vs ANG 14 0/0 0 0/4 0 0/0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0
vs CRO 18 2/3 66.7 2/2 100 0/0 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 10
vs LTU 0 Did not play
vs USA 0 Did not play

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Link

by sqrebck on Jun 29, 2009 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

my bad

by ClipperIt on Jun 29, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess your right

“torched” was the wrong word to put. I guess contributed is a better one?

Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!

by JackduhSun on Jun 29, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I was in the front office, I'm not giving away that Wolves pick.

Especially for an unproven Rubio. I think he’ll be very good, but I don’t think the Wolves will be good for a long time. If we receive that unprotected in 2012, Griffin will be finishing his 2nd year, Gordon is 3rd. The potential of adding an impact rookie as our youngs are hopefully blossoming is too tantalizing to give up. I would offer a protected pick of ours, but not the Wolves pick. Just my opinion.

by hip2clip on Jun 28, 2009 3:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kahn did make a bad move in drafting Flynn and Rubio

BUT with Flynn, he is protecting himself just in case Rubio wants to play elsewhere. The Wolves don’t have to panic and trade Rubio for Beans. The real question is how much is the Wolves asking for a number 5 pick.

They’re thin up front, Kaman or Camby would be a good trade w/ a future 1st Rd Clipper pick (protected up to 3rd pick).

As long as we keep the Minny pick, I’ll be happy.

by Qlippers on Jun 28, 2009 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not that NY media can be trusted, but............

Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reported that the Wolves turned down a deal with the Houston Rockets that would have resulted in Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier headed to Minnesota for Ricky Rubio.

-via RealGM.com

by hip2clip on Jun 28, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs