Ricky Rubio is Coming to USA !!

NBA fans have been hearing about Ricky Rubio since he dominated the FIBA European Under-16 World Championships in 2006, averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists per game. Rubio was immediately hailed as the “next Pistol Pete Maravich” because of his outstanding passing ability and floppy hair. But Rubio’s actually been a stud in Europe since he was 14. Back then, his feel for the game and ball handling ability were nothing short of spectacular.

Rubio’s 6-foot-4 and still wiry (190 pounds), but he only turns 21 in October. He doesn’t really have a jump shot, so naturally NBA comparisons right now would probably be Jose Calderon (low end) and Rajon Rondo (high end).

Then again, let’s not get too excited – Kevin Love certainly isn’t. The Wolves drafted Rubio in 2009, and he twice-delayed coming to play for the rotten Minnesota franchise. But last night’s news that he’s reached an agreement to play for the Wolves is promising. Now the bad news: Rubio’s stats this year with Regal Barca are modest at best – in 20 minutes per game, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.6 assists while making just 39 percent of his shots.

The recent history of Spanish players finding success in the NBA (Gasol brothers, Calderon, Rudy Fernandez) should get Minnesota fans excited. But I’m guessing moves like this are more likely to have Wolves’ fans geeked.

Potential lineup in Minnesota in Fall, 2012:

PG – Ricky Rubio
SG – Wesley Johnson/Martell Webster
SF – Michael Beasley/Derrick Williams (R)
PF – Kevin Love
C – Darko

I fully expect Minnesota to explore many trades involving the No. 2 pick, backup point guard Jonny Flynn (who was taken in the same draft as Rubio), Webster and perhaps Anthony Randolph. Could Minnesota try to bring in a defensive-minded veteran (Iguodala) to play on the wing? We’ll shelve all Rudy Gay talk for now, but an offensive-minded wing player wouldn’t be a bad idea (I see Michael Beasley more as a 6th man providing offense off the bench).

Flynn and Webster are good trade bait because they are unlikely to be re-signed following next season, so here’s the question – does Minnesota keep those guys and avoiding chewing up cap room, with the hope of making a run at a star in free agency in two years? Two ways to look at that: 1) Who wants to play in Minnesota? 2) Everyone will want to play with Rubio!

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