Minnesota Timberwolves bound Ricky Rubio could stay in Spain – NBA Update
It seems like the Ricky Rubio draft saga is heading for yet another twist. The Spanish point guard, who was all set to land in the Twin Cities, gave an indication last night that the matter was not done as yet. Rubio was drafted
as the 5th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2009. The Spaniard, a teenager at the time, however had a large contract already with Barcelona which had a high buyout.
Not willing to take the financial hit, Rubio decided to stay in Spain for a couple of seasons. Reports surfaced around a month ago that the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Spanish point guard are close to an agreement and that the
player will join the Timberwolves next season.
However, after Barcelona won the Spanish league title last night, Rubio talked a different line. The player, who was supposed to confirm his move to Minnesota once the Spanish season was over, said he could possibly stay in Spain,
“We are taking with Barcelona and we will soon see” Ricky said.
If the Minnesota Timberwolves lose out on Rubio again it will be a big blow for the franchise. Minnesota already have had a bad off season, losing out on the first pick in this year’s NBA Draft despite being the odds on favourite.
That in turn will cause them to lose out on Kyrie Irving; one of the most gifted point guards to come into the draft in recent years and now their Spanish point guard seems to be favouring a stay in Spain.
The main reason for Rubio’s stay in Spain is thought to be the uncertainty over the NBA’s Labour situation. The league is set to go into lockout and a good chunk, or even the whole, of next season could be lost. In the circumstances,
it would make sense if Rubio wanted to stay in Spain until the situation becomes clear rather than come over to the United States and basically sit around.
Another concern for Minnesota is the digression of the player they picked 2 years ago. The point guard was supposed to be a hot commodity and impressed many NBA Stars, such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, when he played in a Spain
vs. USA game at the Olympics.
During the NBA season Rubio received a ringing endorsement from his fellow Spanish national team player and Los Angeles Lakers forward, Pau Gasol,
"He's a special player and a very good point guard," the Lakers forward said. "Very unselfish. He's got great size, great length. He knows how to play the game very well. He's got a great feel for the game. He's just a guy that
will get the team going and do what he needs to do."
However his play seems to have deteriorated since then. Ricky Rubio struggled with his scoring all season at Barcelona, so much so that it eventually cost him his place in the starting line up.
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