Minnesota Timberwolves give a warm welcome to their Spanish star Ricky Rubio - NBA Update
On Monday, the antagonizing two years of wait finally came to an end as the 20 year old Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio arrived in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were ready to welcome the young guard, as 200 of their employees gathered at the airport to greet him. The Wolves arranged a dance group, who were waiving the “We Love You Ricky!” signs and a full page
ad was given in the local news paper to welcome Rubio.
The Wolves were able to drag the fans out of their homes with their successful publicity campaign. Along with the Wolves staff members, many fans also made it to the airport to receive Rubio, hoping that his arrival might bring
a wind of change to their city’s lowly franchise.
Earlier on Friday in Barcelona, Rubio officially made the announcement that he is moving to National Basketball Association and he is going to join the Timberwolves.
The Wolves drafted Rubio as the 5th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, but the franchise failed to buyout his existing contract with Barcelona. At that time, Minnesota were bound under the terms of the league and could
pay just $500,000 in his $1.4 million pact with his first European team. With a staggering amount to surrender, Rubio decided against leaving Spain and the Wolves had to wait for two years to once again exercise the buyout of Rubio contract. They eventually
succeeded in acquiring Ricky.
When Rubio and Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn came out of the arrival lounge they received a great reception from the crowd. Rubio also passed a timid smile towards the flashing cameras and the fans
who were calling his name out load “Ricky! Ricky!” This is the first time when Rubio has arrived in Minnesota for a hopefully lengthy span. Prior to this visit, Ricky came to the twin cities for a short time when he was drafted back in 2009.
“Last time was such a whirlwind. … He’ll be able to come now and say this is my team, this is my new family, this is my state where I’m going to live,” assistant GM Tony Ronzone said. “I think he’ll have his eyes wide open and
be more appreciative to what he sees and his surroundings.”
Rubio will address the media on Tuesday in his first press meeting and from there on he will begin his hectic schedule which includes promotional activities, charity functions and much more.
After reaching the hotel Rubio wrote on his social website account, “I (just) arrive to the hotel here in MN. I(t) was so impresive in da airport. Thanks a lot of u guys. I feel comfortable here. Time to rest!!!”
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