The Point Man

Ricky Rubio engineers Minnesota’s youth movement

When Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio were drafted in 2008 and 2009, respectively, Timberwolves fans were reminded of the strangely brief era of Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury. SLAM Magazine hearkened back the late 90s with their parody cover, while a long suffering Timberwolves fan base underwent an renewed optimism. Similar to the KG and Starbury connection, the Rubio and Love tandem showed flashes of brilliance, but overall disappointment.

Although drafted in 2009, Rubio did not join the Wolves until the 2011–12 season. In terms of basketball aesthetics, the Timberwolves quietly became a fun watch. Rubio’s passing flair and Love’s monster numbers ignited discussion around the league on Minnesota’s potential future. The potential of the Rubio-Love tandem never fully materialized.

Ultimately what they did not bring, a single playoff appearance, led to Love’s irreparable relationship with the front office. The breaking point came this summer when Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations, Flip Saunders, took over head coaching duties. His next move was to openly criticize Love, a major no-no in the NBA. This criticism, coupled with Love’s impending free agency in 2015, made the trade of the Wolves star inevitable.

The drama tirelessly played on throughout the summer with Golden State, Chicago, and Cleveland all jockeying position in the trade talks for Love. Without an offer of Golden State swingman Klay Thompson, Minnesota decided upon the package offered by Cleveland, featuring number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins.

The recently official trade creates Big 3 part deux for LeBron, Kyrie, and Love in the East. Minnesota adds the last two first overall draft picks, Wiggins and Anthony Bennett, plus capable big-man Thaddeus Young. Rarely does a trade result in a win for both sides (losing a superstar is never positive) but this may be as close as it gets. Finalizing another chapter in the league’s constant power struggle between superstar players and front office management.

Kevin Love is gone. Superstars are an irreplaceable commodity from a basketball and business standpoint. However, as the Denver Nuggets displayed after the loss of Carmelo Anthony, successful teams can be built on a foundation of young talent. Wolves fans can take solace in the loss of Kevin Love by looking forward to a revitalized future led by their newly acquired young talent.

Andrew Wiggins immediately makes the Wolves League Pass material. Wiggins has drawn comparisons to Tracy McGrady, Paul George, and most extremely, a young Scottie Pippen. His nightmarish potential on both sides of the court was enough to spark debate on his inclusion in a potential Love trade.

After a historically bad rookie season(4.2ppg, 3 rpg), a slimmed down and healthy Anthony Bennett utilized the Vegas Summer League(13 ppg, 7.8rpg) to showcase the potential Cleveland saw before making him the number one overall pick in the 2013 draft. As a 6'8" tweener, Bennett may elicit memories of failed Wolves 1st rounder Derrick Williams. If his outside jumpshot does not improve(35.6 FG%, 25.5 3P%) that comparison may be valid. Still, versatility and ball handling skills make Bennett an intriguing piece.

Thaddeus Young, acquired from Philadelphia, (who jumped in the Cavs-Wolves talks) escapes from a Sixers team destined for the top of the lottery yet again. As a versatile power forward coming off a career 17 ppg and 6 rpg season, he should fit in well next to starting center Nikola Pekovic. With seven years of NBA experience Young will be a veteran presence for the Wolves youth.

Freakishly athletic Zach LaVine was drafted 13th overall and inconsistent, but talented Glen Robinson III of Michigan was selected 40th overall in last June’s draft. The sting of seeing Kevin Love making yearly title runs in Cleveland will be lessened if any one of these prospects can reach their high ceilings. These additions, coupled with developing young talent Gorgui Dieng and former UCLA one and done Shabazz Muhammad, fills the Wolves roster with high-ceiling prospects.

How many will reach their ceiling or even come close? That is the question plaguing the Wolves, which have invested their future on 18–22 year old prospects. Patience and long-term commitment to their development will be needed from ownership, coaching, and the Wolves fan-base. The talent acquired in the off season has breathed new life into a perennially losing franchise. The departure of superstar Kevin Love now has the spotlight on point guard Ricky Rubio.

Rubio arrived in the NBA with tremendous hype and cult-like fanfare. At age 14 he became the youngest player ever to play in Spain’s top pro league, at 16 he debuted in the EuroLeague, and at 17 years old he was named to the Spanish Olympic team, competing against the USA “redeem team” in the gold medal game. As the prodigal son of Spanish basketball, Rubio became a mythical figure amongst U.S. basketball heads. Dubbed “Ricky Mania” by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Spaniard was a hit sensation amongst Timberwolves fans before even playing a minute in the league. In the three years since “Ricky Mania” arrived in Minnesota, the hype has flashed in spurts, but overall expectations have tapered.

Rubio is a playmaker. Normally the reverse button on the DVR is designated for monster dunks, Jamal Crawford dribbling, and whatever JaVale McGee may be doing that night. With Rubio, that reverse button is constantly mashed because of the no look passes from impossible angles that you have to see twice to believe. He is a showman. Fundamentals be damned, Rubio’s passes would make “Pistol Pete” proud (Youngins who do not know that name please go to YouTube, go now).

This passing ability led to Rubio finishing 2nd in the league in total assists last season(704) and his 3.17 AST/TO ratio placed him 6th overall amongst league leaders. His 8.1 career apg is evidence of his persona as a pure point guard. In addition to his excellent passing skills Rubio is a crafty defender, leading the league with 191 steals and averaging 2.3 spg for his career. Steals equal more transition and for the young Wolves more transition is a very exciting prospect. If Flip Saunders allows Rubio to showcase his full arsenal of passes, while running and gunning with the abundance of youth, Wolves fans will be in for a surprisingly exciting season.

A shaky jumpshot(career .38FG%, .32 3FG%) and non-existent offensive game(career 10.1ppg) remains the main criticism of Rubio. He is a non-threat offensively (except for the right wing I guess?). Defenders are comfortable sagging off and daring him to shoot. Head coach Flip Saunders recently sought out the help of a shooting coach for Rubio and other veterans including small forward Chase Budinger. Rubio’s mechanics are not nearly as bad as say a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (cover your eyes kids), but is similar to fellow point guard Rajon Rondo’s struggles as a jumpshooter. Shooting coaches are not miracle workers but if Rubio can make defenses at least honor his shot from 15–18 feet the Wolves offense will greatly benefit. New player additions and jumpshooting improvements are not the only question marks in Minnesota. Signing the 23 year old point guard to an extension remains a top priority for the Timberwolves front office.

After reportedly turning down a four year deal for $43 million, Rubio is seeking a five year MAX offer, as his status as an impending restricted free agent is looming over the Timberwolves franchise. Rubio wants to get paid and there would be little reason to believe Minnesota is willing to offer the max contract he seeks. Leading the league in steals and finishing 2nd in assists certainly warrants the discussion of an extension. Investing max dollars into a player with glaring offense holes, however, is something Minnesota cannot afford to do. Rubio must become a threat offensively. Developing his jumpshot is a start. Fulfilling the point guard’s duty by making the game easier for his younger teammates is what will make him great.

The Kevin Love era in Minnesota is over. In May, Rubio himself pointed out Love’s lack of leadership. Now the Timberwolves leadership falls squarely on the 23 year old’s shoulders. Will “Ricky Mania” once again take hold in Minnesota? Like defending a Rubio no-look pass, the answer may soon hit an unsuspecting NBA.