The Spanish point guard has agreed to come and play for the Minnesota Timberwolves after a two-year negotiation that once seemed like it would never happen. The point guard was taken with much fan-fare back in the 2009 draft, but problems arose with the $6 million buyout from his Spanish league team and the rumors that Rubio did not want to join the Wolves.
Rubio picked a perfect time to join a team that desperately needs some help to get breakout star Kevin Love, and once-heralded Michael Beasley the ball. In a 2011 NBA draft that lacks that definite star-player, Rubio is already getting some publicity as a potential rookie of the year. He fills a huge need for Minnesota and might bring a little attention and relevance to a team that needs something to get excited about.
Rubio will join Kevin Love, an All-Star last year that averaged 20 points per game and 15 rebounds per game in just his second year as a professional. His NBA-record 53 straight games with a double-double is the one positive thing that came from the Timberwolves season last year. Love and Rubio are a good foundation for the Wolves moving forward.
Fellow spaniard Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers has a lot of positive things to say about Rubio. Via ESPN.
"He's a special player and a very good point guard. 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."
Timberwolves president David Kahn will breathe a sigh of relief tonight as he has spent the last two years tirelessly working on bringing Rubio across the pond to join the Wolves in Minnesota. Although Rubio averaged just 6.5 points per game for Regal Barcelona, the NBA has more freedom for point guards to get out in space and make plays.
We've seen a rise in the importance of having a quality point guard in order for teams to have a chance in todays' game. Players like Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, John Wall, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams have changed the game recently in driving home the importance for teams to have a quality point guard.
The Wolves are hoping that Rubio is the next player to join that impressive list.