How good is Ricky Rubio? That’s a question that I’ve never been sure how to answer. He’s a good passer. He’s entertaining. He’s at least a solid defender, maybe even a good one. He’s an atrocious scorer, however. Is he capable of being the point guard of the future for an NBA team? That’s hard to say. He’s only 25 years old so giving up on him developing at least passable scoring ability is ridiculous.
The Timberwolves may be ready to give up on him, though.
From Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:
Zach LaVine was nothing short of spectacular in winning his second straight Slam Dunk title on Saturday and by the end of this week he may win something else; the starting point guard job for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Incumbent Ricky Rubio is readily available and the feeling is that the Spanish guard could be moved prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
It’s clear that Zach LaVine’s ceiling is head and shoulders above Rubio’s. LaVine had standout performances this weekend in the Dunk Contest and Rising Stars Game. If the Timberwolves feel that LaVine is ready to take over as stating point guard, then they no longer have a need for Rubio, and should try to obtain value for him prior to the deadline.
Rubio is averaging 9.7 points, 8.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in 30.3 minutes per game while shooting 36.1% from the field and 29.9% from deep this season. LaVine is averaging 12.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game while shooting43.4% from the field and 34.5% from deep.
Rubio is by far the superior passer, but at age 20 LaVine is already a far better scorer with better upside.
Candidates for Rubio could include the Knicks and Pacers.
