It seems like yesterday the big debate of who would be the best Point Guard of the 2009 NBA Draft Class would be. Stephen Curry had a lot of hype, but Ricky Rubio might have been the most talked about and drawing comparisons to Steve Nash. Rubio hasn’t even come close to that and he has been the third best Point Guard in that draft class after Curry and Denver’s floor general Ty Lawson. It was rumored that Rubio’s agent Dan Fegan were seeking a max extension from the Timberwolves, but he couldn’t have been serious could he? Turns out they were.
ESPN is reporting the Point Guard from Spain is in fact requesting a max extension after turning down a 4 year $43 million dollar deal to stay in Minnesota. That’s a deal Minnesota will more than likely regret in a few years if in fact Rubio would agree to it. Rubio still has a year on his contract and next season he would become a restricted free agent if no deal is reached before then. Rubio has averaged 10 PTS and 8 AST in his three NBA seasons, but hasn’t shown a consistent jumper. This season will prove to be a big season for Rubio and it will only be more difficult without All Star Power Forward Kevin Love.
Rubio will still have plenty of opportunities to run this season since Rookie guard Andrew Wiggins and Forward Anthony Bennett have been acquired. Rubio will certainly help Andrew Wiggins development by being a pass first Point Guard, but if he wants to be even considered for a max deal by any team he needs to show he can improve his jump shot and some other weaknesses as well. If Rubio doesn’t end up getting a new deal with Minnesota he could be in for a long wait just like this past off seasons restricted free agents Eric Bledsoe and Greg Monroe.
