Ricky Rubio Stateside?

June 29, 2009 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Even before the NBA Draft began there were numerous question marks around Spainish phenom Ricky Rubio. The questions were mainly what team would he be willing to play for. One of the teams many had doubts about were the Minnesota Timberwolves and we’re finding out really quick his answer.

With every day that passes it looks more and more like he’s willing to stay in Europe then sign a contract with the T-Wolves. His agent, Dan Fegan has been trying to work out a trade to bring the kid to a bigger market. Obviously for a better chance at endorsement dollars. Minnesota owner Glen Taylor has made it known Rubio is going no where and the team is willing to wait a couple years if need be.

So how will this standoff end? In the end there may be no real winner but its clear that Minnesota will not be held hostage.

The NY Daily News reports that after the draft the team was offered Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier from the Houston Rockets for Rubio. That’s a remarkable offer, two starters for a prospect. One it tells you how highly NBA scouts think of this kid. On the flip side it also tells you how much Taylor loves the kid.

Today’s Minneapolis Star-Tribune speculates on reasons that Rubio may not come over. Hard to believe but it may not be just about the money. They list 3 possibilities.

1. He doesn’t want to play in Minnesota.

2. The Spanish version of the IRS is making life very difficult for him.

3. He isn’t really sure what he wants to do.

I’m still thinking its a combination of money and Minnesota. Now it is possible that he doesn’t know what he wants, I mean he is only 18. I know when I was 18, I still had no clue what I wanted to do with my life but shit if there was a contract on the table for $10 million plus over 3 years I’d jump on it. So yea I’d say its all about the money.

In my opinion, this is the one time the European player has no leverage. The Timberwolves were in a great position of having two top-10 picks and made sure to draft someone who plays the same position as he does. If Rubio doesn’t come over, they have their replacement with Jonny Flynn.

If Flynn succeeds they could always trade Rubio. If he doesn’t? They still have Rubio’s rights. If Rubio stays overseas and performs well, his stock continues to rise and Minnesota can demand that much more in any trade.

So really where is the leverage for Rubio? There’s none.

So here’s the deal Ricky. Can you please just make up your mind so we can stop hearing asking these questions. It’s like the Brett Favre annual scenario but about an 18-year old who hasn’t done jack shit.

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