The Rubio blunder
The spin coming out of the Twin Cities now is that Ricky Rubio has a chance to grow, mature, develop and play at a high caliber in Europe for the next two years before joining Minnesota in 2011.
What, he couldn’t do that in Minneapolis?
Of course he could and, if Rubio really, really, really wanted to play in the NBA this season, he would be checking out the real estate in Minneapolis-St. Paul today. He has always been described as creative with the ball. He proved this week that he’s pretty creative without the ball as well.
The Timberwolves’ inability to get Rubio into the NBA this season has to be viewed as a major disappointment, president David Kahn’s comments notwithstanding. (At this point, I, like pretty much every NBA writer over the age of, well, never mind, can recall the days when Kahn worked in Portland covering the Blazers for the Oregonian. We all know him and like him.)
Minnesota used the No. 5 pick in the draft and, no sooner than you could say Fran Vazquez, found itself trying to work out a deal to get the kid across the pond. It was Rubio, or those acting on his behalf (more on that later) who, after all, had put his name in for the draft. That would seem to indicate he had an intention to play in the NBA for the 2009-10 season.
Kahn spent so much time in Barcelona over the summer that he had his own table at Los Caracoles. He finally worked out a deal to finance the exorbitant buyout from Spanish Team 1 (DKV Joventut) only to discover that Spanish Team 2 (Regal Barcelona) jumped in and ponied up, securing Rubio’s services for at least two more years.
Rubio then said a move to Minnesota was too risky and complicated at this time, a somewhat stunning revelation given that he is guaranteed millions of dollars under the NBA’s rookie contract guidelines. As for complications, well, sure, Minneapolis ain’t Barcelona and Hennepin Avenue ain’t no Ramblas. And in two years, that will all still be true.
More to the point, the Euroleague ain’t no NBA and that is why Rubio’s decision doesn’t prepare him any more for entrance into the world’s greatest basketball league. It merely delays the adjustment. Maybe he’ll be better able to handle it at age 20 than he would be now, but that is of little solace to the Timberwolves.
It’s not like Rubio’s presence in a Minnesota uniform this season would magically transform the Timberwolves into a Western Conference power. It wouldn’t. Regardless of where Rubio plays in 2009-10, the Timberwolves are pretty much going to stink. Kahn understands that. Kurt Rambis understands that.
What Rubio’s presence in a Minnesota uniform this season would do is start the adjustment and acclimation process while introducing him to the ways of the NBA. In Minnesota, he would be working with the team’s strength and conditioning coaches on a daily basis. In Minnesota, he would be working with Rambis and the coaches. In Minnesota, he would be getting to know his teammates.
And in Minnesota, he would be getting the introduction to NBA 101, ranging from the travel to the back-to-backs to the long schedule to the nightly competition of the world’s best players. That is maturing, growing up and developing.
None of that will happen in Barcelona, where Rubio will be out of sight and out of mind, thousands of miles from Minnesota. To be sure, much will be expected of the kid from his new team.
By contrast, he would be under zero pressure to produce in Minnesota, where, insightful Timberwolves fans would understand, he would be getting groomed to play in the NBA with no great expectations as a rookie on a bad team.
This is what the Spurs did with Tony Parker, although Parker did not join a bad team. Initially, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich didn’t even want to draft Parker. But he changed his mind after a second workout and Parker, at age 19, came to San Antonio, starting 72 games as a rookie. The rest is history. But do you think Parker would be where he is today had he chosen to stay a couple more years in France rather than work alongside Tim Duncan and David Robinson?
You have to wonder who has Rubio’s ear and who has his best interests at heart. Who stepped in after Kahn had worked out a complicated buyout from DKV Joventut and then proceeded to midwive the deal to Regal Barcelona? If Rubio truly wanted to play in the NBA, why was that not allowed to happen? (It may be possible he doesn’t want to play for Minnesota, which is another story for another day. He has not said as much publicly.)
He has an American agent (the universally loathed Dan Fegan.) He has European representatives. He has family and friends. Yes, it’s going to be more fun for the familia Rubio to have their son around. He will be rock-star famous in Spain whereas he’d be just another rookie in the NBA. He will be amply compensated in Barcelona.
But he will be no closer to being NBA-ready. That only comes from actually playing in the NBA. By staying in Spain he has delayed what Minnesota hopes is the inevitable. But in two years, who knows? The Wolves still hold his rights and he might be attractive trade bait. Or he might decide that Barcelona is just fine.
Either way, it’s not what Minnesota hoped when it made him a lottery pick last June. And the fact that Kahn went to the lengths he did to get Rubio to Minnesota indicates it’s not what Minnesota wanted or expected, either. He did about all he could, but, in the end, it wasn’t enough.
Ben Dover Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
This article does not deserve comments.
geezuz Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:13 pm
Tony Parker didn’t have a 7 million dollar buyout and Tony Parker wasn’t drafted along with Steve Nash on the same team and Tony Parker was going to play beside Robinson and Duncan, not a rehabbing, rusty Jefferson…idiot….
All the circumstances, from being drafted 5th, to Flynn also being taken, to it being Minnesota, added up to an undesirable situation for Rubio…big deal…he’s a kid…
Nothing would be expected of him in Minnesota?? Are you a moron?
MR. TKo Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
I concur with Mr. Ben Dover
(Love the name though Lol)
Jaredallas Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
…says a guy who likes to be called “Ben Dover”
I agree with the notion this could seriously stand to harm Rubio in the future. I’ve been a fan of Rubio for a couple of years now and felt the doubts about him were unfounded from what I could see. But, this represents to me a very serious lack of courage–if he truly wants to be in the NBA, why not go? Too risky? Let me ask my fellow readers: if you could be an NBA player for one season and you had to sacrifice something in exchange, how far would you go? Your possessions, your other talents, senses, an appendage?
I’m very disappointed to see him behave this way.
tballer Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
I agree with this article. Buyout or no buyout i dont think this guy wanted to play in NBA this season which is why we heard so much about where he wont play if drafted rather than how excited he is to come to the NBA. either way i think jonny flynn prob will be better than rubio neways but i think the NBA needs to deal with players like Rubio and Vasquez who enter the NBA draft for no reason
nepaballin Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 8:53 pm
rubio would have been one of the most hyped rookies in the league next season he wouldn’t of been just another rookie and he also would have been expected to produce right away thats just the way fans are. Sure i would love to see him play but i dont blame him i wouldn’t wanna go play in minnesota on a bad team.
Remou Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
Hi, all
To comment this article, I just want to mention you that I’m European so sorry for the english level and I’m now living in French Canada.
The article about Rubio is interesting but as geezuz said I think that you can’t compare Rubio’s and Parker’s case.
When Parker joined the Nba From the French League NBA was hot in Europe and the impact it had on French youth and French players was undeniable. Tariq Abdul Wahad joined the league several years before and it was an honor to be part of the NBA. Morever Parker is French, grew up in France but his from an American Father.
Now, Rubio is really European I think that for him playing in NBA or Euroleague is the same thing. He’s got a good salary, living in his family and The Dream Team do not exist anymore in the Europeans Minds and that a huge difference between the 2000s and now.
I do not know if I’m clear or not but the NBA and America do not have the same impact on Europe than 7 years ago.
Thanks for reading me, thanks to Hoopshype to give us an alternative view on BBall
Remou
Fred Towes Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:08 pm
Peter,
Drawing from your Tony Parker analogy, the relevant question here is do you actually believe that Rubio’s handlers would have made the decision to keep their prospect in Spain if he could avail the opportunity to immediately join two Hall of Fame big men on a franchise mere seasons removed from winning its first NBA title, as was the case with Parker?
This piece does read as shill-work penned by the Dave Kahn filial glee-club. You almost blew your cover in most Freudian fashion in Paragraph 3, Mr. May . . .
Peace,
MT
tabone Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
I think the fault here is not on Rubio or Minnesota but the NBA rookie salary scale and the 500k NBA buyout limit.
Rubio isn’t playing in the NBA this upcoming season because he doesn’t want to play for free. Barcelona is paying his buyout, plus his salary, and he doesn’t even have to leave home. Seems like a no brainer.
LB Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
Hi everyone,
i am not here to write bad stuff about the auther of the article, everyone should have his own opinion. THere are two things that really bugs me about the article. First of all, what kind of negotiation can president of TWolves do in Spain, if Joventut Badalona is asking 3 million $ buyout by NBA team, and NBA team can pay half a million (which is like a small band aid for Rubio). Rubio spent last three seasons playing top league in Europe, and for one of the better teams in the league. However, his contract was very very low (basically he was incredibly underpaid), and i know that for a fact (something that nobody ever mentions in their articles about Rubio case). In his three years ‘as a pro’, he probably could put together half of TWolves’ buyout (if he didn’t spend any of it), which still leaves a big chunk of money to be paid to Joventut. It is very clear he didn’t want to start his first real pro season with $ -2,250,000. Maybe some people even now can think that he should have go to the bank and lent the money (if it is even possilbe - what guarantee can he make to the bank?) and go overseas to play his first year ‘for free’. And that’s ok. I just think that people should know the whole story and make their opinion then.
Second thing that was way off in the article was comparing T. Parker with R. Rubio. TP came into a league as unknown french PG, into a very good, experienced team (Spurs). He got lucky. Minnesota has what veteran players Rubio could learn from? Coaches? Not the same situation at least… Rubio has been hyped since he was 15 (and mostly lived up to the hype), and nobody knows if he is ready for NBA marathon 82 games in less than 5 months. He is 18 years old, and he will be for sure more ready for the jump in 2 years. Maybe the author should make comparison with Rudy Fernandez, who waited til he was 23, to join NBA team. And i think if went pretty good for him.
Last thing i would mention is that Fran Vazquez is coming off a terrific season and he improved in almost every aspect of his game. Yes, people will be always questioning his decision of staying in Spain, but nobody ever knows, what is the best route to take and when.
My last thing would probably go to NBA commisioner to change that ridiculously low buyout into something that is actually worth the rule.
Feel free to disagree with me, but this is my opinion.
peace
J-Mezi Said,
September 2, 2009 @ 11:14 pm
Ok, this is real simple. Since no one knows for sure we can only assume 1 of 2 things:
Rubio doesn’t want to come to the Wolves or
He doesn’t feel he’s ready
If he didn’t feel he was ready for the NBA, he should have never been in the draft. Let him stay a euro star as long as he wants. There is a certain measure of “courage” that it takes to make the jump. If he ain’t got it, he ain’t got it. The end.
If he just doesn’t want to come to the wolves, that’s just to damn bad. There have been many talented rookies drafted to bad teams, they didn’t have the choice of using the system to not go. Do you think that Emeka Okafor WANTED to go to Charlotte, hell no (he’ll probably never admit it, but it’s true). He’s just one example. I say if he’s too good for the Wolves than he needs to stay out of the NBA period. You’re lucky enough to be drafted, you play for the team you’re drafted to. When you become a free agent, then you can go where you want (maybe). I say if this is the case, screw him (and Yi Janlian for that matter).
analogy Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:15 am
Let’s rethink about all this Rubio issue with an anlogy:
- Peter May is a promising blogger in a good internet media (let’s call it HoopsHype), living with his family, let’s say, in Miami.
- He applies for a position to work for the best sport media (SI for example).
- He gets a job at SI in their offices in Minnesota, but he is asked to pay HoopsHype his first 2 years of salary.
- At the same time he receives an offer from ESPN, very well paid and in Miami, with his family.
What would he do? Will he have the “courage” to go to Minnesota for free to the best media, or stay in Miami with his family and a very good salary in very good company?
Why did you apply then, for the position, wasn’t that your dream? Aren’t you ready to work for free in the best corporation?
That’s what I thought!
JP Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:27 am
My opinion is that he does not want to play in Minnesota. The weather, lack of “perceived” sophistication, and how bad the team is, are reasons why.
Remember how he (or his agent) made a stink about not wanting to be drafted by Memphis or OKC? His fellow countrymen, Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro, just couldn’t warm up to the folks of Tennessee. Sure that must have weighed heavily on Rubio when he got drafted by Minnesota.
I bet if a team like New York had drafted him, he would have settled these contract issues over in Spain a long time ago.
Probably what will happen is that Flynn will turn out to be a good point guard in Minny and that Rubio’s rights will end up getting dealt to New York.
Just my opinion.
JP
Oh Please Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:35 am
If he got drafted by the Knicks he would’ve told Jovenut to kiss hiss ass! Who the hell would want to play in minny with another starting point guard(who is probably beter than u) on your team. Kahn should’ve traded him for who ever the knicks had to offer!
slowie Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:17 am
i love NBA, but maybe guys you don’t seem to know spanish league is second best behind nba. FC Barcelona is the champion of spanish league and minesota is now a losing team. Ricky would have to pay a lot of money to come to nba, playing in a losing team. Can understand staying in Spain is now more appealing in terms of basketball and money? He is 18 and in two years he could go to nba. I guess he will have more time to practice in Spain than in NBA. at his age, this and playing for winning games, not for being a star, not for statistical numbers, maybe it’s better. The only thing is that in NBA and USA you are not used to people saying ‘no’ to you. but know maybe you will realize there’s a world out there
Jon Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:07 am
One-sided, biased and, as usual, chauvinistic article.
Nicolas Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:16 am
Do you really believe what you said about Euroleague in comparison to NBA? If they let you write here, you can’t be be that stupid, you may have seen some top Europe teams playing well against NBA teams, the best of them could even have played in NBA.
I almost laugh at you when you mentioned that in Minnesota he would be working with team on a daily basis and working with “Rambis and the coaches”. Did you mean that he won’t a thing in Barcelona? Do you know who is the coach of Barcelona? Do you know how hard they work everyday? I believe you don’t. Plus, to conclude that, you added that he will have pressure which is worst that playing for nothing like he would have done in Minnesota. Are you insane? Basketball is about winning, not about playing. In NBA, guys play 82 games a season, you can lose one game and forget it, not in Europe, you have to win every games otherwise, it could be bad for the end of the season. The boy will handle more pressure than he would ever do in US, he will play big games and be in charge of a big team, how can you call that not “maturing, growing up and developing”?
Your article isn’t respectful for European’s basketball which is way better on a technical point of view than NBA. So please, just think about you wrote and tell us again that Barcelona ain’t a shit for the kid, I will consider you without doubt as stupid.
Skraight Up Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:54 am
The fact of the matter is that we only hear want they want us to hear. I do however suspect that Rubio wasn’t willing to go through the buyout process for Minnesota. I believe that he would have made the jump had he been traded to New York. In other words, it just wasn’t worth it to him to simply go to bad endorsement market, horrible team, with an unproven coach. Do you blame him?
Marcus Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:07 am
Rubio wanted to come to the NBA, but not at that price tag. A dream can wait if you’ve got to pay that much for it.
The $500k limit on buyouts is obsolete.
Euro Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:24 am
I approve his decision to stay in Europe. In 2 years he will certainly be more mature and more ready for NBA. You americans shouln’t be so dissapointed, some goodies may stay in Europe too
There have been to many cases when European players who have headed to NBA will be bench warmers or will have just episodic roles as coaches just trust US players more. Just remember Euroleague superstars Sarunas Jasikevicius, Juan Carlos Navarro, or from present day Roko Leni Ukic.
For a player who wants to achieve something it’s better to be a starter in Europeleague than a bench warmer in NBA, especially in cases when NBA coach thinks that he has to sit and learn like 2-3 years NBA style basketball. Especially for point guards there isn’t much to learn in NBA as most teams use Suns like run and gun style. In Europe point guard has more creative role.
martin Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:31 am
There is a Tony Parker analogy and there is a Manu Ginobilli analogy… Much can be said about Rubio’s decision but arguments in the article are rather week ones, I agree with Ben Dover
diamantis Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:38 am
I tink he made right decision. European basketball is better than NBA.
Ignasi from Barcelona Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:18 am
Totally agree with geezuz.
Arturo Molvízar Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:22 am
The situation is pretty easy to understand. Ricky wanted to play in the NBA and he still wants to but he can not pay 5 million dollars to his former team and earn 1 million per year in the NBA. You can dream about playing in the best league all over the world but u can not pay to play basketball, that’s obvious. The rules about draft and salaries when they’re applied to european players are an absolute no-sense. You have a buy-out to pay to leave your former team and NBA franchises can only pay 400.000 dollars, it’s ridiculous and, on top of that, the player only can earn adetermined quantity of money that, in some cases (like ricky’s one) is absolutely ridiculous. David Stern should consider changing this rules or NBA will losea lot of talents. Don’t forget european clubs are not american universities, they don’y form players for the NBA, they form players for themselves and if u want them u must pay for them the same way a european club would do it.
Rul Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:24 am
Hi,
In my opinion, it is not so hard to understand.
Barcelona have finally paid around 5.7 mill $ to DKV for Rubio`s services. Minnesota could only pay 500.000$. Rubio should pay the remaining 5.2 miil.$. Rubio have a guaranteed salary as 5th election of araund 8 mill.$ BEFORE TAXES,that means about 5mill.$.
. Mr Rubio would play almost “for free” his first 3 years in the NBA.
The deal Khan’s offered to DKV was 1st)almost 2mill$ lower than Barcelona’s, and 2nd)it was a kind of “credit facilities” offered by a group of Minnesota companies to Rubio, to be able to pay the buy out, based on “potential” incomes (marketing contracts, etc…)
At the end is Rubio who has to pay the credit..and what happens if Rubio gets seriously injured??
If NBA teams were alloed to pay a higher amount for a buy out, or if DKV have accepted a lower amount, or if Rubio were the 2nd pick…Rubio would be right know in a plane to Minneapolis, for sure.
But staying in Barcelona allows him :1) to earn much more money. 2)to play at a higher level and grow as a player (be serious!, an euroleague contender have a higher level than one of the worst franchises last year 3)after two years, he could go to NBA paying a lower buyout and with some money in his pocket.
Comparison with Tony Parker it’s just impossible for a very important reason…Tony did’n have to pay a buy out higher than his rookie salary.
no_rotation Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:26 am
Hi all,
What i think is that everybody knew (specially NBA teams) that if RRubio was drafted lower than 3rd, his chances of playing for any NBA team would lower considerably.
Despite it, the buyout D Kahn offered included part of the money based on the player´s salary (Rubio would have to pay to play!? who in the world would do that?!), so i understand he didn´t see Minny´s option too clear.
On the other hand, i understand Minny fans can be truly dissapointed due all the spectation the topic has generated. As an NBA/ACB fan what i can say is… that boy is soo young, it will be worth waiting a couple of years (2-3 -lockout?-) for him, he still will be 20-21 and will be more experienced -basketballwise-, eventhough, as Peter correctly said, he´s going to need the same exact time to adjust to the NBA, its rules, referees, teammates, …
Great day to yall,
J.
PS. Also agree that it is even close to Parker´s situation. I can name also: Beno Udrih, Roko Ukic, Sergio Rodriguez… good players (without buyout clause!) that never really made it big in the NBA (but that would be another topic)
Gerard Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:35 am
You seem you know nothing!
The main culprit of this situation is none other than Jordi Villacampa the president of Juventut.
The summer started with Rubio suing Juventut because they put an abusive buyout clause in his contract.
He signed 2 years ago a contract where the salary was 70.000€ (free tax) for 6 years and the famous buyout clause.
Ok, he signed the contract, he accepted the contract, then, no judge in the world will give him the reason BUT this sue was used not to win the affair, was used put Juventut in a bad situation by revealing their tactic while working with teenagers: few money for the kids, good money for me. I don’t want to say is bad because they are investing lots of money every year in hundreds of boys that learn and play Bball from 6 years old, it’s just one way.
We see the picture but this isn’t over, Rubio’s lawyers also revealed that Juventut was using Rubio’s buyout clause as guarantor for their debts! Before selling him! They needed to sell him and not for ten bucks.
The NBA trading system is for people from USA with their NCAA. You don’t pay money for a player, you get the right and then you pay a contract, and, if you want, you can change it for another one. In Europe no, if you want a player you pay and Juventut needed the money because they had Rubio’s buyout clause in their pockets before Rubio was sell.
Rubio wanted to go to the NBA and asked Villacampa to reduce the buyout clause to make his dream come true without staying 3 years without seeing a nickel (Peter May, hypocrite, work you for free during, at least, 2 months).
Villacampa was angry with Rubio for the sue, and at the same time he needed the money to pay the debt. He wanted him gone, anywhere, he wanted the money.
Minnesota tried hard to get Rubio but Rubio was loosing money and they Barcelona appeared and put the money on the table for the debt, offered Rubio the chance to go to the NBA in two years and Barcelona signed the 2on best Spanish PG (just behind Calderon).
What’s the problem? Minnesota loses against Barcelona. NBA loses against ACB. America loses against Europe. You can criticize however you want but none of the readers/writers of this page is willing to lose 4,7 million € in the next 3 years.
PS: It is shameful that a page ruled by Spaniards cannot explain properly the affair and led a guy that, at the end, knows nothing about Rubio tries to make us think that he was there in his first steps.
Jorge Sierra, editor in chief, explain all the story! It’s a demand.
blond justice Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:37 am
wow, what a waste of words. Apparently Ricky’s salary at Barca was worth becoming an unrestricted free-agent two years later. Minnesota is a winner as well. In two years time they will have a better player at the rookie scale salary for 4 years surrounded by better players. O & Rubio will have had much better coaching in Spain than in Minnesota, at no cost to the Wolves :-).
Walter Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:51 am
Barcelona is a better team than the Wolves, I understand Ricky.
John Lock Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 5:05 am
Dudes,
Give it a rest. The kid is just a teenager for crying out load! If he waits a few years he’ll have a real chance to have an impact at a more mature age/body/mind. He’ll also be eligible to receive a better contract from a NBA team as after 3 years its not constricted to the Rookie salary.
All in all he went to better situation at (perhaps) the expense of the Timberwolves. He’s playing for a better team and makes more money. It’s all business. The kid did what he had to do and we’ll definitely see him in the NBA one day.
Peace
Ivers0n Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 5:44 am
Next year Rubio will play a main role in a winner team. Playing important games against powerful teams. In Minnesota he would play 82 non-sense games where winning or losing means nothing. He will be a better player after every game in Europe.
Pa0l0 Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:16 am
Mr.May, the analogy with Mr.Langoria is completely out of bound: I think your EU BB awareness need an upgrade!!!-(
French, german, english BB national leagues are not spanish, italian or greek and even turkish championships!
From that point on, you can understand why Rubio choose Barça … can’t you? For a growing kid who need to improve a leadership role is it better to be a big fish in a losing franchise (like Bargnani) or not (like Rudi Fernandez)?
Same money, home, better competition. The last, I suppose, is your missing point: the heights of Euroleague matches can be much more serious than the seasonal Nba ones: may be not from an athletic point but you know BB IS NOT JUST TRACK&FIELD …
CIA0
Jams Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:28 am
My opinion is that Rubio is a douche
David BLIND Stern Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:52 am
It’s f****g unbelievable that the NBA and his comissioner did not correct the Draft for International players when Fran Vazquez case change the whole perspective for NBA Clubs drafting players overseas.
Rudy Fernandez going 24th, Marc Gasol going second round, Nicolas Batum 25th, etc years after Fran Vazquez hit the NO……
MR Stern, are you so blind that don’t understand that European Basketball is rising, that not only in tactics, technical work are the same?
the only reason why NBA is more powerful is because Sports Culture and Marketing in Sports is way ahead than in Europe.
Basketball kids are as good as in States, Coaches are even better, MUCH BETTER (Mr. May, Ricky will be better player next year in Barcelona or in Minnesota).
Mr. Stern, change the rules! do a International Draft, same day of June but different TIming, separated from NCAA College players.
last year:
Draft 2009 USA: Blake Griffin
Draft 2009 Overseas: Ricky Rubio (with possibility by NBA to pay up to 3M USD)
Draft 2010 number 1 USA: John Wall
Draft 2010 number 1 Overseas: Jeremy Tyler or Motiejunas (both will have buy-out)
it doesn’t make sense????????????
aldstar Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:57 am
how freaking spoiled are you man? goddamn if i got the oppertunity to play in the nba, i wouldnt care if it was with the kings or thunder!!!! i would take the minimum pay and i would sit on the bench to learn, i would do anytihng!!! but he doestn want to play for minnesota? that ssome BS man come on what is happening these days…..
rmj Trecet Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:02 am
Nice one, Peter,
Close, but not cigar.
Es as simple as de Pitino case. The NBA laws are good for the american university model and players. Obsolete, but nevertheless good for your amateur(as in O’Bannon) players. In Europe, the mere intention of saying to a player where to play goes against de laws of the Europen Union. As simple as that.
On the other hand… It’s the money, man, the money. So in order to play in the NBA he’s got to put money to pay Badalona?
Looking for estate in St. Paul? With which money?
Sooner or later you must legislate to acomodate PROFESSIONALS from Spain, China, Brasil. Is it dificult to understand? Something is happening nut you don’t know what it is, do you mr. May? (Thanks, Bob)
James Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:08 am
Mr May… please inform yourself before writting an article (you’re supposed to be a profesional). Anyway, thanks, I’ll never waste any minute reading any you could write in the future.
pinez Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:34 am
I’m from Spain, so sorry for my english. I’ve read the post and my first conclussion is tah Mr May works for fhe timberwolves.. or is mR Kahn lover…
There’s only one question: Ricky doesn’t want TO PLAY FOR FREE !! Simply as that. I suppose than Mr May would work for free everywhere.
Bad, bad, bad article
Kaunas13 Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:50 am
Isn’t this a free world where free market rules? It is easy to see and easier to grasp. In Europe we follow certain rules: a worker has the right to choose where to work, nobody pays to get a job -partially true, but the spirit of the idea remains there-, and last but not least, you have to pay to obtain a price services or goods. The market states that price according to the offer and demand. If you like it, you pay for it.
So, Mr. Rubio works for a given employer. If any other company -Barcelona, TWolves or the Vatican- wants to hire his services as PG, you have to respect his professional contract and pay his buyout. It seems now that the NBA is a bunch of commies following the Soviet model. What is that, you wonder? Some teams (CSKA Moscow back them) does not pay buyouts, they belong to the state inteligentsia, so if they wanted a player on their team, they just called the Kremlim and BINGO… and for free (Former Trail Blazers center, Arvydas Sabonis can provide you aditional info on his personal experience been traded from Zalgiris Kaunas to CSKA).
So, NBA fans: welcome to the free market! We, Eruopeans, are not here to be your slaves and do as you tell us to… I guess you agree on that.
EarthJuice Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:43 am
If you are right about their being zero pressure in Minny. That would not be the case in Barca. He would be playing in a heated pressurized environment every game.
Have you seen or heard of the road-fans in the Euro league? NBA fans are timid in comparison. No batteries being thrown at you in MSG.
Do you not think there is any benefit to playing in a pressurized environment over a “no-pressure” environment?
Would it be beneficial for most 18 year olds to play in the NBA rather than going to college for a couple years to hone their skills? No, it wouldn’t.
Why is this any different from a development perspective?
You are right about this not being beneficial to Minny. But that is all you are right about in my humble opinion. Please try taking a global view of the world. Not everyone (Rubio included) think the U.S is the centre of the universe. Plus, Barcelona can more than hold a candle to any city in the U.S. It’s fantastic and vibrant, with passionate fans. What more could a Spanish teenager ask for than to play in his home country for his teen years while still making serious coin?
Minny gambled and lost, in the short-term.
This should get them some higher draft choices over the next 2 years then if Rubio was playing with them.
Not the worse scenario for a team that was going to stink with or without him.
Ben Dover Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:55 am
Hey! “Jaredallas”! Ben Dover says… Ben Dover.. we are very disappointed to see you act this way.
David Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Obviously Peter May doesn’t know a s**t about international basketball. Playing for the top team of the top league in Europe Rubio will increase his skills much more than playing for a loser team on the NBA. Besides, there’s all the buyout stuff which everybody knows….My god, comparing the French with the spanish league, are you nuts????
NBAdictos.es Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 9:50 am
aldstar you would get the minimun pay but Ricky would get 0. Nobody wants to play for free, even less in Minnesota.
Why he is staying in Spain is a nobrainer. Peter May’s arguments suck.
John Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 10:46 am
” European basketball is better than NBA.” This comment is absurd Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dywane Wade, Dwight Howard, and the list goes on. USA basketball and the NBA for that matter would always be the superior league in the world. No argument, European players are good some of them are great DIrk, Pau, Yao, and Manu are great players. But the other are just pure Busts particularly Darko!
Louie D Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 10:47 am
He doesn’t want to play in Minnesota..would you?
Sonnie Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 10:58 am
He’ll be a Bust anyways! he’s all hype. John Wall is better than him, John flynn is a better player. he didnt want to get exposed by the player picked behind him, so he stayed in europe. Minny could only off 500k towards the buyout. Do you really think his US endorsement woulndt of picked up the tab……..????? LBJ got 100 mil for Nike.. you mean to tell me a rookie with international appeal couldnt have got 75-85 off a shoe deal……??????? MARK MY WORDS HE WILL FLOP IN DA LEAGUE!
Ronald Smackdonald Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:01 am
It pisses me off that someone can enter the NBA draft, be selected by a team, and then choose not play in the NBA.
Change this rule.
In the meantime, I’ll hope Rubio gets hit by a bus.
NBAFan Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:22 am
The author doesn’t make enough of the financial aspects of the decision. It’s easy to say that Rubio is farther away from free agency, but what if he does not have any value in free agency?
As much hype as Rubio has, everyone seems to forget that LOTS of 18 year olds are projected to be great pros and never pan out. Yes, Rubio has more experience than most, but there is still risk.
I don’t know his family situation, but he is reportedly going to bank $4-8mil U.S. over the next two years, whereas he would have made almost nothing if the came to play for MIN. It would have been a different story is he stayed with Joventut and made peanuts the next two years, but the offer from Barcelona completely changed the dynamics to me.
NBAFan Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:26 am
And David Kahn didn’t help the situation. If he really wanted Rubio to come to Minnesota of all places, he never should have drafted Flynn. He should have drafted Rubio and told him the keys are yours for the indefinite future.
Yes, Rubio could have played in the NBA this year, but it would have been for a franchise with an incompetent owner and a GM who has shown his knowledge is questionable. For example, his suggestion that Flynn and Rubio should play together, the Ryan Hollins contract.
Denis Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:32 am
My biggest problem with this article is the statement “But he will be no closer to being NBA-ready. That only comes from actually playing in the NBA.”
That’s absurd. By that logic, playing in college cannot help prepare a player for the NBA - and LOTS of players got much better in college. For every Lebron James that makes the jump, there have been tons of players that jumped to early, and would have greatly benefited from playing at a “lower” level for several years. Don’t see how this is any different. While the Tony Parker example is cherry picked to “prove” a point (if you’re willing to assume Parker would not have been great if he’d delayed coming to the NBA a couple of years), this is particularly true for PGs - many of them take quite some time to develop.
And the presence of Flynn is a big factor here. What would happen to Rubio’s development if, say, Flynn ends up getting more PG minutes this season? Rubio would be wasting away on the bench, and people would be talking about how he should have stayed in Spain to keep working on his game…
JerzeyBlaze Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
who cares? heres the sticky:
1. Rubio sux and is over hyped
2. Johnny Flynn is better than rubio and should have been picked 1st over him
3. the minn organization F’D up with this pick (especially trying to draft 2 PG) You have two back to back picks and now one is wasted on a a scrawny litte preteen P*SSY who can only do flashy passes. Should have used the pick on another guy
4. This will bite the t-wolves in the ass for years to come. And no offense to hardcore T-Wolves fans, but ur GM just put you in the hole for another couple of years to be real contenders
Andy Man the Candy Man Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Let’s look at this from a much broader perspective -
A young, immature, still developing 18-year-old prodigy doesn’t suddenly get thrust into playing against mega-athletic super humans in sunny Minnesota, growing accustomed to a new language, a new culture, and playing a grinding, ultra intensive schedule while fighting against a fellow rookie for playing time
VS.
Ricky Rubio get’s to live in Barcelona, a major city in his home country, one of the greatest cities on earth, be near his family, work to develop his size and strength for 2 years, be the MAN on his team and relied on to lead them to victories, be near his family, work on his long range jump shot, study english, etc. And by holding out he keeps his options open to forcing a trade to a place he really would like to live and play in. I don’t see the draw in going over to play for a terrible team that is still trying to establish its identity and by all accounts is in a major rebuilding phase.
If Ricky Rubio can play in his home country, make millions, be near his family, develop some size and a deep jumper, live in paradise, and grow up a little more over 2 years - this is a no brainer.
Daniel Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
We can’t be sure how Rubio will look in 2 years. Remember, this player is absolutely unique. Pretty sure that lots of people writing and chatting about him did not see him playing (other than the olympic final from Beijing) and did not see his impressive improvement in the last 4-5 years. He has huge room to keep progressing.
But the angles this kid sees, noone else does.
joefromthekokomo Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
Obviously somebody has this guy’s with all this interesting advice and manuevering this guy is doing. Never mind the fact that NBA cannot pay his buyout but so much. But he knew that and his advisers knew that, so why even enter himself into to the draft when he knew there was an unlikely chance he would play in the immediate future anyway? Baffles me that NBA execs dont do enough of their homework before they make such an investment. It’s enough of a risk to draft or sign players on the american level;worrying about if they are going to even be half the player they’re expected tobe, staying out of trouble, etc, why would the Wolves even delve into such a risky move that may set them back even further than they are now? Evidently they are not familiar with the Fran Vasquez situation at all!. Anyways, Jonny Flynn IS AND WILL BE WAY BETTER THAN RUBIO BE IT NOW OR 3 YEARS FROM NOW!!!
Uncontested Shots: The Latest on Rubio, Aldridge, and Captain Jack | Sir Charles In Charge | An NBA Blog Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
[...] worth reading is Peter May’s critique of the spin coming out of Minnesota regarding Rubio. It seems that Wolves’ owner Glen Taylor is slowly realizing what the rest of [...]
lucas Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
It may be possible he doesn’t want to play for NY maybe in next couple of years but not for now, Barcelona is a better team than the NY, Wolves, Memphis… look for the Knicks and what they are today and who knows what it’ll be in the next 2 years?, I think he would like to play for Wolves, but not be a trade chip stright away! I think he made a right decision. I prefer to staty in Europe and wait & see what will happen with the Knicks, Wolves in 2010, 2011, to make a carrer like tony parker
Dave Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
This guy (Rubio) is definitely very shifty…..The buyout got negotiated down to I think $2 million? or $2.5 million? He will make that in the first year of his deal and will make that in endorsements.
I think all these problems would have been solved if Rubio were traded to the Knicks…the Knicks need a PG and Rubio seems a favorite of the Knicks coach another European who has introduced European style basketball into the NBA.
Because the Knicks are in such a large media market, Rubio would probably get double in endorsements and that would pay for buyout.
I hope this doesn’t become like Fran Vasquez, the Orlando Magic picked with the 5th pick in 2005 under the promise he would come straight to the NBA, and now he is still in Europe with no timeline to come to the NBA.
This must frustrate Kurt Rambis..
I am guessing in a year the buyout amount will lower as they just have him for one more year…they will be able to buy him out for 1.5M which means because the deam is just allowed to pay $400,000..He will have to eat $1.1M but will get that in endorsements…
I think he will be in Minnesota in a year…I am pretty sure of this..or a least he will be in the NBA in a year, not sure if in Minnesota..
The easiest way to get around the buyout is bring him to a big market where he will make more in endorsements, or bring him to team that is competitive..
As Dorado Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Most of the NBA teams are pure “bands”. Actually the NBA is a circus not so good for growing as a player.
Further more, remember he’s just 18. He still can live with his family and go to eat at “Los Caracoles”, who cares about Minnesota ?
Ricky looks stupid Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
Why declare if you’re not going to leave? I understand the difference between 2 and 5 is quite a bit of cash. The difference between being in Spain and the US for two years is an even bigger amount of cash. You don’t like MN or Jonny Flynn, fine, force a trade, but staying in Spain after he declared makes no sense to me.
If he had stayed in Spain two more years, he may well have been picked higher, because teams wouldn’t have had to deal with the buyout.
Ricky loses all around. Stupid . . .
MrRocco Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
I read at another site that if Rubio played in Europe till 2012 there would be no buy out money and he would be an unrestricted free agent NBA wise!? If true, he would be 21 and have the last laugh. I do not know why everyones hating the guy, he said from the get go NY or CA or no. I dont think he can translate to an 82+ games because he lacks the requisite mental and physical toughness but I wont spit on him like so many others. In the best American tradition he is looking out for number 1, himself.
Chad Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
This just goes to show NBA teams are better off signing players directly from college. Minnesota wasted a valuable pick on a guy that may never step foot on an NBA court
Ted Nelson Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
There is no evidence that developing in the NBA or developing elsewhere is better. David Robinson, Manu Ginobili, Toni Kukoc, Arvydus Sabonis, Jose Calderon, Luis Scola… Somehow those guys managed to find basketball hoops and weight rooms outside of the NBA. Truly amazing…
Interesting that you should cite Tony Parker and the Spurs team he joined as an example in your favor without even mentioning The Admirals own two year hiatus before joining the NBA. And he didn’t even play professional basketball for those years. Believe it or not, very competitive professional basketball is played in Europe. Since a Spaniard founded this website I sort of expected more insightful coverage on this subject.
The article seems to completely ignore the buyout issue. The author mentions the “guaranteed millions” Rubio would have gotten in Minnesota, but overlooks the fact that his first year and a half of salary would have gone to DKV Joventut to pay his buyout.
He would be under zero pressure to produce in Minnesota??? Teams and fans usually expect top 5 picks to produce.
Gerard Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
@ Andy Man the Candy Man
Just one thing. Ricky won’t be the MAN in Barcelona. The man is Navarro, he will be the playmaker that isn’t bad at all.
coolstar Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
Wow, this article is SO bad on SO many levels….No pressure on a 5th draft pick in MN? In what alternate universe? NOT learn anything in Europe, where Barcelona is quite probably BETTER than the T-Wolves?
Comparison with Parker? where truly nothing WAS expected of him and he only had two of the best guys in basketball to mentor him? Oh yeah, in MN he’ll have the great Rambis! (who was fired by a player: when’s the last time anything good happened to/for a coach who was EVER fired by a player?) Answer: NEVER. Frankly, I’m not convinced Rubio has the talent to EVER be an all-star NBA point guard, but getting RUINED in MN is certainly not a good start. Is he as good NOW as Sarunas J? And he was such a colossal bust in Indiana.
Max Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
Once I read “ain’t” in this article, all credibility is thrown out the window
Luis Alis Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 12:24 am
It has been clear to me from the beginning that Rubio wanted to play in the NBA but not in any team.
And definitely not the Minnesota Timberwolves. This wasw obvious from his behaviour and comments during the post draft events.
Rubio is a winner. He was fighting for olympic gold a few months ago. Has won a lot in Europe too. He has supreme confidence in his skills. He wants to be in a playoff contender from the get go. He has learnt from the excruciating experience of Pau Gasol, who was a star in Memphis for years but barely saw any playoff time until his glorious Lakers age started. I say, good for him. This is another reason why any coach would want him. He knows what he wants very precisely, another sign of a mind way mature for his age.
Rul Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 3:16 am
Dave said ….
please read first , and talk then …
DKV offered Minni to reduce the buyout to 3.2 mill …OF € (4.5mill $). The amount offered by Barcelona is around 3.7€(5.4mill $)…it is a “slight” difference.
Under his new 6 years’ contract with Barcelona, the buyout decrease every year, but first year is still high. And after second year, have been said he would have to pay around 2mill€ (2.8mill$), a more affordable amount with his rookie salary.
Why trust in “potential” endorsements when he is making good € with a new contract?
In my opinion, he will wait 3 years , and try to negotiate a new contract with the team he likes.
In the meantime, to all of you who says he is way worse than J.Flynn,or thinks he is not a NBA caliber player, without even watching a youtube video of him…I would recommend you to watch him play next week the Eurochamp. with the Spanish national team ….and you would realize the kind of player he is at the age of only 18!!!
J Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 3:47 am
Just a couple of ideas.
1 ) “he is guaranteed millions of dollars under the NBA’s rookie contract guidelines”
2 ) …but the buyout is much higher.
Please, do real journalism.
Mahaad Johnson Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 8:57 am
I must say… I can remember being 19 AND homesick. Granted, I wasn’t guaranteed millions of dollars, but I Do know it’s a little easier dealing with homesickness in N.Y, Miami or LA. All in all, I agree with Ben Dover though… Lol.
NonSense Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Look Bottom line is this clown should never be welcome back!! Listen I see the why. If the buyout was way to costly WHY enter the draft in the first place????? The buyout would have been the same with any other team?? So the Wolve’s picked him just because it’s not the team you wished you decide to back out?? If you turn down a employer you should not be allowed back!! Dam send a message STERN the league will not fold stop pampering these self proclaimed superstars!!
Kraan Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Given the 2 choices Ricky had it really is a no-brainer.
I think Minesota made a huge mistake drafting him. They knew about the buyout, and they knew if he was drafted any lower than 3rd he was most probably going to have to stay in Europe because he wouln’t be able afford the buyout with his rookie salary. Plus, they knew before hand that Ricky didn’t wanna there. If he had been drafted 3rd or higher he’d be an NBA player right now.
Once Minesota made the mistake of drafting him they should have traded him. They could have gotten something interesting for him. Now they have nothing. They have wasted a draft pick and they didn’t get anything in return.
Mcruz Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Why did he make himself eligible for the draft? I assumed cause he wanted to play in the NBA. With an NBA cap in place, they should just treat foreign players like free agents, don’t bother drafting them. Some kid who actually wanted to play in the NBA could have a guaranteed contract right now if Minny doesn’t waste this pick.
quran Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Rick Rubion made a great decision which will benefit him in many ways.
1. He didnt want to play in minnesota and had he played while unhappy it would have hurt his game.
2. He is going to be making a lot more money than his previous contract.
3. He would not been bought out anyway. Why would his team at the time lower the buyout? It didnt make sense from a financial perspective.
4. His best basketball is ahead of him and a couple of more years in europe will develop his game.
a) he is not strong enough, b)he is not a defensive player, d)he cannot shoot the basketball very well. He may have a chance to develop these lacking skills in europe.
5. Right now minnesota may not be the best place for anybody for a variety of reasons. a) losing team, b)new staff including coach and general manager c) questionable decisions, drafting 3 point guards in one year including one that made it clear he did not want to play for them. If the knicks would have drafted him he would have played this year. With that said his reluctance to play in minnesota may have helped since now he has a chance to develop.
6. He still a teenager and the NBA is not always teen friendly.
Desert Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
Ahem… Minny also knew about the buyout but drafted him anyway… Don’t hate on the kid because he entered his name, the situation is like “pick me if you want to, but there are strings attatched” … the Wolves chose to do so. He did what he felt was the right thing without breaking any rules, and there can, and has in this forum been made a pretty strong case that he did just that, the right thing. The article by the way is, eh, not the best I’ve read… better luck next time Pete.
Marc Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
I’m sorry sir, but you have a different idea about what basketball bussiness is in Europe than in US. And also, you underestimate ACB league level.
Do you remember when Pau Gasol, Rudy Fernández, Manu Ginobilli and other came to NBA? They weren’t 19. They were anybody in Europe. They had won tittles and had a curriculum before.
Don’t you believe that in Spain a kid can grow up? I think so.
Why do you have to be a poor rookie being an star in Europe with a long way behind you?
And just another one: A player can dream to play in NBA. But the real difference is that in Europe you can choice your fate. In United States, not.
Thank you.
Luis Alis Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
Just because you are offered a job does not mean you have to take it. Just saying.
If Ricky Rubio was a prodigy, extremely sought after games programmer and announced he wanted to program videogames in Japan, then he got chosen by Tecmo instead of Nintendo but got a Sony offer in his hometown for WAY more money, who would have scratched his head?
People need to recognize he has the skills. He is just choosing the best of what is being offered to him.
Salaner Said,
September 4, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Peter May is a dunce who comments on European basketball without having any clue about European basketball, as has already been vastly explained by other posters.
Jorge Sierra should know better, but he doesn’t. He has shown a proclivity to employ columnists who are either partisan or ignorant - or sometimes both.
Actually, the comments to May’s pitiful article include much more information and insight than the article…
One important point that hasn’t been made is the initial failure by Dan Fegan, Rubio’s agent, to correctly play the draft game. He did want Ricky to play in the NBA, and he did want him in the 2009 draft, which is weaker than the 2010 draft will be. But he failed to do what he had to do: to convince Sacramento or, even better, Memphis to take him. Fegan knew that only by being picked in the top three would Rubio make enough dough to pay his buyout and keep some money. But Fegan showed enough disdain to both clubs that they decided to pass on the kid, and OC already had an outstanding young PG. That was badly mishandled. The Grizz would have been a good training ground for a young Rubio - just as they are for Marc Gasol. Fegan’s avarice in only wanting big markets created all this fuck-up.
RaVeN Said,
September 5, 2009 @ 3:41 am
Man it’s just not worth playing in the NBA if you have to play your rookie season with a big minus on your bank account.
Like many of you said before, Minneapolis can’t be compared to Barcelona in any way. One is a dull, cold city and the other is world known, sunny warm. This is just like you’d have to play in Utah rather than in LA.
And one of the aspects is that NBA is not what it used to be. Euroleague and its top teams are not that much worse compared to NBA teams anymore. 10 years ago that picture was different, the NBA had MJ, Malone,…those are world famous players. Ok, nowadays there are players like Bryant and LeBron, but they are faaaaar away from being next MJ eventhough they can score 40+ points each night.
Rubio will probably come to the NBA in a couple of years, if he gets traded to NY he would be playing this fall. It’s just that Minnesota is’t the team worth getting yourself in debt to play for.
I would rather not comment the article which is insulting for Euroleauge players.
rubio the real deal Said,
September 5, 2009 @ 10:58 am
you guys are missing a fact that is quite important:
1 euro is 1.45$ so when you speak about his buyout with DKV being 4.5M euros you have to talk about 6.5M$. Now, being his rookis salarie of 2.5M$, Taxes leaving him just under 1.25m for him each season, how on earth do you expect for someone to spend 3 years playing without earning a single $???????
in barcelona, who has beaten nba teams already by the way, he will not have to pay his buyout, as barcelona will pay 3.5M euros, ( 5M$) and will give him about 1M per season.
is he a coward?? what he isnt is a stupid blinded guy.
noah Said,
September 5, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
Well, the buyout isn’t that complicated. Rubio’s sponsors to be would have paid the buyout up front, though Rubio would have had to pay for it over time.
But I actually think Parker suggests that Rubio will be just fine staying in Europe. Parker came over here at age 19, one year older than Rubio will be this season. He didn’t seem to lose much by that “extra” year in Europe compared to what May suggests Rubio should do. So, if Parker is really the model, next year in Europe shouldn’t hurt Rubio’s development at all. What’s the likelihood that one more year will?
Salaner Said,
September 5, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Rubio will be 19 next month, so he’s essentially the same age Parker was when he entered the NBA in 2001. A better example is José Calderón of the Raptors - despite playing hurt all sweason, he was the fourth leading assist man in the NBA last aesson, and he broke the all-time NBA FT shooting record. Calderón played in Europe until he was 24.
Dick Spence Said,
September 5, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Rubio said he wanted to play in a major market. Minnesota drafted a player who specifically said he did not want to play there. I don’t understand why any GM would even consider drafting a player who has doubts about your franchise.
Rubio, regardless to if his Euroleague team makes him more NBA ready or not, is making the best decision for himself and his family. Minnesota should have taken someone else instead of two players two play the same position.
We may or may not hear about Rubio while he plays his two years in the Euroleague but I can promise you this ; Rubio will play in the NBA eventually. And when he does it will not be for the Timberwolves.
Wasted pick.
Chris Said,
September 5, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
I think he made a great decision for himself. 20 years ago playing in the NBA was the greatest thing any basketball player could achieve. Now, it is not quite the same. If given the choice of playing on a losing small market team like the Wolves or playing for a competitive Euroleauge Regal Barcelona I would go to Barcelona every time, and I am an American. This kid is young and has plenty of time to come to the NBA, but he can make millions playing in his home country right now.
Rubio would have left for NY or LA, maybe Miami or Chicago, and perhaps a contending team like a SA, Orlando or Boston. He might also take a chance to play with LeBron in Cleveland. But outside of those places I don’t see why he would bother coming.
The reality is that playing in the NBA is not the end all and be all of professional basketball anymore. Professional players now have to take offers on a case by case basis.
Ryan Said,
September 6, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
The supporting-Rubio crowd that keeps mentioning that Minnesota would only pay $500,000 are being very short sighted.
Kahn went overseas at least twice and lined up enough American only sponsors to cover most of an agreed upon buyout, meaning Rubio would NOT have to sacrifice years of his salary to come to the NBA.
Kahn also was willing to give Rubio the maximum allowed for the 5th slot, plus he had already picked him 5th instead of 6th (MN had both picks), so he was really doing everything he could to provide for Rubio, who said he wanted to play in the NBA (then later said if he could resolve his buyout issue).
I’m not going to hate on Rubio, but the fact is that Kahn made it as easy as possible for Rubio to play in the NBA this season and Rubio chose not to. It was Rubio who agreed to a 6 million or so buyout clause for a contract that didn’t even pay him 10% of that buyout figure per year. It was Rubio who put his name into the draft this year. It was Rubio who said he wanted to play in the NBA. So why are all the Pro Rubio people hating on Minnesota, the author of this article or anybody that asks these questions?
Of course he can play in Europe, of course that’s fine by everybody, but in that case he should not have entered the NBA draft.
If he had entered the draft, and say, Minnesota could not negotiate a reasonable buyout that still paid Rubio to come to the NBA, I could understand. But Minnesota seems to have done everything possible and then some to get Rubio’s crazy buyout situation resolved and Rubio still did not come over. Perhaps it’s his family, perhaps it’s him, perhaps it’s European coaches, I do not know, nobody seems to. But to blame anybody but Rubio and to pretend that this situation was ok is very silly. Rubio definitely was not honest or truthful in this process and no matter if he was influenced or not, he is going to be starting off his NBA career on a very negative note. Most of the egotistical NBA players like to wait until they’ve played an NBA game to go back on their words and make themselves look poor, but that seems to be the one area where Rubio has a head start on everybody else.
There really isn’t anything else to talk about I suppose, most of the counter arguments I am seeing are half truths and outright lies, or lack the correct information that makes them irrelevant (and thus ineffective arguments). I am sure the european fans are happy to have Rubio, but that has nothing to do with him going back on his word or the way he has treated this process, which is poorly.
No disrespect to anybody on either side that is telling the truth, but facts are facts.
Ryan Said,
September 6, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
Sorry for the double post, but I’d like to address one more thing.
It doesn’t really matter if it is in Rubio’s best interest to play in the NBA now, next year, the year after or never. That has nothing to do with the fact that he treated the NBA, David Kahn, Minnesota and many basketball fans extremely poorly by telling them he wanted to play and that the only issue was his buyout.
And please tell me where Rubio put the asterisk on draft night when he said “I want to play in the NBA.” There was no “if I can get into a major market, I would like to play in the NBA.” He outright said it, and as a basketball fan I look down on players who say things like that then go back on their word when people work hard to make that happen.
Sure, we heard from his dad many different things over the last 6 months, but if we listened to player’s relatives point for point we’d often see a much different, and much less accurate picture. Some small paper source that quotes his father saying Rubio only wants to play in NYC around the same time that NY calls MN the day after the draft is a rumor, not a declaration. Rubio could any time have said “I will only play for a major market” and Minnesota would have passed on him, probably taken Curry and if GS wasn’t confident they were a big enough market NY would have taken him. But Rubio did not do that, he did not declare prior to the draft that he would only play for NY, LA, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Boston or the few other major markets I am forgetting. If he had, he would not have gone 5th.
Stop making excuses for a very poor performance from a young, but apparently very immature prospect.
TyrekYoung Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 7:22 am
I think a few of you hit the nail on the head. Rubio was all for coming to play in the NBA. First he wanted to play in a big market; well that didn’t happen Minnesota picked him. OK so he wont be going to NY (playing for D’antnio) or LA, not a problem then the wolves do a bone head move and draft 11 point guards. iFI was Rubio that would raise major concerns with me. That would tell me that the Wolves are undecisive on what they are going to do and instead of coming in and learning the job and adjusting to the NBA and probably contending in 3 or 4 years the Timbo’s don’t have a clue as to what they really want to do. And remember they still didn’t have a head coach in place. Some one else made a great point of all the Euro players that came to the league before Rubio; they grew up idolizing the players in the NBA ( Vlade Divac playing along Magic Johnson) that is not the case today. Today’s players feel that they are just as good or even better than the NBA players and they are getting paid the same if not more with the Euro dollar and tax.
Henryhk Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 8:25 am
i agree with several posts here….he can’t play for free,..actually he wld end up paying to play in the NBA, and wld have to mke it up via endorsements. career? he is young and he can revisit later in 2 yrs. so what is the big deal?
was he anti minnesota? yes in that it is smaller market but I bet something could have worked out including trades if he had been a top 3 pick which provides him with room re the money equation. he wld not have been able to play for the knicks even if a trade had been worked out under the present circumstances anyway so such talk is just that, talk.
clearly the miscalc on his part was probably he expected to be within the top picks prior to the draft which was not an unreasonable expectation
did minnesota screw up re two pt guards? I think not. they are not going anywhere anyway, it was weak draft after all, so rubio is a good asset for either signing later on or to use trade bait, and in the meanwhile they have sessions and flynn.
Neil stationed in England Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 9:11 am
After reading this article and several others regarding Rubio it brought many things into perspective. First of all, isn’t USA the land of opportunity, which is what is exactly given to every person wanting to come to this great nation, that I’m now proud to call my home!
There are some on here stating that it is his option to stay overseas to continue to grow; but, if a player is choosing to make this his option shouldn’t that player either wait to enter the draft in later years or make his intentions known to the teams scouting him? Why do we have to guess whether this player is going to be a Fran Vasquez?
From what I am reading Kahn did everything within his power to get Rubio out of his contract and over to Minny, but Rubio stated he wasn’t ready…B.S.(We all know why) Like I stated earlier if you want to play with the best and have the opportunity to work in the U.S. why not take a hold of the OPPORTUNITY? People like myself are fighting for the opportunity for other foreigners, such as my parents to have this opportunity. If I had a chance to play in the NBA for the minimum salary, I would in an instance! I guess I may be old-school.
Stop being a coward and acting like one of these selfish superstars trying to gain a trade to another team and be an adult and come on over and build a contender out of Minny, that is what good players do!
djball Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
Geezuz is dead on.
Ryan Said,
September 8, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
I don’t really buy that Rubio was expecting to be a top 3 pick. I mean, he basically told Memphis he would not play for them. That leaves LA (they were obviously taking Blake) and OKC. OKC is probably a smaller market than Minnesota, and while they have Durant, MN has Jefferson.
Also, I don’t really buy that selecting Flynn had anything to do with Rubio not coming over. I believe Kahn said Rubio would be his PG if he came to the NBA this year, and that was when it looked like Rubio would not come over and that Flynn would start. It takes some boldness to say that when you’re likely going to be starting the guy you’re saying is NOT your #1 priority, so I really do believe Kahn there.
And Geezuz is not dead on, the buyout issue was made much less significant when Kahn decided he would give Rubio the max rookie contract and lined up millions of dollars in endorsements, endorsements that Rubio would NOT get by staying in Europe. In reality, it wouldn’t of cost Rubio more than 2 million tops to come to the NBA this year. If he really wanted to play in the NBA, as a starting point guard with some young talent, this was a great chance for him to do so. Only having to pay 2 mil or less with his outrageous buyout looks pretty fortunate to me, unfortunately for everybody else (except Euro fans I guess, but I’d be happy too if I were you) Rubio backtracked and reneged on his words.