Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves would be ecstatic if Rubio's career mirrored Jason Kidd's.  When looking at the rookie year that Rubio is having right now compared to the full season that Kidd had in his rookie year, the similarities are astounding and I believe the trend will continue.

Ricky Rubio is currently listed at 6'4" 180 lbs and Kidd is at 6'4" 210 lbs.  Jason is 17 years older at this point but it's reasonable to assume that Kidd was lighter at age 21 and Rubio will grow into his NBA body in the next few years.

Let's look at Kidd's rookie-year statistics next to Rubio's current-year stats:

1994-95: 33.8 MPG, 38.5 FG%, 27.2 3PT%, 69.8 FT%, 11.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.7 APG, .3 BPG, 1.9 SPG

2011-12: 32.6 MPG, 38.6 FG%, 37.1 3PT%, 81.0 FT%, 10.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.5 APG, .2 BPG, 2.5 SPG

These numbers are eerily similar.  The major differences are that Rubio has shown himself to be a better three-point shooter and a much better free-throw shooter at this point in his career.  Kidd averaged an extra point per game which makes sense because he also shot the ball 10.8 times per game to Rubio's 9.0.

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There is one major difference in their games that favors Kidd over Rubio: Kidd averaged 3.5 defensive rebounds per game in his rookie year and Rubio has been outperforming him at 4.0 but on the offensive boards, Kidd averaged 1.9 to Rubio's .5 per game.  Rubio doesn't attack the glass by any means and part of that is getting back on defense, but that number needs to improve.

Over Kidd's career, his field-goal percentage improved slightly but he still only got to 40 percent for his career.  Jason did significantly improve his three-point and free-throw numbers to a respectful 34.7 percent and 78.4 percent respectively. 

Jason's rebounding has fallen off as he's gotten older but at his peak he averaged 8.2 rebounds.  Kidd's assist numbers have always been solid; his 9.1 average for his career is eighth all-time and his assist total (11,653) puts him at second all-time.

From what Ricky has shown us, he could morph into a very good defender with a little more bulk and some experience.  Jason has made nine All-Defensive teams but didn't make it until his fifth year, so Rubio can certainly shoot for that.

Minnesota Timberwolves fans would be lucky to have Rubio turn into the kind of player that Kidd is and the stats support that possibility.  It remains to be seen if Rubio can continue his excellent steal and assist pace (2.5/8.5) but it stands to reason that his shooting will only get better. 

Will Rubio make 10 All-Star teams?  Will he get votes on eight different MVP ballots?  The Timberwolves nation hopes so, but let's start with winning Rookie of the Year.

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