Ricky Rubio Just May Be a Waste, Hazed in Uncertainty

Jonathan Mathis by Scribe Written on June 30, 2009
NEW YORK - JUNE 25:  Fifth overall draft pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves,  Ricky Rubio makes his way to the stage during the 2009 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 25, 2009 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

So, we've stirred up international bias, describing the 18-year-old as Pete Maverich and anointed Ricky Rubio as NBA's next elite point guard.

Only playing next season would have revealed the truth, whether the Spaniard is NBA caliber or just a disappointment. Until then, we will never understand who exactly Rubio is, or if he’s the greatest since Pistol Pete.

But being compared to the Pistol is ridiculous, and with the availability of technology, YouTube videos unleash him as the greatest playmaker in the world.

Fine, he might be prolific at passing the ball, unstoppable in transition, and explosive to the rim, but we forgot he’s not nearly as exquisite shooting the ball.

Recently, Rubio is perplexing and unpromising to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Just when the hype began to fade out, Rubio faded out quickly, vanishing from the country that has solely acclaimed him with warmth salutes.

Within that span, he convoked more fame than Jon and Kate, described as former elite superstars. He hasn't even played one game in the country where the "Star Spangled Banner" hails as the national anthem.

And to some, Rubio was the most exciting player in the draft, and corralled more acceptance than Blake Griffin, equipped as the No. 3 pick to be selected.

Mired in an oppressive state is Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn, uncertain of Rubio's stance for suddenly reneging. All of us should have been befuddled when Rubio's father informed the Wolves of his son's status, saying he may play in Spain for a few more years rather than the NBA.

It came when we were obligated to seeing him translate excellence outside the Euro league; it came when we over-hyped him, overshadowing the likings of others, and it came when the Wolves are in disarray. Right now, they are in a complex dilemma, drafting an internationally-born player who suddenly opts to return overseas.

If that was his intent, then in what way did the Wolves benefit? By signing a player that obtruded a mind-numbing mess for taking the popular teen who seemed loyal and optimistic about playing with Minnesota?

Perhaps there’s a reason for Rubio's impulsive repudiation, leaving the Wolves in nonsensical blunders—not something Kahn visualized stepping in as the new boss of a disoriented franchise that has been left in a bewildered casualty by the poor choices and dumbfounded irrationality of Kevin McHale.

Much has abolished over the course of last season, when coach Randy Wittman was fired. That gave leeway to the ill-minded McHale, who resigned as president of basketball operations to coach full time.

After misery stained his imagery as head coach, forward Kevin Love tweeted that McHale and Kahn discerned that it was time for a new ambassador to jettison dismal failures from their perception of revamping fortune.

Now Kahn is searching for a new coach in the rebuilding stage that has evoked concern, as we are still confused to some degree about his baffling ideas—one reason being that the addition of Rubio seems to be a wasteful selection. From buying into Rubio’s hoopla, he squandered a pick that could have actually benefited in the future.

Had he not been watching videos on YouTube, maybe he wouldn't be faced with a burden as a first-time general manger. Then again, Kahn might have just selected Rubio based on his savvy passing capabilities and ball creativity. Still, there are flaws that he must upgrade, if the Wolves demand a well-rounded point guard.

Lack of growth and ball-handling weaknesses both dimple Rubio, and draw critique among the future. But learning that he’s expected to return to Spain urges the Wolves to wait patiently, and seeing if he’s gifted at filling in blemishes.

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written on June 30, 2009 Opinion

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