Ricky Rubio: 7 Ways He Must Adapt His Game to the NBA

Ricky Rubio is the popular new foreign exchange student in class. He's flashy, cool and sure to be a hit with the ladies.

Except Timberwolves fans are not quite sure what to expect. They have seen his potential via YouTube clips, but his stat lines from his latest Euro Ball season make some fans worried.

Have no fear fans. Rubio is a gift and fans will not regret waiting to open it on opening day.

Rubio is obviously talented at playing basketball. Except he needs to make a few tweaks to "Americanize" his game. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Getting to the Line

Even though Ricky Rubio will not be the No. 1 scoring option for the Timberwolve, he will be the most consistent precesnce in the lane. He's quick and moves in more ways than a rubber band.

However, he doesn't score much. Zach Harper of ESPN.com describes Rubio as a "pass-first, pass-second, shoot-third point guard who is trying to set his teammates up for the exciting highlight play."

Minnesota ranked 18th in free-throw attempts per game last year. If Ricky is going to spend time in the lane, he should try and get some free shots while he is there.

2. Developing a Mid-Range Jumper

This is the weakest part of Rubio's game. He moves so much that he sometimes forgets that sometimes you need to stand still to play good basketball. 

Rubio may see a lot of double-teams, so honing in this skill is crucial to his development.  

3. Leadership

First off, we all know that this is Kevin Love's team. We also know that Point Guard is the new Quarterback.

Rubio comes in to the NBA with six years of pro experience (in Spanish Basketball). He is the only player on the Timberwolves to have won a pro championship.

He is not the "chiquito" (little boy) like he was on the Spanish team. He has international experience, and more important, he knows what it is like to win. It would behoove him to share that experience.

4. Turnovers

Ricky was the Adrian Peterson of Spanish Basketball. He carried an assist-to-turnover ratio of less than 2:1.

Turnovers are the death of any NBA team, and the Wolves did themselves no favors in that category last season. According to John Hollinger, the team ranked 24th in offensive efficiency last year.

Ricky handles the ball like he's performing a magic trick. It is true slight of hand. In the NBA, he needs to be careful and not let his style get out of hand.

5. Strength

Euro ball emphasizes teamwork, finesse and a half-court game. NBA ball emphasizes speed, athleticism and strength.

Rubio weighs less than 190 pounds and looks like a skinny kid compared to chiseled Derrick Rose.

Driving through NBA lanes requires brute force x-style. Rubio already has the moves, and he should spend this lockout period improving his physique.

6. Finishing

As we already mentioned, Rubio knows passing. The European league is like a lawnmower race compared to the Indy 500 like speed of the NBA.

Possesing one of the great outlet passers of the game, Kevin Love, Rubio needs to develop an above the rim finishing touch.

7. Ego

Much to the chagrin of David Stern, NBA basketball is fueled by ego and trash talk.

Rubio is a young, fresh face with a lot of attention. Players are going to come after him and he needs to stand up to the hype. He needs to get his face out there. Provided, he backs up the talk.

Rubio has a lot of work to do to get his game up to All-Star point guard standards. The kid has the talent, experience and drive to make it happen.

We Timberwolves fans are just glad he decided to take his talents to Minneapolis.