5 Reasons Why Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio Won't Help Twin Cities Become Win Cities

After Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks 99-82 on Sunday night, there's suddenly reason for optimism in the Twin Cities.

However, Rubio isn't the reason why Timberwolves fans should be optimistic about the future of NBA basketball in Minnesota.

Kevin Love is well on his way to becoming a Top 5 player in the NBA and is the reason why Minnesota lost its first three games by an average of three points—against two of the best teams in the league in the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Let's examine why Ricky Rubio won't be the long-term answer in Minnesota.

1. He's Not Even the Starting Point Guard

Ricky Rubio is currently behind starting point guard Luke Ridnour on the Minnesota Timberwolves' depth chart, and the rotation doesn't appear to be changing any time soon.

Ridnour is a solid, if unspectacular, point guard and his nine years of NBA experience will keep him in the starting lineup in 2012.

Until Rubio is able to join the first unit in Minnesota, it's hard to justify all the hype surrounding his rookie season in the NBA.

2. His Stats Don't Justify All the Hype

After four games, Ricky Rubio is averaging 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in just under 28 minutes of play.

The NBA has become a league dominated by point guards with the ability to score, and Rubio is simply not a scorer.

Have you ever seen this much hype surrounding a player who doesn't even average double figures?

3. He Can't Shoot

Rubio's inability to knock down threes will eventually lead to his downfall in the NBA.  He's only averaging five field goal attempts per game due to a lack of confidence in his outside shot.

During Rubio's four-year Euroleague career, he shot just 39.7 percent from the field and a dismal 27.6 percent from three.

His inability to keep opposing defenders honest on the perimeter will allow defenses to play 5-on-4 when Rubio is on the floor.

4. He's Too Small

Rubio may be 6'4", but his 180-pound frame will make it extremely difficult for him to handle the wear-and-tear of an 82-game NBA season.

The NBA's physical style of play compared to European basketball will expose Rubio's lack of strength on drives to the basket and on the defensive end.  

Look for opposing point guards to continually attack Rubio's defense and slight frame by posting him up whenever possible.

5. He Doesn't Take Care of the Basketball

Ricky Rubio is a turnover waiting to happen.

Unlike the NBA, the wide open European style of play doesn't place an emphasis on valuing the basketball on every possession.  

Through four games, Rubio has already turned the ball over 12 times, including nine turnovers in the last two contests.  

Rubio's flashy style of play will eventually make his coaches sick as they will not be able to stomach one wasted possession after another.