Ricky Rubio: 4 Reasons the Minnesota Timberwolves PG Made the All-Star Ballot

Ricky Rubio.

Whether you're a Minnesota Timberwolves fan or not, chances are you've heard this name. In fact, chances are you've been hearing the name tossed around the sports media world since 2009.

Although Minnesota drafted Rubio in the 2009 NBA Draft, it wasn't until this season that the 21-year-old point guard left Spain to play at the Target Center.

Rubio has been long awaited by many, and whether you were a skeptic initially or not, no one can argue this simple fact: this kid is for real.

Here are five reasons Rubio's name made the All-Star Ballot after less than 10 games in a lockout-shortened season.

Despite His Age, He's Experienced and Intelligent on the Floor

If you're interested in reading a well-written and entertaining reflection on Ricky Rubio's impact on Minnesota's lineup, check out Peter Vescey's article. 

Vescey responded after watching the rookie take on the Miami Heat Friday night:

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All it took was one probe and penetration Friday night against the Heat for me to realize I was beholding a visionary. From then on, each time the Timberwolves rookie fondled the fleece I couldn't help but notice myself staring at the sleight-of-hand, slight-of-body Spaniard.

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Although the Wolves have only won two of their first six games, they appear to be an entirely different team than fans have seen in the last two seasons. Their two wins came against playoff-caliber teams in the Mavericks and the Spurs, and Rubio has impressed everyone thus far.

It's obvious that the young athlete's teammates already trust him to run the floor. Forward Anthony Tolliver weighed in following Minnesota's win over Dallas:

"You can tell we're starting to get used to playing with Ricky when I'm in the corner, and somehow, I know that ball is coming to me," Tolliver said. "I'm not surprised that pass went through Dirk's legs."

"Rubio owns the capacity to find players who aren't open," wrote Vescey. "Until the ball arrives point blank in picture-perfect position to score and/or be fouled."

Rubio runs the floor effectively. Is he still a rookie who will commit rookie mistakes? Absolutely. But so far, this European sensation is living up to the hype.

Rubio Ranks No. 1 in Assists Among Rookies

Now, before you get up in arms and tell me I'm getting ahead of myself, let me say this: I know I'm getting ahead of myself. I know that the statement I'm about to make could in no way be true until at least 3-5 seasons go by.

I am hopeful that Ricky Rubio will be the NBA's next Steve Nash.

Nash is now in his 16th year in the NBA, and last season he averaged an incredible 11 assists per game. When Nash entered the league as a rookie, he averaged two assists per game.

Rubio is averaging seven.

According to an article on twincities.com, Rubio currently ranks No. 1 in assists among rookies. He comes in at No. 9 for points scored per game.

He Is Fun to Watch—the Fans Love Him

Already in his short time in the U.S., Rubio is all about the fans—both on and off the court.

Vescey couldn't say it any clearer: "Man, is this 21-year-old entertaining."

Rubio's quick decisions and no-look passes on the hardwood create a fast-paced game the fans love. In fact, the addition of Rubio has helped the Wolves seriously compete with a Lakers game for the NBA TV "Fan Night." According to twincities.com,

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The Timberwolves' home game against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 10 is running a close second to the Phoenix Suns-Los Angeles Lakers game in "Fan Night" balloting on NBA TV. The network allows fans to vote for which game they want the network to broadcast nationally the following week.

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Rubio enjoys participating in off-the-court events as well. Pictured above, Rubio signs a ball for a young fan. Today (Jan. 5), Rubio and teammate Anthony Tolliver took the afternoon to visit patients at the Children's Hospital.

Rubio's love for the fans ages him above his young 21 years, and he's already created admirers in the media and stands alike.

He Faces Even More Obstacles Than the Average Draft Pick

Ricky Rubio is by no means the only international athlete to be drafted into the NBA. However, it does put him into a smaller category of rookies that not only face the obstacles of transitioning into the league but must also adapt to a new language and culture.

Rick Adelman is an experienced coach and seems prepared to, in a sense, mentor the young point guard. In an NBA.com blog, Sekou Smith wrote the following:

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Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman holds the keys to Rubio’s rookie season, and his career to some extent, and so far is driving flawlessly so far. Much like Paul Silas did with LeBron James so many years ago, Adelman has to press all the right buttons early on with a player that is dealing with pressures, internal and external, that not every top draft pick has to deal with.

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So far, Rubio seems to be enjoying his time in the States.

He already boasts his own website, rickyrubio9.com, on which he posted photos of his first Christmas tree and reflects on his time here.

He also manages a Twitter account on which fans can follow him.

In every sense of the word, Ricky Rubio has thus far succeeded.

You can follow me on Twitter... @lilshortie2712