Ricky Rubio Showing Timberwolves Fans That He Was Worth Long Wait

Minnesota Timberwolves fans had to wait more than two years to finally watch Ricky Rubio show off his talents for their team, but he's quickly proving that the extended wait was well worth it.

The dynamic point guard was moved into the starting five by head coach Rick Adelman after just 10 professional games. Unlike some rookie starters who are forced into the lineup because ownership wants to see their new star in action, Rubio has worked to deserve the honor.

He is averaging 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals so far. Those numbers, which illustrate his tremendous versatility, will continue to improve as his amount of playing time increases.

What's been most impressive so far, as illustrated below in a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, is his passing ability. He has vision that few players in the league can match and should continue to improve once he becomes more comfortable in the NBA.

Timberwolves general manager David Kahn was criticized for taking Rubio since he wouldn't be able to make an immediate impact on the team, but the Spanish star is starting to make his GM look like a genius for taking the chance.

There was expected to be a transition period for Rubio so he could adapt to the American style as opposed to the European approach, but he's blown right through that with relative ease.

He has all the skills a team could want from a point guard, and is simply some more experience away from becoming one of the league's elite players at the position.

While Rubio could score more often if he wanted to, he's always taken a pass-first approach to the game. He's similar to Steve Nash in that respect. He will look to set up his teammates first and foremost, but if you leave him open, he's going to knock down a ton of shots.

That type of dual-threat ability is why he'll eventually become a superstar in the United States just like he was in Spain for so many years. It's just a matter of time before the media exposure takes him to that next level of fame.

Combined with Kevin Love and Derrick Williams, the Timberwolves are actually building a nice base. As long as Minnesota can keep that trio together for the long haul, they are well on their way to becoming contenders in the Western Conference.

And it's all because Kahn was willing to take a chance on Rubio. Sometimes the least-popular option is actually the best one, and that's what the case appears to be here.

Timberwolves fans waited what probably seemed like an eternity to get Rubio; now they just have to hope he stays for a long, long time.