Why Ricky Rubio Won't Cross the Ocean

The story around the Timberwolves' draft pick has grown into "almost" epic proportions. This drama around the Spanish prospect and fifth pick, Ricky Rubio, has made fans climb into their think tanks.

Why would someone decline a chance to play in the NBA?

That is the cornerstone of the plot. Rubio's club, Joventut Badalona, has inserted a clause in his contract that guarantees a 4.3mio€ payment if the guard leaves the team for the NBA.

At the moment, he can’t afford to pay such a high sum, so he has tried to pressure the directors to lower the fee—which they obviously haven’t.

Since then, Rubio has been offered contracts by Spanish teams: TAU Victoria, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The latter offered Rubio's team 3mio.€, which will probably be enough for the club, since they are forced to give up his rights.

The player already said that he would only play for Barça, thus making it impossible for Madrid or Victoria to proceed with their negotiations. Still, this clause is not the only reason. 

You might have noticed that Rubio has not made a big fuss about playing in the NBA. Why? The young guard is simply not interested in playing in small market Minnesota.

You might call him selfish, but the Wolves are notorious for destroying careers. Kevin Garnett wasted a lot of years down there, and Al Jefferson is currently doing the same.

The Wolves lack potential and have been unable to develop anything despite numerous high picks in recent years.

New to the American game, Rubio needs to learn and his handler’s question: “Is Minnesota the right place?” Of course not. Rubio won't cross the ocean because it isn't worth the trip.

If he signs with Barça, then he'll be allowed to leave the "blaugrana" when he's 21—still young for NBA standards.

At that time, he'll probably be picked higher, maybe even No. 1. What does that mean? More focus and more money.

That sounds more thrilling than having to share the spot as rookie point guard with Jonny Flynn; and having to receive a "modest" fifth-pick salary—probably for the next two years.

Rubio's decision to stay is very sly. Once he's been through the process of pre draft analysis, he already knows where he’s lacking, which means that he'll be able to work on his weaknesses for the next two years. Plus, he'll have the ability to tune his game in the very competitive Euroleague.

Imagine how much better Rubio would become if he had two more years to get bigger, stronger and smarter? He would then become what he's always wanted - a No. 1 pick.