Ricky Rubio: Why Spanish Point Guard Is Key for Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio finally has made the transition over from Europe to the NBA.

In his first game, he was very impressive against the Oklahoma City Thunder in only 26 minutes off the bench. He had only six points and six assists, but provided some great highlights, including some through the legs bounce passes.

Rubio received a lot of hype playing over in Spain and was drafted by the Timberwolves in 2008. He delayed coming over to the NBA in order to improve his game, and many people believed he wouldn't live up to the hype.

It is way too early to determine what kind of career Rubio will have, but it is evident the addition of Rubio will provide a boost to the Timberwolves.

Here are four reasons why Rubio is a huge asset for the Timberwolves as they move forward through the season.

Kevin Love's Production Will Increase

Kevin Love has been the most productive Timberwolves' player since the days of Kevin Garnett. 

And his career 15.1 points per game have been accomplished without a true point guard.

The addition of Ricky Rubio will help improve Love's production on the court due to the pass-first mentality that Rubio has.

While in Spain, Rubio led Barcelona as the starting point guard, averaging more than four assists in the past three seasons, with his highest being 5.8 assists per game in 2008-2009. (In Europe, assists are not given if the person given the pass takes a dribble, so assists are generally lower.)

Rubio's numbers will skyrocket in the NBA, especially with a big man as capable as Love.

A Rubio-Love connection is something to definitely look out for in the upcoming season.

Better Pick and Roll Options

As a true point guard, Rubio's presence on the floor will open up the playbook for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota can commit to running more of a pick and roll offense this season, especially with players like Derrick Williams and Kevin Love, who can both roll and pop off of picks.

Defenses will have to focus on stopping these dangerous duos, which could open up the outside for Minnesota's shooters. 

One of Rubio's biggest assets is creating opportunities for his teammates. A pick and roll offense through Rubio would accomplish that and allow Rubio to play to his strengths.

He Has the Potential to Be Great

The hype over Ricky Rubio began in 2009 when he was only an 18-year-old. Now, Rubio is 20, and he has already being dubbed as overrated, even before he began his NBA career.

The truth is Rubio has a lot of potential. At a young age, Rubio was playing against some of the best competition in Spain as well as in the world through international tournaments. Not only was he playing against them, but he was performing very well, too.

Rubio is a three-time FIBA European Young Player of the Year winner, as well as the European Player of the Year in 2008.

He has great success over in Europe and should smoothly transition his game into the NBA. I don't expect him to make a huge impact in his first year, but as long as he is able to contribute, Rubio should set himself up for great success over the next few seasons.

Rubio Puts Minnesota on the Radar

Since 2004, Minnesota has been virtually near the bottom of the NBA.

But now, with a polarizing European figure on their squad, more eyes will be on the Timberwolves this season. And it's exactly what Minnesota needs.

The Timberwolves are full of young talent with players like Ricky Rubio, Derrick Williams, Michael Beasley and Kevin Love. 

So much attention had been placed on Rubio before he arrived in the NBA, and his progress throughout his rookie season will be closely monitored. This gives the rest of the Minnesota team a chance to show the NBA that the Timberwolves are headed in the right direction.

The increased exposure for the Timberwolves could be important for free agents, as they will be able to see the talented, young players in Minnesota as well as the strong Timberwolves' fan base.

This could be the first step in helping the Timberwolves get out of the cellar of the NBA.