Ricky Rubio talks past, present, future; thinks T-Wolves have 'right weapons' for playoffs
It seems like ages ago when the Minnesota Timberwolves finally brought home their long-sought-after prospect Ricky Rubio.
However, it was only four years ago when the T-Wolves landed their prized point guard, after waiting patiently for two years for Rubio to touch down stateside.
At 24, the Spanish floor general seems like a legitimate veteran - a perception further strengthened by virtue of him being an elder statesman of sorts on one of the youngest squads in the Association.
In a Q&A with Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver, published Thursday, Rubio reflected on previous seasons, the current status of his team, and the future outlook of his youth-laden Wolves.
On whether he regrets not coming to the NBA sooner:
I live a life that I never regret any decision. It could have been better or worse. It went the way it was. I’m really happy. I’m where I’m at because of everything I did. Those two years helped me grow up. I won Euroleague and (Spanish ACB League). Staying two more years helped me achieve that. I was happy the way it went. Of course you never know (what would have happened) if I would have come right away, and we’d be talking about (me having) six years instead of four years in the league. That’s the way it went. Two years in Barcelona helped me grow up and be ready to play here.
After being selected by Minnesota with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft, Rubio decided to stay abroad, where he would play for FC Barcelona in the well-respected Spanish ACB league. A key factor in preventing the then-18-year-old from crossing the pond at the time was a buyout clause that topped $6 million - a bill that would have been footed by Rubio himself.
On not being able to capitalize on his time with former teammate Kevin Love:
He was a big loss for us, a great player, an All-Star, but he wanted to go and we can’t do anything about it. We have to have players who really want to be there. Now looking back, seeing the way Wiggins played, we have to move on and play with Wiggins.
Love famously, or infamously (depending on your perspective), was sent out of the Twin Cities last summer and joined LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Wolves did not come away empty handed, however.
On his thoughts of his team's youthful core, and how they will play together:
We're pretty young, first of all. We’ve got a lot to learn. We’re athletic, we’re starving, we’re hungry. That’s something that’s going to show in practice and the games. I think it’s going to be a fun team to watch. A point guard who can pass the ball to athletic wings and big guys who can do a lot of damage in the post. In the case of Towns, he can really shoot the ball and run up and down too. I think it will be fun basketball, exciting.
Picture Rubio leading the break with Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Karl-Athony Towns running on either side of him. Add serviceable role players such as Kevin Martin, Shabazz Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng and Anthony Bennett to the mix, and the upstart Wolves should be an enjoyable watch.
On the Wolves' 2016 playoffs chances:
Me personally, I have to go pull this team in the playoffs. I know it’s a big challenge, but I think we have the right assets, the right weapons to get it. I know we’re in the West side, it’s really tough, but I think we can make it happen. I have big expectations for next season.
Beuna suerte, senor Rubio! The Western Conference will be tougher than ever next season.