Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher (video link) buys the idea that the Timberwolves will move Ricky Rubio and mentioned the Kings and Mavs. Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, however, tweets that although both teams have tried in the past to obtain Rubio, Timberwolves’ head coach and president Flip Saunders isn’t shopping. There were conflicting reports in May regarding whether or not Rubio’s camp was making a push for a trade.
Here’s more from around the basketball world:
- Hornets coach Steve Clifford believes the offseason roster changes have made his squad more skilled than last season and especially believes in the idea that Jeremy Lin and Kemba Walker can make the offense more dynamic, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports in a Q&A with the coach. “It’s always good to have two pick-and-roll players on the floor,” Clifford said. “That way you can put pressure on the defense at one side, then switch it to the other.”
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who recently signed a four-year, $52MM extension with the Hornets, said the deal has not put any pressure on him and instead has added fuel to his fire, Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer reports in a Q&A with the small forward.
Let’s see what Rubio can do with this team at full health. I don’t think he’s going to have a ton of trade value if he can’t prove he can stay on the floor.
Not really a fan of Rubio. Sure he has great court vision but his shooting has to improve before he can be considered a great pg. Maybe this year though although I doubt they make the playoffs in the deep wester conference.
From everything the Wolves say and do, it doesn’t appear they want to move Rubio. They are a much better team with him on the floor even if he can’t shoot, then when he isn’t. His passing, court vision, leadership and above average individual and very good team defense make the Wolves a much better team. If he learns to shoot over 40%, he would be an all star.
Wolves lose their first round pick if they make the playoffs (top 12 protected). This is the year to sell off Rubio, Peckovic and Martin.
They have 8 recent first round picks (Towns, Wiggins, Bennett, Payne, Muhammad, Lavine, Jones, Deng) along with player coaches Miller, Prince and Garnett. That’s the future.
It’s a for-profit business. Wolves fans will pay to see the kids develop. And there’s a chance they could actually be really good, really quickly.
1) Rubio to Dallas
2) Kevin Martin to Portland.
3) Peckovic to Brooklyn?
Ricky rubio and Kevin martin to Dallas for some picks and Sam dalembert