Ricky Rubio.....

[Dime Dropper]

I think the Jason Kidd comparison is good, because of his size, lack of shooting, etc. I could kind of see him in that role, but the NBA has changed a whole lot since Kidd was in his heyday -- PGs are way faster, and I'm not quite as sure someone who lacks serious speed can be as effective. Bibby isn't the same type of player as these guys, but look how his game has fallen off the planet because he can't penetrate anymore.

I certainly think it's impressive that Rubio is doing so well against real competition at that age, but I don't think it's unprecedented. Maravich scored 44 ppg as a college freshman, LeBron was hardly past 18 when he came into the NBA, etc. etc. Rubio's good, but not dominant, and while he's got a bright future I'm just not sold yet.

Just to be clear - I'm not saying Rubio will be a superstar. He is never going to lead a team to a title by himself ala LeBron, Kobe etc. However, he is going to be a great PG in the League for a long time. Great meaning he will certainly be capable of being the PG of a championship team. Apart from this he's the perfect PG for a rebuilding team. Not only is he young, but he's smart like a vet and is pass-first. And his passing and vision are off the charts.

I just think he's going to be a very, very exciting young PG when he endters the League. Never going to be your dominant player, but a fine PG who amazes you with something new each game.



I think some people are confused over what they think they should be getting. Some think to be picked top 5 you need to have that superstar potential. Rubio doesn't have that. He's simply not the physical specimen that guys like Jennings, Holiday etc. are. But with Rubios talents, I'd be putting my money on Rubio to have a more successful NBA career than Jennings (successful meaning more 'chips, better overall PG etc.).

 

[Sptsjunkie]

I think the Jason Kidd comparison is good, because of his size, lack of shooting, etc. I could kind of see him in that role, but the NBA has changed a whole lot since Kidd was in his heyday -- PGs are way faster, and I'm not quite as sure someone who lacks serious speed can be as effective. Bibby isn't the same type of player as these guys, but look how his game has fallen off the planet because he can't penetrate anymore.

I certainly think it's impressive that Rubio is doing so well against real competition at that age, but I don't think it's unprecedented. Maravich scored 44 ppg as a college freshman, LeBron was hardly past 18 when he came into the NBA, etc. etc. Rubio's good, but not dominant, and while he's got a bright future I'm just not sold yet.

This is a fun debate but still a little premature. Most of these kids are just getting truly noticed. It's easy to find reasons to love the up and comers, but now that Rubio, Holiday, Griffin, etc. are on people's radars their games will be picked apart over the course of the season for flaws.

For what it's worth my early money is on Jrue Holiday, I like that he has a well rounded game on both sides of the court and good height for his position. If he can prove to be a true PG and teammate, he can be a terror in the pros. Having a year under Howland should only help his D to imporve further, which is absolutley key to winning in the NBA.

 

[Dime Dropper]

This is a fun debate but still a little premature. Most of these kids are just getting truly noticed. It's easy to find reasons to love the up and comers, but now that Rubio, Holiday, Griffin, etc. are on people's radars their games will be picked apart over the course of the season for flaws.

For what it's worth my early money is on Jrue Holiday, I like that he has a well rounded game on both sides of the court and good height for his position. If he can prove to be a true PG and teammate, he can be a terror in the pros. Having a year under Howland should only help his D to imporve further, which is absolutley key to winning in the NBA.

While I'd be ecstatic with any of the 3 you named (Rubio, Holiday, Griffin and indeed guys like Jennings), I'd just like to point out that Rubio hasn't just been discovered. He's been known for years, at least he has in Europe. I've known about him for at least 2 years. When he had a quadruple double in the world championship finals (or something like that) a year or two ago, that's when others started taking notice of him.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

While I'd be ecstatic with any of the 3 you named (Rubio, Holiday, Griffin and indeed guys like Jennings), I'd just like to point out that Rubio hasn't just been discovered. He's been known for years, at least he has in Europe. I've known about him for at least 2 years. When he had a quadruple double in the world championship finals (or something like that) a year or two ago, that's when others started taking notice of him.

Fair enough. Indeed like someone else mentioned he has played against higher levels of competition too. It must have be a treat for you to see someone you have followed for so long get the recognition he deserves. I would mention that the others have had their long time fans too though, so none of these guys are truly just being discovered as they have all been recruited heavily by top programs. However, the pressure and scrutiny changes once the eyes of professional and message board scouts alike are starting to pick you game apart. It's one of the fun parts of watching the college/Euroleague season's unfold. Watching the Batum's, Westbrook's, Thasbeet's and Collison's and Alexander's rise and fall over the course of the year and debating it endlessly on these types of forums.

 

[nbrans]

It's funny, the way people talk about Rubio reminds me so much of what everyone was saying about Adam Morrison and why he was going to be so good in the NBA despite questions about his athleticism. "He's quicker than he looks," "he just knows how to play," "tough as nails," etc. etc.

I thought Morrison was going to struggle in the NBA because of his lack of athleticism, and so far I'm right.

I'm still not quite sure how athletic Rubio is because I haven't seen him go up against players I'm familiar with. But if he's not quick for the PG spot and he has a shaky jumper, I don't care how many nifty passes he can throw, he's going to struggle. Two words: Bobby Hurley.

How many non-super athletes are doing well in the NBA these days aside from guys over 7'0"?

 

[Sptsjunkie]

It's funny, the way people talk about Rubio reminds me so much of what everyone was saying about Adam Morrison and why he was going to be so good in the NBA despite questions about his athleticism. "He's quicker than he looks," "he just knows how to play," "tough as nails," etc. etc.

I thought Morrison was going to struggle in the NBA because of his lack of athleticism, and so far I'm right.

I'm still not quite sure how athletic Rubio is because I haven't seen him go up against players I'm familiar with. But if he's not quick for the PG spot and he has a shaky jumper, I don't care how many nifty passes he can throw, he's going to struggle. Two words: Bobby Hurley.

How many non-super athletes are doing well in the NBA these days aside from guys over 7'0"?

I'm with you on this. Hence my preference as of now for Jrue. I tend to favor D and athleticism. There certainly are special talents without special athleticism, but they are more the exception to the rule than the rule and they haven't proven they can win a NBA championship yet.

However, to brainstorm a short list of players with below average athleticism for their position who excel:

• Nash
• Dirk (yes over 7 foot, but wing player not post)
• Peja
• Hedo
• Artest - not a super athelete, very strong and aggressive, but he doesn't have super speed or athleticism
• Calderon
• Gasol
• Battier

In Ricky's favor a lot of these guys are European. Obviously the keys to the list being strong shooting and fundamentals for the most part.

 

[NME]

Hence my preference as of now for Jrue.

Isn't a Jrue the thing that eats you if you venture into the dark in Zork?

 

[Dime Dropper]

It's funny, the way people talk about Rubio reminds me so much of what everyone was saying about Adam Morrison and why he was going to be so good in the NBA despite questions about his athleticism. "He's quicker than he looks," "he just knows how to play," "tough as nails," etc. etc.

I thought Morrison was going to struggle in the NBA because of his lack of athleticism, and so far I'm right.

I'm still not quite sure how athletic Rubio is because I haven't seen him go up against players I'm familiar with. But if he's not quick for the PG spot and he has a shaky jumper, I don't care how many nifty passes he can throw, he's going to struggle. Two words: Bobby Hurley.

How many non-super athletes are doing well in the NBA these days aside from guys over 7'0"?

The fact that you are using Rubio and Morrison in the same sentence shows you're not too familiar with Rubio. Rubios athleticism is fine, probably above average for the NBA. How many NBA PGs dunk in games? Rubios done it a few times, and oh yeah, he's 17 (probably the most used fact when talking about Rubio ). He's not slow, you'll see that if he gets PT during the Olympics.

And actually, Rubios shot has become much more effective as of late. He's been shooting well for Spain and as of now that's all that matters. I guarantee you he won't struggle in the NBA.

The fact remains ; No one (including Chris Paul, Nash, Williams, whoever) has done what Rubio is doing aged 17. I'm quite sure Rubio is more advanced than they were at his age.

I guess I'll just have to dig this thread up a few years into the future to show that I wasn't just talking out of my ***! The kid is going to be a very good NBA PG.

 

[nbrans]

The fact remains ; No one (including Chris Paul, Nash, Williams, whoever) has done what Rubio is doing aged 17. I'm quite sure Rubio is more advanced than they were at his age.

Let's not get out of hand here. Chris Paul was a First Team All American as an 18 year old freshman. That's more impressive to me than anything Rubio's done. I know the level of competition in Europe is good and everything, but if you stuck Chris Paul on Joventut Badalona as a 17 year old he would have been awesome.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Let's not get out of hand here. Chris Paul was a First Team All American as an 18 year old freshman. That's more impressive to me than anything Rubio's done. I know the level of competition in Europe is good and everything, but if you stuck Chris Paul on Joventut Badalona as a 17 year old he would have been awesome.

I'm not saying Rubio will be better than Paul, BTW. It's a pretty safe bet that he won't be. I'm not sure a 17 year old Paul would have had the impact Rubio has had, though. Just my opinion.

And, yeah, the bigger teams in Euroleague and ACB league are far better than college teams. It's not really close. Don't get me wrong, their are alot of NCAA players that could play in Europe - the NBA hopefuls. But if you put the top NCAA team against the best Euroleague team, it wouldn't even be close. I suppose that's to be expected though, when one is a professional team and the other a bunch of 18-23 year olds.
What I'm saying is that it's harder for Rubio to be great in the Euroleague than it would be to be great in NCAA, especially considering how Euroleague is more team-oriented.

 

[bajaden]

Watched the game between Spain and Greece. Kind of funny, because I read Real GM this morning and one of they're headlines is Rubio leads Spain to victory over Greece. Hmmm, I wonder if they were watching the same game I was.

First of all, there were several players that stood out for Spain, and Rubio wasn't one of them in my opinion. He had a couple of good moments, and several bad one's. The rest of the time I thought he was just average. To be fair, he really didn't play that much. Calderon played most of the minutes at the pt, and rightly so, he's better than Rubio, and should be, considering his experience.

Rubio had trouble with the press. First in recognition, and then, in escaping it. He had trouble beating his man off the dribble. On defense, he had trouble staying in front of his man, and gambled a little too much in the passing lanes, leaving his man wide open. He didn't get burned last night, but in the NBA he would. By no means am I closing the book on him, and saying he's not good enough to play in the NBA. One game does not a career make. He is only 17 yrs old, but, last night, he didn't knock my socks off, and I have serious reservations about his foot speed and lateral movement. I can't wait to see him play against the USA team.

Some other thoughts on Spain. Marc Gasol is not his brother. The best thing I can say about him, is that he's big. Rudy Fernandez looks like the real deal, and if so, Portland gets richer. Calderon looked great, as did Navarro. Spain probably has the best chance of beating Team USA, especially with they're outside shooting. It should be a great game.

 

[BritishColumbia]

Don't forget that Greece is arguably the best defensive team (word team is very important here) in the world ... they are very organized and play great defense against small players.

 

[bajaden]

Don't forget that Greece is arguably the best defensive team (word team is very important here) in the world ... they are very organized and play great defense against small players.

Point noted.. The question is, are they better defensively than players in the NBA?

 

[Dime Dropper]

Point noted.. The question is, are they better defensively than players in the NBA?

They fared just fine defensively against a team of NBA superstars not so long ago... before getting destroyed by Spain in the final. I think that answers that.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

They fared just fine defensively against a team of NBA superstars not so long ago... before getting destroyed by Spain in the final. I think that answers that.

Actually, it doesn't. Or maybe it does, I don't know; it doesn't in my opinion.

I mean, okay great, they played good defense against a collection of stars (they did not beat a team of "superstars") who came together for a tournament in a one-off situation... could they defend the Suns? The Lakers? How about the Celtics? For that matter, would they have played good defense against the US in a rematch? Of the six countries that have beaten the United States since we started using professionals, four of them lost the rematch, and three of them got pounded in the rematch (the other two we haven't played against since losing to them). I'm not saying that our team isn't flawed, because it obviously is, and I'm not saying that Greece isn't good, because they obviously are, but I think that you might be making more of what happened than what was actually there.

First and foremost among the many things that makes me like the NBA better than the NCAA is the postseason. I'm not the sort of person whom arbitrarily cheers for the underdog. In fact, unless my team is, in fact, the underdog, I don't particularly care to see underdogs win at all. I like the NBA postseason because, in a seven-game series, the best team (almost) always wins. You can surprise a team once, maybe even twice. But not four times in seven games. I'd personally love to see a best-of-seven between the NBA champions and either the Olympic Champions or the World champions. Boston versus Spain or Argentina? I'd pay top dollar.

 

[tradepeja]

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know when/what channel we can catch any Spain games? I wanna check Rubio out.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I think they played on USA network this morning.

 

[Entity]

it was last night at around 12am eastern.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Actually, it doesn't. Or maybe it does, I don't know; it doesn't in my opinion.

I mean, okay great, they played good defense against a collection of stars (they did not beat a team of "superstars") who came together for a tournament in a one-off situation... could they defend the Suns? The Lakers? How about the Celtics? For that matter, would they have played good defense against the US in a rematch? Of the six countries that have beaten the United States since we started using professionals, four of them lost the rematch, and three of them got pounded in the rematch (the other two we haven't played against since losing to them). I'm not saying that our team isn't flawed, because it obviously is, and I'm not saying that Greece isn't good, because they obviously are, but I think that you might be making more of what happened than what was actually there.

First and foremost among the many things that makes me like the NBA better than the NCAA is the postseason. I'm not the sort of person whom arbitrarily cheers for the underdog. In fact, unless my team is, in fact, the underdog, I don't particularly care to see underdogs win at all. I like the NBA postseason because, in a seven-game series, the best team (almost) always wins. You can surprise a team once, maybe even twice. But not four times in seven games. I'd personally love to see a best-of-seven between the NBA champions and either the Olympic Champions or the World champions. Boston versus Spain or Argentina? I'd pay top dollar.

My comment was made in-passing ; clearly you're right that there's more to it than I made out. It simply can't be as black and white as that.

I agree with the over-all gist of your post, mainly because Greece probably couldn't defend the Suns, Lakers, or whoever. To be honest, they're just not the athletes that you need to be ; fundamentally they're their, but it has to be a blend of athleticism and smarts.

Who knows about a rematch? It's a moot point (unless they meet again ), and no matter who the US play they'll always be favourites, whether previously beaten by said team, or not. The odds are always stacked against the US opposition such is the sheer talent of Team USA. But it can be done.

And regarding your last paragraph, I couldn't agree more. Best of 7 is a sure-fire way to have the best team advance. And I'm with you on NBA vs. World champs. That would be awesome. I'd put my money on the NBA, it's just too hard to bet against those guys.

 

[One and Done]

Great analysis of Rubio's game vs Greece, bajaden.

Stayed up late to watch this one, but it was quite ugly IMO.

Rubio showed some flashes of what he's capable of, but also showed his youth via defensive mistakes. He does have this intangible energy quality that he brings to the court, even though he did not contribute much he was fun to watch.

On a side note, Marc Gasol's game looked especially ugly, poor Memphis appears to now have two plodding centers.

I'm looking forward to further Spain games, especially vs. USA, and hope to catch some Rubio highlights...

 

[bench_blob]

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know when/what channel we can catch any Spain games? I wanna check Rubio out.

If you have Direct TV, NBC is devoting an entire channel to all the Olympic Basketball games. Channels 750-756 have extended coverage, and if you click on the Red menu button, you can hop over to the hoops channel.

I concur with most of the observations above on Ricky Rubio. Don't fall for the hype. (1) He has a cool name. (2) He has a definite flair to his game. Add up those two factors and what do you get: (1) + (2) = Diddly squat.

He does have some real unique qualities, though. He knows exactly when and where to pass the ball. Pretty unique for a 17 year old. I think he can be decent defensively. I think he'll be a good shooter too. But slow release, average athletic ability, good size...a guy like Jerryd Bayless who tore up the LVSL would eat this kid alive.

I'd project him now as a 2nd round draft pick at best, he should stay in Spain at least 2- 3 more years before trying to make it in the NBA. I look forward to seeing more of him though through the tournament, he's fun to watch!

 

[Dime Dropper]

If you have Direct TV, NBC is devoting an entire channel to all the Olympic Basketball games. Channels 750-756 have extended coverage, and if you click on the Red menu button, you can hop over to the hoops channel.

I concur with most of the observations above on Ricky Rubio. Don't fall for the hype. (1) He has a cool name. (2) He has a definite flair to his game. Add up those two factors and what do you get: (1) + (2) = Diddly squat.

He does have some real unique qualities, though. He knows exactly when and where to pass the ball. Pretty unique for a 17 year old. I think he can be decent defensively. I think he'll be a good shooter too. But slow release, average athletic ability, good size...a guy like Jerryd Bayless who tore up the LVSL would eat this kid alive.

I'd project him now as a 2nd round draft pick at best, he should stay in Spain at least 2- 3 more years before trying to make it in the NBA. I look forward to seeing more of him though through the tournament, he's fun to watch!

Sorry, but you're analysis of Rubio is plain ridiculous. Cool name?
You saying Rubios game is diddly squat is simply un-educated. If the only reason he is getting so much hype is because of his "flair" and passing ability, then Rodriguez would have got twice as much.
Your opinion that he's a 2nd round pick is just as ridiculous. Basically every scout that's seen him play (American or European) projects him as a high lottery pick. And I 100% guarantee that he'll go no lower than the first half of the lottery whenever he declares.

Bayless would eat him alive? What does this mean? Bayless ate evryone alive in VSL, does that mean none of them will turn out to be good?

Seems to me that you made a knee-jerk reaction to Rubios first game for the Spanish national team (best team in the world after USA), as a 17 y/o! This is getting ridiculous, in 2006 Rubio led the Spainsh Junior team to the European Championship. Apart from the final, Rubio had 2 triple doubles and a quadruple double. In the final, Rubio had 51 points (inc. a halfway line shot buzzer beater to force OT), 24 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals. You really, really believe Bayless could have done that as a 15 year old against the 2nd best team in Europe? If so, you're either vastly under-rating Europe or over-rating America, probably the latter.
No, I'm not saying Rubio will have a better NBA career than Bayless (he's just my example since you brought him up), I'm saying that Rubios talent and ability cannot be disputed at this point in time. Have you seen him play other than that first game? I seriously doubt it considering the conclusion you arrived at.

Sorry if I've come across harsh, but I feel very strongly about this guy. He's probably the best prospect to ever come out of Europe (including Drazen).

I could go on, but I think I'd be talking to myself.

 

[kennadog]

I could go on, but I think I'd be talking to myself.

Whoa now, that never stops me.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

 

[bajaden]

Sorry, but you're analysis of Rubio is plain ridiculous. Cool name?
You saying Rubios game is diddly squat is simply un-educated. If the only reason he is getting so much hype is because of his "flair" and passing ability, then Rodriguez would have got twice as much.
Your opinion that he's a 2nd round pick is just as ridiculous. Basically every scout that's seen him play (American or European) projects him as a high lottery pick. And I 100% guarantee that he'll go no lower than the first half of the lottery whenever he declares.

Bayless would eat him alive? What does this mean? Bayless ate evryone alive in VSL, does that mean none of them will turn out to be good?

Seems to me that you made a knee-jerk reaction to Rubios first game for the Spanish national team (best team in the world after USA), as a 17 y/o! This is getting ridiculous, in 2006 Rubio led the Spainsh Junior team to the European Championship. Apart from the final, Rubio had 2 triple doubles and a quadruple double. In the final, Rubio had 51 points (inc. a halfway line shot buzzer beater to force OT), 24 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals. You really, really believe Bayless could have done that as a 15 year old against the 2nd best team in Europe? If so, you're either vastly under-rating Europe or over-rating America, probably the latter.
No, I'm not saying Rubio will have a better NBA career than Bayless (he's just my example since you brought him up), I'm saying that Rubios talent and ability cannot be disputed at this point in time. Have you seen him play other than that first game? I seriously doubt it considering the conclusion you arrived at.

Sorry if I've come across harsh, but I feel very strongly about this guy. He's probably the best prospect to ever come out of Europe (including Drazen).

I could go on, but I think I'd be talking to myself.

Fortunally, or unfortunally, we can still hear you. I will admit that other than youtube, which I place little value in, because it can make anyone look good, I have seen Rubio in one game. Thats all I have to judge him on. That doesn't make it a final judgement, but I'am going to be fair and honest about what I see.

He had some problems. Whether those problems were a one game thing or not remains to be seen. I know your extremely passionate about him, but unless your his agent, or he's your long lost son, you might want to step outside for some air. He may well turn out to be everything you say he is, OR, he may turn out, to not be what you want him to be. I await his next game.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Fortunally, or unfortunally, we can still hear you. I will admit that other than youtube, which I place little value in, because it can make anyone look good, I have seen Rubio in one game. Thats all I have to judge him on. That doesn't make it a final judgement, but I'am going to be fair and honest about what I see.

He had some problems. Whether those problems were a one game thing or not remains to be seen. I know your extremely passionate about him, but unless your his agent, or he's your long lost son, you might want to step outside for some air. He may well turn out to be everything you say he is, OR, he may turn out, to not be what you want him to be. I await his next game.

I understand that, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I wouldn't want anyone to be unfair and dishonest, and my post wasn't a direct response to you. It was to bench_blob, who made a ludicrous statement of saying he looks like a 2nd rounder.

Rubio has flaws, I've never said he hasn't. However, so does LeBron James. No player is going to be perfect.

I don't think I need any air, I haven't attacked anyone or anything like that. The only post I found to be beyond reasonable was bench_blob, who it seems like doesn't know alot about him and/or hasn't seen him except for maybe a game or two. I'm entitled to point out how good he is just as you're all entitled to overblow p) his flaws!

As far as what he may turn out to be, it may not be set in stone but you can certainly gauge an educated opinion based on his talent and ability to play. I've never said he'll be a superstar, but I do think he'll be one of the better PGs in the NBA after a few years adjusting.
The only thing I've guaranteed (and this will be how I say) is that Rubio will not go anywhere near the 2nd round. He's far too good, even if he was a 22 year old entering the draft, he'd still easily be a mid-first rounder. It's like saying Griffin will be a 2nd rounder after seeing him play one game against competition that is 10x that of NCAA.

 

[bajaden]

I understand that, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I wouldn't want anyone to be unfair and dishonest, and my post wasn't a direct response to you. It was to bench_blob, who made a ludicrous statement of saying he looks like a 2nd rounder.

Rubio has flaws, I've never said he hasn't. However, so does LeBron James. No player is going to be perfect.

I don't think I need any air, I haven't attacked anyone or anything like that. The only post I found to be beyond reasonable was bench_blob, who it seems like doesn't know alot about him and/or hasn't seen him except for maybe a game or two. I'm entitled to point out how good he is just as you're all entitled to overblow p) his flaws!

As far as what he may turn out to be, it may not be set in stone but you can certainly gauge an educated opinion based on his talent and ability to play. I've never said he'll be a superstar, but I do think he'll be one of the better PGs in the NBA after a few years adjusting.
The only thing I've guaranteed (and this will be how I say) is that Rubio will not go anywhere near the 2nd round. He's far too good, even if he was a 22 year old entering the draft, he'd still easily be a mid-first rounder. It's like saying Griffin will be a 2nd rounder after seeing him play one game against competition that is 10x that of NCAA.

I agree with you that he's not going to be a second rounder. Barring some kind of disastor, he's probably going to be a lottery pick. My gut tells me he's not going to declare for the coming draft. Which could be a good thing for him. Another year older and another year of experience at a fairly high level.

I look at Rubio the same way I look at any young player. I recongnize thier mistakes, but also realize that they have plenty of time to correct them. I think that speed can be overrated to some degree. Nash isn't the speediest Pt in the NBA, nor was Bibby. When you look around the league, The Chris Paul's are more the exception than the rule. Which would you rather have? A highly skilled point guard with average speed, or a average skilled point guard with exceptional speed.

Of course, I would like to have both the skills and the speed, but then I would have Chris Paul wouldn't I? So my second choice would be for the highly skilled pt with average speed. I'm aware that there are those who would disagree with me.

 

[FakeInjury]

Rubio looks like garbage against grown men competeing for olympic gold. Sorry Ricky, but your draft stock just went DOWN.

 

[PacMan]

I agree with you that he's not going to be a second rounder. Barring some kind of disastor, he's probably going to be a lottery pick. My gut tells me he's not going to declare for the coming draft. Which could be a good thing for him. Another year older and another year of experience at a fairly high level.

I look at Rubio the same way I look at any young player. I recongnize thier mistakes, but also realize that they have plenty of time to correct them. I think that speed can be overrated to some degree. Nash isn't the speediest Pt in the NBA, nor was Bibby. When you look around the league, The Chris Paul's are more the exception than the rule. Which would you rather have? A highly skilled point guard with average speed, or a average skilled point guard with exceptional speed.

Of course, I would like to have both the skills and the speed, but then I would have Chris Paul wouldn't I? So my second choice would be for the highly skilled pt with average speed. I'm aware that there are those who would disagree with me.

I dont think speedy guards are all that of an exception anymore. Speed and Skill package like Chris Paul are rare, but if you look at the starting pg in the league; most of them are extremely fast. Off the top of my head: Tony Parker, Raymond Felton, Devin Harris, Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, Mike Conley, TJ Ford. It is precisely why old school point guards like Mike Bibby are struggling.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Rubio looks like garbage against grown men competeing for olympic gold. Sorry Ricky, but your draft stock just went DOWN.

COUGH*kneejerk*COUGH.

 

[NME]

I'm intrigued by Rubio, but at the same time tempered by the recent failures of many next-big-thing European prospects. As nbrans mentioned with Adam Morrison, the "just trust me, this guy knows how to play" kind of player breaks one of two ways, and can get you fired based on whether draft or pass on him. If he becomes the next Larry Bird and you passed, you're an idiot for focusing on his physical limitations and overlooking his basketball know-how. If he becomes the next Danny Ferry and you drafted him #1, you're an idiot for overlooking his lack of the physical tools that make scouts drool.

I'd sure like to see a lot more of him against some NBA-calibar players before I consider selling out the store to target him as the cornerstone of our rebuild.