KWOD 106.5

Where is it? I don't know, I don't know.

Explain?

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In other news.

Concerning Mr. Ricky Rubio to the Grizz/OKC/Us/Wiz and his agent, Dan Fegan.

Here is the deal. Pau didn't like the way the Grizzlies were ran, Juan Carlos Navarro hated playing for them, and Marc hasn't really publicly said anything, but all the Spaniards talk. I honestly don't know why Memphis/Portland gets them all anyway, but it doesn't really make sense to go there from Rubio's standpoint. His countrymen hated it, he will have competition for minutes, and Memphis is the 48th largest media market in the US (out of 289 ranked). Adversely, Sac is 16th, with no other local pro sports competition. OK City is 36th.

It is a no-brainer as far as Fegan is concerned. If the Clips were to ship out BDiddy, then that is his first choice. That team is loaded with talent. Clay for Rubio to mold in the 2nd largest media market (behind NY). Sac is right after LA in terms of desirability not only because of market size, but also because our fan-base would endear itself to Rubio. He would have a team that would grow with him, and possibly be a contender after a few years. He would have free will to do pretty much whatever he wanted on the court, as well as some players that would really benefit from his presence.

This is all a moot point if the Clips are playing jungle ball and plan on taking Rubio, but if not then the Kings have to be considered candidates if they are willing to make a move.

In any event (Griffin or Rubio) Clippers would either:
A: Have to move Baron, which i am not sure they are ready to do yet, even though he has proven that he can't mesh with the coach. Not to mention, that contract is hard to move. I could see the Mavs biting, in there ever-changing desperation, or even the Rockets, they might not want to let Aaron Brooks drive until he can see over the steering wheel.

B: Have to move Z-Bo, which they are MORE than willing to do, and even though the task seems daunting, there are a few teams that I think would be ready to take him. He's a 20-10 guy, lets not forget that. The Pacers would certainly take a look at him, filling a hole at the 4 while also taking the opportunity to pack Tinsleys bags, possibly re-uniting the Dunleavy's as well. Maybe Milwaukee would consider it, shipping out Jefferson and Ridnour for Randolph, moving Charlie to the 3 and possibly making some room to re-sign Sessions.

Being that the second scenario has essentially been promised (might be a curveball though) by Clips execs, that puts Sacto in prime position. Memphis would certainly ask for the 4, cash considerations, and either a player, the 23rd (we should try to keep this), or a conditional future pick. This would put them in the position they would like to be in, drafting a player they need without paying too high of a price.

If Memphis decides to go Thabeet, then OKC will be looking to trade down. This is where the Kings could suffer. The Wizards like Rubio just as much as we do, and they can offer a package that is much more enticing to the Thunder. The 5 pick, which could potentially turn into Harden or Hill, Nick Young, and Brendan Haywood or Blatche/Songaila for the 3 and a guy like Malik Rose or Nenad Krstic.

Even with all this conjecture, it all depends on what Petrie decides is best for the team. I think it is a no-brainer from our perspective as well. You do what you can to get him within a decent amount of explainable reason.

Wiz fans have resigned themselves to the fact that they would have to ship out Young to get Rubio, but they are willing to do that. They gave up on that kid quick. Even so, I'd rule the Wizards as the most unlikely team to come out on top in Rubio sweepstakes. If Clippers take Griffin, the Kings need to shoot up to 2 and take Rubio. If the Clips take Rubio, you trade down with a team like the Pacers or Warriors and get Lawson and another young player.

Ideally, if the Clips do what they are supposed to do and take Griffin, we will be in a decent position to move up and get the guy we want. Worst case, we end up with Jennings, Holliday, Lawson, Evans, or Teague. I prefer Lawson of the bunch, but I think that its a toss up for any of them when we are talking about who is going to be the better player. Evans and Jennings both potentially could be better than Rubio, Lawson as it is is probably better right off the bat, but with him you pretty much know what you are going to get. I don't know enough about Holliday or Teague to get excited about them at this point.