Chad Ford: Not a sure thing the Kings would take Rubio #4
"Rubio has been pretty adamant that he doesn't want to play in Memphis. Although he doesn't have the same objection to Oklahoma City, it sounds as though the Thunder are leaning toward drafting either James Harden or Stephen Curry. So, if neither team makes a trade, Rubio would be there at No. 4.
But sources in Sacramento say that the Kings have reservations about Rubio and that it's far from a done deal that they will take him if he is on the board."
5 months ago
nbrans
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Though
I’ve been firmly in the Rubio camp for some time I think this is terrific. How can you not have any reservations about him when he hasn’t worked out in your facility, to your drills, etc. like the other PG prospects? It’ll be interesting to see if he does workout for Petrie because if he doesn’t he could very well be passed on in favor of a Flynn or Jennings…
"geez its like this site is so serious i jus wanna git mai opinyons on tha Kings out there ok" - TZ
by sroufe on Jun 15, 2009 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
If he has to work out for teams, that will help the overall quality of this draft.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
As much as I’ve drooled over the idea of Rubio becoming a King, I would feel even better if he came to a workout and blew GP away with his abilities.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Jun 15, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That being said
GP has watched him in games, albeit on a limited basis.
(Sorry to respond to myself, I should slow down and complete my thoughts in one psot)
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Jun 15, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RRRRRicky RRRRRRubio
I’ve been camping in the Rubio camp as well. Like Shaq camps in the paint. Chad Ford isn’t sure of anything but his ugly hair.
by Bambooozled on Jun 15, 2009 12:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder...
If this is a sign that the Kings are looking to trade the pick.
The FO is obviously trying to dispel the notion that they would automatically take Rubio #4. So if someone really wants Curry or Evans or Jennings, this could inspire them to want to trade up to get those guys. Instead of trying to deal with Washington at #5, who is obviously open to trading their pick, if you want one of those guys (or Rubio) you have to deal through the Kings. That’s the only reason to create uncertainty with this pick.
If true, the Kings very well could like one of the other PGs better and would accordingly be looking to trade down.
by nbrans on Jun 15, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder...
if this is a way of saying, “Don’t try to fleece me for the #2 pick. I’m not sure I’m necessarily going to pick this kid anyway.” Rather than a posture to trade down, it may be positioning for a more favorable deal to move up. The asking price is too high for Memphis’ pick. If Memphis really wants to trade down and you have said “whatever” to their offer, they lose their sense of leverage.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 15, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's also possible
I just don’t see Petrie trading up though, it just doesn’t seem like his style. There’s a first time for everything though.
by nbrans on Jun 15, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
I see him sitting in his spot and taking the best player available in that spot, and it being the right choice for that spot. However, I think we are kind of in uncharted waters. I guess that’s what makes it so intriguing. That, and our total desperation.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 15, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see him not tipping his hand either way
I mean come on, since when did GP start giving false (or true) tips to the media about who he wants to draft? This is GP. He doesn’t trade up. He doesn’t trade down. And he definitely does not say who he is or is not interested in. That being said, I don’t see team Rubio going to Sac if there wasn’t significant interest.
"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke
by SavageBeast on Jun 15, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who wants to trade up to the 12th pick?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The team with the 13th pick?
"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke
by SavageBeast on Jun 15, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
totally agree
this is the first thing I thought of when I read this post. If Petrie publicly admits that he is gagging for this pick then he loses all leverage with the GMs picking ahead of him. Smart move Petrie. And again, this approach that Chad Ford takes of believing everything he hears and basing his mock draft off of that information rarely works for reasons exactly like this.
by Travis Mays Hayes on Jun 15, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ford isn't always wrong either
He’s basing his mock drafts off what GM’s and others tell him, and he uses educated guesses to figure out what is the real information and what is misinformation.
Ford is someone I pay attention to. Even if I think much of what he says is bunk, it’s still useful because you get a glimpse of how much mis-information is out there.
Always 2 things to look at something TMH.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Always 2 ways to look at something^
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I pay attention to his updates as much as anyone else I read, and of course they are useful, but to me this wreaks of misinformation and (note- I haven’t read the full article yet because my insider account just expired) seems like something he should mention in the article.
by Travis Mays Hayes on Jun 15, 2009 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and not give too much weight to
for instance, if in his next mock draft he has Rubio slipping past the fourth pick based off of this information then he is a very gullible man.
by Travis Mays Hayes on Jun 15, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Elephant in the Draft Room has got to be Stephen Curry.
With his sweet shooting stroke if there is one prototypical Petrie player Stephen is definitely that player. I think TZ may have alluded to it back during the NCAA tourney (although he didn’t participate this year), but Stephen Curry is Petrie’s wet dream. I really think if we took him at four, aside from not strengthening our absolutely abysmal defense, he would definitely strengthen our offense. My guess is he would be essentially a new Mike Bibby: excellent scorer, had some clutch performances in college, and not a true point guard.
There have been rumblings of Curry going as high as three so who knows. I am sure we’ll get a better picture in the upcoming ten days as he still hasn’t worked out here.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
by moproblemz on Jun 15, 2009 12:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Curry
As much as I love him, GP has shown no interest. No workout scheduled, and he indicated to LttG (in the infamous airplane interview) that he was lukewarm at best.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Jun 15, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Trust Petrie,
but to not even consider Curry or give him a workout!?! I mean, damn…the dude seems like he could fill up the basket night in and night out.
I don’t understand shunning him.
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 15, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My (uneducated) guess
Fool me once (Quincy Douby) shame on you. Fool me twice (Curry) shame on me.
I don’t think it is a fair comparison, but it’s the best I can come up with. GP probably just doesn’t want to draft another undersized shooter.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Jun 15, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure Curry would find much time at SG
Nobody expects a Spanish Acquisition!
by DaniBCN on Jun 15, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Curry
Honestly out of all the PG in the draft, Curry fits our offensive system the best. We really do not need a past first type of pg. We need someone who is able to hit shots and spread the floor. When Beno was on with his shot, it showed with the Kings usually winning or losing a close game. When he was not on with his shot we usually lost and usually it was ugly. While I am a huge Jennings Fan, I would have no problem taking Curry. I think the Guy has the chance to be a big time scorer in the league. Watching him play at Davidson it seems as if he has the ability to create his own shot, which would be huge for this team. He also did an amazing job of moving the ball around.
by chriswebb86 on Jun 15, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Curry fits the Princeton offense but does he fit the new offense of Westphal?
If players develop like we hope then a player like Curry makes a lot of sense. The 2009-10 Kings lack the same make-up of the great teams of the early 2000’s. I fear that Curry and his limitations ont he defensive end might be to much to deal with. I have suggested him as a great fit in the past (Curry being drafted with a 2nd first round pick) but 2 things have changed-
1- Westphal and not Eddy Jordan was hired.
2- The Kings didn’t land Blake Griffin to go along with Curry.
Although Griffin is not a defensive stopper, the three headed monster of Hawes, Thompson and Griffin would have been very tough to deal with inside, leaving Curry to bomb away outside. With punch like that, the Kings wouldn’t have to worry about defense so much and its not like Griffin, Hawes and Thompson are inept defenders, just not elite level. The Kings also lack a pass first player(maybe Garcia?) to complement what would be a Martin-Curry back court the way that Doug Christie complimented Bibby and Peja.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 15, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Other Take on This Is:
Smokescreen.
Why let everyone know that you would LOVE to land Rubio, when you can put on a pokerface, create doubt about the kid and let him fall right in your lap?
Bada-Boom-Bada-Bing.
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 15, 2009 1:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
exactly what I was thinking
I’m sure someone from inside the Kings organization told Chad Ford that the Kings have reservations but I think that’s more likely to be counterintelligence, rather than an honest concern that is going on in the Kings front office.
by Kevin Conroy on Jun 15, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
Let’s play it cool, if Rubio is there at #4 we will take him. Then look to wheel and deal with other teams if they make us an offer we can’t refuse.
by bench_blob on Jun 15, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree- this is posturing.
The Kings are telling both Memphis and OKC that they are fine if all they have to choose from are Evans, Jennings, Holiday or Flynn. If this is the case, the Kings should be shopping the pick and moving back 4 or 5 spots to obtain more pieces to the puzzle. Griffin, Rubio, Thabeet, Evans, Jennings, Flynn, Hill, DeRozan, Curry, Holiday, Harden- 11 prospects, all worthy picks. Griffin, Rubio, Harden, Thabeet, Hill are all expected to go at or before #7 leaving at least a few of the talents like Jennings, Evans, Holliday, Flynn, DeRozan available for spots in the 8-11 range. If the Kings don’t love Rubio (which I don’t buy) or don’t think he will be available then I suggest dropping back a few picks and allowing a team that’s hot for one of these prospects to thin the field a little bit.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 15, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With
If Petrie wants Rubio, he wants him to fall to 4 so he doesn’t have to give up anything to trade up to #2.
There are risks here, though. Memphis or OKC could be stupid enough to draft him when they don’t need him and he’s unwilling to visit them. Memphis or OKC could trade the pick to a team that wants and needs him. Or Rubio could just pull out of the draft if he thinks the Kings won’t take him at 4.
Hopefully, if this is just a “playing it cool in the media” move on the Kings part, they would privately give Rubio some reassurance that we would actually take him.
Or Petrie could really have his eye on someone else, and I’ll be as frustrated on draft day as I was on lottery day.
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 15, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember how you felt about Shawes?
How do you feel now?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rubio is in I believe
Not going back to Europe.
by otis29 on Jun 15, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget...
The Kings could be that team that trades for Rubio at a later date. Petrie can call there bluff but he is going to have to draft a player that fits both the Kings and whatever team drafts him. If he is drafted by one of teams above the Kings and refuses to sign, his trade value instantly drops, leaving the Kings and other teams in a clear position of power.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 15, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Rubio is drafted
And not traded on draft day, that means that team will sign him. I think OKC is stuck because they don’t really need him, and Harden fits their needs far much better than any other player in this draft. Which is going to be a problem because they, like Memphis, and Sacramento for that matter, will have a tough time trading down to get a player they do want and asset’s in return.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is the way it is....
… I mean Rubio would be great, but so would Evans or Harden or Flynn…so I view this as a settling down the top 3 more than anything. Don’t get any crazy ideas, cuz we have a LOT of talent to choose from at 4.
by Smills91 on Jun 15, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Kings have more players to choose from at 4 than anyone else at the 5th pick or lower
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm...
Do I smell an “Obvious Update” part 2?
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 16, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ralphie Rubio is Sick
He’ll shoot yer eye out.
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 16, 2009 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Rubio is on the board
and we don’t take him the draft thread will be legendary.
by babasin on Jun 15, 2009 1:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just wait until Petrie picks Thabeet
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 15, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could use Thabeet
1. Rubio
2. Harden
3. Thabeet
my top 3 after Rubio.
BOOK IT!
by kingme18 on Jun 15, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
Rubio’s your top pick after Rubio?
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 15, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rubio
Rubio’s actually 4 of my top 5 picks after Rubio.
1. Rubio
2. Rubio
3. Rubio
4. Rubio’s evil twin brother
5. Rubio
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Jun 15, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'd rather have the evil twin
hes got that “killer instinct,” and he pisses off other players.
by Citadel 29 on Jun 15, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ralphie Rubio is Sick
He’ll shoot yer eye out!
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 16, 2009 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is Chad Ford
with no freaking idea of what GP is going to do. Me likey.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Jun 15, 2009 2:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Glad to hear you say that.
I’m having nightmare-proportion visions of Rubio falling to 4 and us not drafting him.
I am going to have to seriously load up on chocolate in preparation for the 25th.
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 15, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if the KIngs don't take him?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I'm saying
That would make me unhappy.
Have you not been paying attention?
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 15, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
After all this talk of Rubio not even being in the top 5...
I really think Rubio not working out with any team is hurting his stock severely. I think him and his agent have the mindset that Rubio’s an absolute dead-set top 3 pick in this weak draft. The problem with Rubio is all of his skills aren’t really solidified. He has great potential, but as far as his game goes at his current age, he’s about on par with any other PG in this draft. He needs to prove to the other teams that he can live up to his potential and prove them wrong, otherwise there will be serious question marks about his potential which might cause him to lose millions and drop down in the draft.
by CloudyEyes on Jun 15, 2009 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the problem would be the opposite
Playing 5 on 5, he’s by far the best guy on the draft (and I mean over Blake Griffin too), what GMs may fear would be that he doesn’t have much margin to improve.
Remember his quadruple doubles scoring in the 40’s and 50’s when he plays his age group. Then he’s a star on the 2nd best league… that should be enough to prove he’s for real
Nobody expects a Spanish Acquisition!
by DaniBCN on Jun 15, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watch what you say here
Blake Griffin love is abundant. But, I agree with you.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if he never develops a decent outside shot his passing and ballhawk defense is better than that of 70% of PGs currently running NBA teams already
He has to get his shot going and will need some time to adapt to increased speed and team defensive schemes – and his teammates to him so his passes don’t sail out of bounds because he thinks they are open when they think they are not. The other guys on Joventut work like crazy off the ball because they know he will find them (see Fernandez, Rudy).
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Norskie
He is a great long term fit here in Sac potentially. That is something that excites me.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just a different spin...
I have a buddy in Oklahoma who said something that hadn’t occurred to me yet…
If Rubio doesn’t work out for anyone he’s almost guaranteed to fall out of the top 3 unless someone trades up for him. That said, I can’t think of that many teams who would pay the cost to move up if they still had questions about him.
What if GP did see everything he wanted/needed to see when he was over there??? If he did, wouldn’t that make it a good thing if Rubio doesn’t work out? I just figure it only helps our odds of getting him at 4.
Have you ever wondered if there was more to life other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking???
by tlfairgo on Jun 15, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Possibly
but I actually think that Rubio might not be working out because that’s the smartest thing to do for his draft stock. Rubio’s biggest strength is basically game-time savvy, which would be hard to demonstrate in a workout. Meanwhile, Rubio’s biggest weaknesses (lack of athleticism, shooting ability) would be put on full display in workouts.
I think he’s counting on the fact that he has enough hype to go in the top 4, so he doesn’t want to risk disappointing somebody with a less than impressive workout.
by Charlieb on Jun 15, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the general consensus...
which is exactly why I titled the post “Just a different spin”…
Have you ever wondered if there was more to life other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking???
by tlfairgo on Jun 15, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was my first reaction. I think it was Memphis who went over to watch Rubio play and he had like 2 point and 3 turnovers, and his team got eliminated. Not exactly the lasting impression to make if you hope to get picked by the Grizz. Good news for us though. esp. if that image is not swept clean with a stellar individual workout that will not ever happen.
by bench_blob on Jun 15, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rubio goes top 5, no doubt
I can’t see him lasting past Washington, whether for themselves or in a trade. That said, I can easily see GP passing on RR. But I don’t think he would.
by Smills91 on Jun 15, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If Rubio drops out of the top 5, each NBA GM not picking him should be fired immediately
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 4:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If he's picked top 5 and doesn't turn out to be the best PG in the draft can we fire you?
by nbrans on Jun 15, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if he is only the 2nd best teams that need a PG should take him. There are no surefire stars in this draft.
I don’t think Harden and Hill should be picked top 5 with others moving up, so maybe he is not the best PG in this draft when all is said and done. But I have watched Rubio enough over the years to know he is a very unique talent that any team that doesn’t need to contend immediately should take. He likely won’t set the world on fire as a rookie, but when he is 22 or 23 he very well might.
Rudy Fernandez was pretty much the only really good player he played with on his team. His PF is a poor man’s Nowitzki (literally, he backs him up on the German national team), his SF is of average athleticism compared to NBA players, his center never was really good. And he still set them up for great plays time and time again. The potential of what Rubio could manage to do with athletic NBA wings and centers who run the floor and expect his passes is extremely high.
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen brother Norsktroll
Amen. When people realize that Rudy and Ricky were the only 2 NBA players that Joventut has, it might change people’s perspective.
Btw Norskie, you’re a damn troll! :P
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean last year Rubio even increased his assists by 2 although he played with guys like Coby Karl and came back from hand injury. He plays 23 minutes. The ACB and Euroleague are pretty critical about what constitutes an assist and what not. If he plays just the same minutes in his first NBA season, I could easily see him record 4-5 assists per game. That is as much as what Beno Udrih can do at 26. Then you can add 2 to that every year until he is somewhere around Chris Paul territory.
I can understand that some executives think he doesn’t have that much upside and is already pretty developed, but just by getting experience, continuing to train and his body maturing with NBA-style weight training it’s crazy to assume that is not what you would want to have as an NBA team. Rubio’s “bust” potential of course is there, but his bust level is higher than that of many regular NBA players.
As for the financials, the absolute worst case is that Rubio has to play out his contract with Joventut until 2011. That would suck and surely Stern would get involved if Rubio is not in the NBA by the 2009 season and try to broker a deal that is acceptable to all sides. The team that takes Rubio plays a 2010 NBA pre-season game in Joventut and the club can keep most of the earnings or something. Fegan can make a big deal about everything, but he did the same with Yi and guess what the Bucks took him anyway and he played and then they traded him for a better player. (Not saying Yi is comparable to Rubio at all, Just that the team that took him isn’t worth off because of it.)
I really don’t see the financial side as complicated as some journalists make it out to be. Rubio obviously wants to play in the NBA and if the player wants to everything else falls into place.
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can afford to wait two years for our player?
I don’t think so. What exactly is Stern able to do about it? (nothing)
Also, Euros have often not worked on thier body strength even after coming over – thats the big problem.
As has been said by nbrans and myself, the super quick PG is in the league to stay for a while – especially after this draft. Do you see Rubio being able to keep up?
I have my doubts,
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Jun 15, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has Kevin Martin gotten demonstratably stronger?
If not, how much does he suck?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Martin
to me actually has put on quite a bit of muscle since his rookie year (I think between his second and third year actually). His arms got alot stronger. It was about the time he changed his haircut. too. Besides that, Martin has been and still is at least an average athlete for his position. The concensus is that Rubio isnt; but I understand that he could be a different type of point guard.
I think it’s okay to be less-than-strong if you are quick, but slow and weak is a bad combo, generally.
by DustyG on Jun 16, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes I think Rubio can adapt to the higher speed and athleticism. He reads the game better than anyone else I have ever seen, must have fantastic peripheral vision/cognitive abilities to keep the court under control. That goes a long way in a point guard (see Nash, Steve, who is just a very average athlete). He also has pretty long arms and good reflexes, comparable to Rondo in that regard.
As I said, I don’t know if he will be the #1 player from this draft when all is said and done. Maybe it’s Curry who also is a very cerebral but rather unathletic player with a great shot. But I see Rubio as having the physical tools to be a better defender of guards than Curry. Maybe it’s Jennings (his play in Italy and his Amare-style behavior didn’t really impress me. He is a showman) or Flynn or even another player. Who knows, dozens of teams passed on Arenas and Sessions. What I am firmly convinced of is that Rubio won’t be a bad pick and that teams passing up on him could have very severe regrets.
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets say “reads the game better than any non-NBA player”. Stockton, Nash, Paul either naturally or by virtue of experience are better at that.
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Norskie
Do you know anything about Beaubois’ contract situation and what his buyout might be?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't. I assumed he could go to the NBA immediately, but not sure.
Email him :) rodrigue.beaubois@cholet-basket.com
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL Norskie
Thanks a lot. So much for having connections.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am very interested in Beaubois with the #31.
Regardless of the Rubio situation or another point @ #4- Beaubois has 6 man of the year written all over him.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 15, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am too
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would be interested in him at #33
But DX now has moved him and some other Euro sleepers into the first round. Too many guys dropping out for real steals.
by Norsktroll on Jun 15, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Norskie
No doubt.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
by pookeyguru on Jun 15, 2009 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a great point.
Time and again Shock and Hawes would run the center of the court, on a primary or delayed break, ready to catch the ball, that was never delivered. Both those guys could increase their points by 4-6 per game just by having a PG who delivered the ball at the right time.
Garcia and Noccioni move well without the ball. K-Mart moves extremely well (minus ankle injury) off a PG who can find him on back door plays, and weak side curls. There will be opportunities aplenty for Ricky Rubio to slice and dice, deliver the rock.
When you lack a low post threat to command double teams, as we do (save games 81 and 82 featuring Ike Diogu), to create spacing and open looks, then you need creative passers and penetrators to get easy scores. Ricky Rubio can be that guy, at least better than anyone I have seen on You Tube.
by bench_blob on Jun 15, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been saying this for a while
He will make his teammates better, he will help them improve their games. Other PGs we could pick may help the TEAM but IMO they won’t help the other players as much as Rubio can.
Hope this makes sense
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 15, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes perfect sense Ed-
Probably a point that has not been made enough. We are all wondering if someone can lead or if they can score/shoot or what kind of defender they will be but what a great point guard does is makes the players around him better.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 15, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If You're Dumb Enough to Doubt Rubio...
I just want you to imagine how many spectacular alley-oops he is going to throw to Shock.
You don’t need to be the most athletic PG in the league when you’re tossing up precision ’oops from the top of the key.
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 16, 2009 1:07 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Yep
Rec’d
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 16, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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