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Rubio on Timberwolves’ roster: ‘Best group we’ve ever had’

By Ben Beecken

Mar 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) passes in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center. The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-79. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) passes in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center. The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-79. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Rio Olympics drew to a close, Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio spoke regarding the direction of his NBA squad and the excitement that he has for the upcoming season.

The Spanish national team won the bronze medal in Rio, and the Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio started in every game. Before leaving, he talked to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press regarding this season and his expectations for the roster.

Rubio has spent the summer mourning the loss of his mother, who passed away at the end of May, mulling his decision to play for Spain in the Olympics, and finally by competing in Rio in August.

Regarding the drafting of Kris Dunn and what it will mean to have them both on the same roster, plus his thoughts on the hiring of Tom Thibodeau:

"“Really it’s a challenge. When a young guy like him who has a lot of potential comes, I think we can really play together,” Rubio told The Associated Press. “But if we don’t (share the floor often), I can really help him.”Rubio said he was pleased by Thibodeau’s hiring and believes the new coaching staff will make a big difference on a young, impressionable roster.“I think we’ve got all the pieces together to make something happen,” he said. “I’m really excited about the new coach and the new staff. They have a lot of years in their backpack and really can teach us how to reach the next level. I think we have the tools. We just have to put all them together.”Thibodeau has said he can see Dunn and Rubio playing together in certain lineups, and indications within the organization are that there are no current efforts to trade the veteran starter. One of the team’s biggest weaknesses last season was the lack of a solid backup to Rubio at point guard, a setup that caused the Wolves to try to move Zach LaVine from his more natural shooting guard spot."

Perhaps the most encouraging quote from Rubio was regarding the roster and what he thinks could happen this season.

"“In my five years I’ve been there, definitely it’s the best group,” Rubio said. “Players, coaches, you put it all together and it’s the best we’ve ever had. The excitement is real. We have really young talent that can really take us to the next level with veterans that can help. And the coach I think is going to be the key and the difference.”"

Krawczynski also states that “indications within the organization are that there are no current efforts to trade the veteran starter”. That’s encouraging, albeit not terribly significant.

It certainly seems plausible that Rubio will surely be with the team at least through the trade deadline; Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden know that he’s an above-average starting point guard.

But that doesn’t mean that they won’t take advantage of a situation to receive requisite value in return for Rubio — especially if Kris Dunn is playing well in the opening months of the season.

More likely: Rubio is moved next summer or at the trade deadline in 2018. Dunn won’t be ready to be at the helm of a playoff team this year, and Thibodeau knows that.

Next: The Potential Growth of Zach LaVine

At any rate, it’s good that Rubio isn’t too beaten down to enjoy just how great this off-season has been. Brighter days are ahead for the Timberwolves, and Rubio should be a major part of the turnaround.