Minnesota Timberwolves: Grading the 2009 NBA Draft

Overall grade: C

Had it not been for the selection of Ricky Rubio, the 2009 NBA Draft could have been the most unsuccessful since the franchise formed in 1989.

Rubio has been a good player for the Timberwolves, regardless of what some fans may say.

If anything, the Spaniard has been underrated in what he offers the team, a great passer of the ball and has since improved not only his field goal percentage but also 3-pointers.

Despite taking two years to make his debut, the five seasons Rubio has been on the roster has showcased a talented ball-handler and high basketball IQ player.

Much more improvement can still be made on court for Ricky as he still only 26-years-old, considering Curry was drafted at the same time and is now 29.

The introduction of Steve Kerr at Golden State Warriors in 2014-15 was the catalyst to Curry become the MVP he is to date, he was 26-years-old at that time.

Rubio is not Curry, but he proved to be far more valuable a pick than sixth spot Jonny Flynn.

The man known to all as “the guy picked above Steph,” this is where the draft starts to curtail for Minnesota.

Flynn could not maintain his rookie stats, eventually leaving his NBA career behind.

Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington, albeit good bench players in their current career, were okay picks compared to the other players around their numbers.

Saying that, Lawson was sandwiched in-between two other point-guards – Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague – who have both been NBA All-Stars.

Denver actually started Lawson for the majority of his playing time there, but has since fallen out of favour with teams since the Nuggets.

Kings could be the ticket for Lawson’s improvement, with Ellington playing his game in Miami.

The two second-round picks in the shape of Nick Calathes and Henk Norel racked up zero minutes for the Timberwolves, whereby both players no longer ply their trade in the NBA.

Because of these five players, the pick of Rubio has drawn the overall grade to a C, considering only one of those named still play in Minneapolis.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves 20 biggest draft busts

Ricky should be valued highly for his performances for the Timberwolves, the highlight of the 2009 NBA Draft.