Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio impact in 2020-21 was underrated
When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Ricky Rubio last offseason, they certainly expected more on-court production after a really solid season in Phoenix the year prior.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio impact in 2020-21 was underrated
For the Suns in 2019-20, Ricky Rubio averaged 13 points, 8.8 assists, and 2.7 turnovers per game on shooting splits of 42/36/86 – on volume. For the Timberwolves in 2020-21, though, Rubio sharply regressed. He averaged 9 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 turnovers per game on shooting splits of 39/31/87.
While Ricky Rubio doesn’t carry enough on-court impact to justify his $17.8 million salary cap hit, his veteran leadership, particularly with Anthony Edwards, has been an unexpected development from this past season.
Back in March, Edwards had the following to say about Ricky Rubio:
"“I’m growing and learning a lot every day from Ricky. Just trying to watch what he do. I feel like he’s a great leader on our team. If I keep learning from Ricky, I feel like I’ll be in a good position … He leads by example and communication. Some leaders, they’re going to lead by example. Some of them lead by talking, but Ricky, he does both.”"
That impact cannot be understated – especially for a 19-year old learning their place in the NBA. Ricky Rubio may not be the best (or most talented) player, but the value in his contract is something that makes itself more apparent in the development in Anthony Edwards and other young players.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were one of the youngest teams in all of pro sports this past season – and Rubio, now 30, was the second-eldest player on the team, only behind Ed Davis.
dark. Next. Anthony Edwards has a new sense of confidence
Rubio will almost certainly be a name thrown around in trade conversations – and it is justified due to his (lack of) on-court production. But if the Timberwolves do eventually trade him, there will absolutely be consequences from a developmental standpoint. It would just be a matter of getting more veterans on the team that have a clear sense of leadership – should Rubio be moved.