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Let Rubio play out his contract in Europe, but make sure as hell that we have his rights and the only way he plays in the NBA is with the Timberwolves.

This accomplishes many things.

1st. He is only 18 now and if you do the math, he will only be 20 in 2 years . He gets more time to develop and doesn't have to worry about the buyout stuff now. He will remain a mystery, which will only increase his value rather than potentially being rattled running a team that is not built for him yet.

2nd. It gives Flynn the opportunity to boom or bust. If he comes out CP3 sytle and dominates, than we have a valuable trading chip in Rubio. If he shows that he is just a decent starter, we can move him.

3rd. We have potentially 3 picks next year as well. Delaying for a year or two will give us the chance to build the best team possible to fit his style.

In two years we will have a team that is ready for an older and better Rubio to take over, that is built for him, and all this while Rubio will be on a rookie contract.

It wouldn't be the end of all ends to me if Rubio goes back to Europe but I'm pretty sure the general population and most casual Wolves fans would be PISSED. It'd be a wasted high pick in their eyes and it wouldn't help ticket sales. I think you're right, it probably would be better for the team in the longterm, but not for the franchise. I'm still waiting for a Flynn trade...

How does this scenario fit in with a "16 month plan" to turn it around here?

Rubio has to come here for next year and you have to deal Flynn.

If you let Flynn develop for 2 years as point guard, what are you going to do - bench him behind Rubio (who will then need some time to develop) or trade him? How is that building a team?

MLC84 wrote:How does this scenario fit in with a "16 month plan" to turn it around here?

Rubio has to come here for next year and you have to deal Flynn.

If you let Flynn develop for 2 years as point guard, what are you going to do - bench him behind Rubio (who will then need some time to develop) or trade him? How is that building a team?

I think prefuse73 explained it pretty clearly. Read his post.

Rubio staying in Europe actually makes the Flynn pick a little easier to stomach but it's
also another year before these guys all play together.