Wolves Defense has Collapsed without Rubio

[Johnlac1]

With everyone healthy, the Wolves are a playoff team. Not necessarily a title contender, but could give some teams trouble. Now if they could get consistent scoring out of Beasley, they'd go further. Pekovic emerged as a consistent scoring and rebounding center, and then Rubio got hurt. And then Pekovic and other key players got hurt. The lack of another consistent scorer has plagued the Wolves all season. for a while, Love and Pekovic were killing everybody. When Beasley came back from an early season injury, he had some excellent games. Now he's hurt again, and with Rubio out for the year, their playoff hopes are sunk. For the Wolves to make a title run in coming years, they're going to have pick up a good wing player. And try to stay healthy. I think Beasley may have worn out his welcome in Minny.

[Vindicater]

Luke Ridnour is now the starting point guard.

I don't care what my fellow Wolves posters say, but Luke Ridnour is a **** horrible point guard.

This is Luke Ridnour as a point guard.

Option 1). Dribble down the court and launch a three pointer as soon as I get to the three point line.

Option 2). Dribble down the court, continue to dribble the ball in the same spot for 14 seconds, when there is only 10 seconds on the shot clock left pass the ball to a big man who is out of position.

That is all he has.

[KG_And1]

The Wolves with a healthy Rubio could have made an exciting first round matchup with the Thunder.

Wolves without Rubio are the same team last year.

This kid is the real deal. Totally bummed after haring he would be out the rest of the season and potentially part of next season too. Wolves still need a good wing to pair up with Love, Rubio and Pekovic.

[lovethewire]

Rubio being out means more minutes for the Puerto rican AI (barea) who is one of the worst defenders in NBA history

[jinxed]

Rubio being out means more minutes for the Puerto rican AI (barea) who is one of the worst defenders in NBA history

That's not true.

JJ is an average defender. He hold his opponents to a PER of 13, which is below the league average of 15. The Mavs played better D when he was in the game last year than out. ANd his synergy defensive stats are actually pretty good.

[Young_Star11]

The injury to Rubio derailed their season no doubt.

I was really impressed by Rubio at both ends of the floor - he impacted games.

[lovethewire]

Rubio being out means more minutes for the Puerto rican AI (barea) who is one of the worst defenders in NBA history

That's not true.

JJ is an average defender. He hold his opponents to a PER of 13, which is below the league average of 15. The Mavs played better D when he was in the game last year than out. ANd his synergy defensive stats are actually pretty good.

stop looking at stats, I'm a Mavs fan, if u think we were better on defense with flipper on the court you're insane

[jinxed]

Rubio being out means more minutes for the Puerto rican AI (barea) who is one of the worst defenders in NBA history

That's not true.

JJ is an average defender. He hold his opponents to a PER of 13, which is below the league average of 15. The Mavs played better D when he was in the game last year than out. ANd his synergy defensive stats are actually pretty good.

stop looking at stats, I'm a Mavs fan, if u think we were better on defense with flipper on the court you're insane

LOL!" No, don't look at stats that prove I am unequivocally wrong!"

Mavs def rating with Barea IN 104

Mavs Def Rating with Barea OUT 105

[6_Rings]

Just hand him the mvp, dpoy, mip, 6thman already. Heck induct him to the hof while ur at it

[Elden Payton]

I really feel for Minny at the moment but they are going to be a scary team in a few years.

[tsherkin]

I can't wait to see a healthy season from Minnesota. Love, Rubio, Pek... a good chunk of this group is a lot of fun to watch and Adelman is a particularly good coach.

Can't wait until next year!