Rubio to workout with Kings tomorrow?

[KF10]

Rubio is reportedly returning to Sacramento tomorrow for a workout, which should ease one of the concerns the team has about being unable to watch him last week.

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonath ... -22nd-3276

Here are other interesting quotes too:

As messy as the rest of the top five sounds, Sacramento’s situation might be the most confusing. It’s looking more and more clear that the Kings are not nearly as enamored with Ricky Rubio as they once were, for a number of reasons. The official party line is that Sacramento is concerned that Rubio will struggle to assert his leadership ability on the group of players they currently have in place, due to the fact that he’s only 18 years old and not a native English speaker. One of the biggest issues Sacramento had last year was with the culture of their team lockerroom. On top of that, the Kings are worried that will Rubio will have a huge target on his chest coming into the NBA, and that other players will “try to go at him every single night.”

Something important to keep in mind is that long-time Kings General Manager Geoff Petrie has just one year left on his contract, and that ownership is putting a great deal of pressure on him to ensure that they don’t go through as painful a season as they just did in 08-09, winning just 17 games. With that in mind, they may opt to just put a Band-Aid on the problem and draft a more ready player, such as Tyreke Evans or Jonny Flynn—who is very attractive due to his outgoing personality and terrific leadership skills-- and hope that things magically get better next season.

This is a situation that seemed almost unfathomable a few months ago, as the Kings were supposedly so enamored with Rubio’s talent that they were strongly considering drafting him with the #1 pick before falling to the #4 slot in the lottery. Considering what we know about all these prospects, it’s tough not to think that Sacramento would be making a colossal mistake letting a playmaker of Rubio’s caliber get by them, as his upside is substantially higher than that of Evans or Flynn.

Jonny Flynn happened to work out in Sacramento this weekend, alongside other Kings favorite Tyreke Evans, as well as Stephen Curry, Nick Calathes. It’s well known at this point that Flynn is not getting past Milwaukee’s pick at #10 at worst, but his chances of going 4th seem to be improving by the day. It’s too early to rule out Evans at Sacramento’s pick either, even though Rubio is still very much in the picture as well.

[Bac2Basics]

If there's something in the buyout situation or something during their interviews with him that brings up red flags, I'm sure there are scenarios where they'd pass on him all together.

I still think it's more likely that they pick him if he's still available at #4, but I don't see it as an absolute lock.

[St.Nick]

These are smokescreens, IMO. The Kings need a playmaking passer and Rubio is the guy.

[SacKingZZZ]

I don't know if they are smokescreens anymore. For Rubio to finally do a workout, and have to come back to do it makes me think he knows there is a real possibility that the Kings let him slide past them.

[KF10]

I don't know if they are smokescreens anymore. For Rubio to finally do a workout, and have to come back to do it makes me think he knows there is a real possibility that the Kings let him slide past them.

I don't think so. If Rubio is willing to do a workout with the Kings tomorrow, would it be more ideal to work out with the Thunders first rather than the Kings? The Thunder should have the advantage over the Kings of Rubio. It would be fishy that Rubio comes back twice and willing to workout with them. Heck, it may be his last visit of the States until draft night. I'm pretty sure that the Kings are heavily considering Rubio at #4. But then again, I probably inferred the article differently than you.

[Crimson King]

Not sure, but I think he is in Spain now, and tomorrow he is going to negociate the clause with DKV in Barcelona, so... let's say it's highly unlikely Rubio does a workout tomorrow.

[bflewis]

I really want Rubio here, but I don't think he drops to us at 4 and I read that Petrie refuses to trade up. Memphis is in a tough spot, because Thabeet nor Rubio want to play there. But I see them taking Thabeet cuz he doesnt have the leverage that Rubio has. Then I see OKC taking Rubio because he is the BPA and we are left heartbroken.

[perezident]

yeah just reported on the "Rise guys" saying that Sam from the Bee said Rubes WILL workout today!!

[Smills91]

These are smokescreens, IMO. The Kings need a playmaking passer and Rubio is the guy.

Agreed. But these are by FAR the best smokescreens out in print. Noone believes the Grizzlies, and people are very doubtful of Presti. I mean look at the reputable Givony, he's sticking to his guns with Rubio being there and picked by the Kings at 4. I tend to agree with him there.

I don't know if they are smokescreens anymore. For Rubio to finally do a workout, and have to come back to do it makes me think he knows there is a real possibility that the Kings let him slide past them.

This is WHY these are the BEST smokescreens. Both Fegan and Petrie/Levian have executed this smokescreen to precision. This is the way to de-value Rubio enough to get him to 4 and impede a bidding war from outside teams and the Kings to moving up to the 2nd. Fegan wants Rubio in Sacramento(for whatever reason, I don't care), but as a PG he NEEDS the best talent around him as possible to flourish. Dealing up, diminish future assets for Rubio to excel at. Getting Rubio to the Kings at 4 is the best situation all around - Basketball wise, life-style wise(similar climate), and financial-wise(as 4th is better than the possibility of him slipping to 5-6-7 or 8).

I think this has all been a charade to keep the offers of moving up for Rubio at BAY from other teams, and it's been brilliant.

I fully expect Rubio to be available and picked by the Kings at #4 now.

I think the Grizz settle on Harden at #2(BPA who WANTS to be in Memphis) and that the Thunder ultimately settle on Thabeet(Cheaper version of Chandler - and they can go after Ben Gordon for their 2 spot) - Rubio doesn't make sense in OKC not only for Westbrook, but also for the possibility that Livingston pans out(and he's making strong strides towards that).

I see Rubio leading our breaks next year, and that seems like a GREAT fit all around.

So my prediction is:

1) Griffin
2) Harden
3) Thabeet
4) Rubio

With NO trades inside the top 4.

[diogo_pt]

These are smokescreens, IMO. The Kings need a playmaking passer and Rubio is the guy.

Agreed. But these are by FAR the best smokescreens out in print. Noone believes the Grizzlies, and people are very doubtful of Presti. I mean look at the reputable Givony, he's sticking to his guns with Rubio being there and picked by the Kings at 4. I tend to agree with him there.

I don't know if they are smokescreens anymore. For Rubio to finally do a workout, and have to come back to do it makes me think he knows there is a real possibility that the Kings let him slide past them.

This is WHY these are the BEST smokescreens. Both Fegan and Petrie/Levian have executed this smokescreen to precision. This is the way to de-value Rubio enough to get him to 4 and impede a bidding war from outside teams and the Kings to moving up to the 2nd. Fegan wants Rubio in Sacramento(for whatever reason, I don't care), but as a PG he NEEDS the best talent around him as possible to flourish. Dealing up, diminish future assets for Rubio to excel at. Getting Rubio to the Kings at 4 is the best situation all around - Basketball wise, life-style wise(similar climate), and financial-wise(as 4th is better than the possibility of him slipping to 5-6-7 or 8).

I think this has all been a charade to keep the offers of moving up for Rubio at BAY from other teams, and it's been brilliant.

I fully expect Rubio to be available and picked by the Kings at #4 now.

I think the Grizz settle on Harden at #2(BPA who WANTS to be in Memphis) and that the Thunder ultimately settle on Thabeet(Cheaper version of Chandler - and they can go after Ben Gordon for their 2 spot) - Rubio doesn't make sense in OKC not only for Westbrook, but also for the possibility that Livingston pans out(and he's making strong strides towards that).

I see Rubio leading our breaks next year, and that seems like a GREAT fit all around.

So my prediction is:

1) Griffin
2) Harden
3) Thabeet
4) Rubio

With NO trades inside the top 4.

[Inc]

Well, the chance of Memphis trading the pick is getting higher, especially since Rubio, Harden, and Thabeet have all made it known that they dont want to play in Memphis.

[ICMTM]

You mean Curry and not Harden?

[RIPskaterdude]

If we want Rubio, we better hope that Memphis doesn't trade the pick...if the Knicks/Rockets/T-Wolves/etc get the 2nd pick....goodbye Rubio.

[pillwenney]

This is WHY these are the BEST smokescreens. Both Fegan and Petrie/Levian have executed this smokescreen to precision. This is the way to de-value Rubio enough to get him to 4 and impede a bidding war from outside teams and the Kings to moving up to the 2nd. Fegan wants Rubio in Sacramento(for whatever reason, I don't care), but as a PG he NEEDS the best talent around him as possible to flourish. Dealing up, diminish future assets for Rubio to excel at. Getting Rubio to the Kings at 4 is the best situation all around - Basketball wise, life-style wise(similar climate), and financial-wise(as 4th is better than the possibility of him slipping to 5-6-7 or 8).

I think this has all been a charade to keep the offers of moving up for Rubio at BAY from other teams, and it's been brilliant.

I fully expect Rubio to be available and picked by the Kings at #4 now.

I think the Grizz settle on Harden at #2(BPA who WANTS to be in Memphis) and that the Thunder ultimately settle on Thabeet(Cheaper version of Chandler - and they can go after Ben Gordon for their 2 spot) - Rubio doesn't make sense in OKC not only for Westbrook, but also for the possibility that Livingston pans out(and he's making strong strides towards that).

I see Rubio leading our breaks next year, and that seems like a GREAT fit all around.

So my prediction is:

1) Griffin
2) Harden
3) Thabeet
4) Rubio

With NO trades inside the top 4.

This is pretty much exactly what I was thinking when I went to bed last night. While I'm not sure of anything, and I certainly wouldn't be too disappointed if we passed on Rubio for someone like Flynn (since I just trust Geoff that much), the more I look at it, the more I think these concerns and this preference for Flynn all might be a smokescreen. And I think it's a damn good one, if that's the case.

[OGSactownballer]

I just don't see any of the interested teams really having something to offer that either Memphis or OKC would want. I mean, honestly both of these teams are young with nice solid cores and ownership that wants to stay as cheap as possible. They are NOT going to take on crappy heavy contracts or half-ass role players at this time because it does NOTHING for them (just like us). As well, there really isn't enough value in the picks that any of those teams have (this year or next) to be attractive to move down to (except NY and they have nothing besides a pick that is moving down 7 spots and no cap relief even).
I kind of think that if there were some actual serious offers out there that appealed to either Wallace or Presti then we would have heard rumor of them by now (i.e - the Devin Harris crap which would do NOTHING for either team as they both have good young PG's). I know that Wallace would LOVE to get JT from us with a pick swap, but that is just NOT going to happen (unless we were to also get Memphis' 2010 unprotected - that could be worth it with two shots at Wall next year).

[RoyalCourtJestr]

I'd buy that any "hestiancy"" of Rubio's talent on our part is probably a smokescreen, but I'm not sure the rumors of Memphis trying to trade down are smokescreens.

[Dustin5566]

I fully expect the Grizz to draft Rubio (and if they do not OKC surely will) and him be traded on draft night. Minnesota is a dark horse right now..They might have a shot because of the pieces they have and the fact that their new GM wants to make a big splash.

[perezident]

is there ANY video postage yet?? Of the work-out OR an inteview from Rubes saying how it was??

What is taking them so long!! I need to know how it went lol!!

[mobiuseinz]

is there ANY video postage yet?? Of the work-out OR an inteview from Rubes saying how it was??

What is taking them so long!! I need to know how it went lol!!

both parties agreed to not show the video.

Looks like mind games by Petrie

[KF10]

Kings finally get to see Rubio play

With just three days remaining until the NBA draft, and the Kings' desire to have more questions about the 18-year-old Spanish point guard answered, he stepped on the floor at the Kings' practice facility and picked up a basketball for the first time since his Euroleague season ended nearly a month before.

Rubio, who had planned on working out for the Kings last week before he became sick on the trip, took part in an individual workout that included Petrie and coach Paul Westphal and lasted approximately an hour. While the session remained secret at the request of his representatives, he told The Bee it was a necessary exercise that hardly showcased his game.

"It's difficult to show them what I have to do on the court, because there are no teammates and nobody there," Rubio said at the Sacramento airport just before leaving town. "I can't show them what I do on the court. This workout is not my style. I need my teammates around me to play basketball. I was alone."

Rubio, who visited with Oklahoma City (which has the No. 3 pick) in Los Angeles on Saturday, and previously visited with Memphis (No. 2 pick) in Spain, said he was attempting to please the Kings by getting on the floor.

"When I came here, I was sick, so I had to come back to L.A. and then they wanted to watch me on the court, so I come back here to (do) some workouts with them and talk with them again," Rubio said. "But I had like a month with nothing (no playing) on the court, but I'm feeling good. I worked out with the coach in the workout. It was good."

How Rubio's session will impact the Kings' decision, however, remains to be seen. Just one day before, point guards Tyreke Evans (Memphis), Stephen Curry (Davidson) and Jonny Flynn (Syracuse) were the headliners in a mega workout in which they competed for the right to be picked fourth. Evans is believed to have left the best impression, showcasing his length and strength while getting to the rim as he pleased.

There also remains the matter of his contract with DKV Joventut. A source close to Rubio said the $6.6 million buyout Rubio would have to pay (NBA teams can contribute $500,000) is expected to be reduced to a manageable amount and will not be an obstacle for teams looking to draft him.

The Kings, who worked out Pittsburgh swingman Sam Young on Monday as well, are believed to be deliberating Evans, Rubio, Flynn and Curry for their top pick. If Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet is there at No. 4, he would receive consideration as well.

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1968447.html