For one night, Ricky Rubio finally gets to feel what it's like to be Steph Curry

[UcanUwill]

I still think his rookie year is his best NBA season, which is crazy and a bit sad.

Not really. His first season was the flashiest by far, he lost quickness and agility after the ACL injury and especially after the high ankle sprain that really affected his ligaments in 2014 (you could still see early Ricky Rubio after the ACL, but it was pretty much gone after the injury against Orlando and the eventual ankle surgery), but when you add his experience running NBA offenses and how he's developed as a scorer (even if a very streaky one, and still not really efficient) he's had better seasons in Utah and Phoenix. And he's doing absolutely great so far in Cleveland.

Also, I have to say the guy still gets absolutely no love from the refs. It's amazing to me after more than a decade in the league. He's never been a guy to challenge defenders by driving into their bodies, so he just doesn't get any calls whatsoever despite being hacked and pushed so often when he drives. He's still one of the best at getting inside and probing the defense while keeping the ball away from his defenders, and he drives into the paint all game long, but his FTA and FTr keep dropping while he's fouled time and again. Considering he's an excellent FT shooter, his numbers would look quite better (higher PPG and FG%) if there was a bit more fairness in that department. Some small statiscal improvements can make a big difference, and if teams and fans were used to see him as a 15PPG scorer with average efficiency he'd be much more valued than he's been around the league.

Anyway, I'm happy for the guy once again. He's a class act and he's beloved by his teammates everywhere he goes. And for those of us who love pure PGs and hard working players, it will always be a blast to see him dish the ball with such precision, bring so much energy and leadership into every game, sacrifice his body for a charge or dive on the floor for a loose ball.

Hes been very good this year, but man rookie Rubio was great, his defense used to be amazing. I remember watching every Minny game that year, and I thought, am I crazy or this guy is most valuable player on a team that has PF putting 24 points and 15 rebounds. I remember being not the only one, cause on facebook a lot of fans thought he might be better than Kevin Love, but we didnt have a clear argument cause Loves numbers were just that crazy. But man Rubios intangibles were insane. I remember I checked Rubios +/1 numbers after like 25 games that season, and it was ridiculous, basically everyone on the Minny was in the minus, while Rubio had better +/- than Both Durant and Westbrook at a time, despite OKC being first in the west, while Minny being near the bottom, thats who rookie RUbio was.

Bill Simmons likes that ''if you simulate this guys career 20 times'' argument, but really, if you simulate Rubio's career 20 times, this is probably one of the worst versions we could have gotten, a shame. I mean he found redemption with Spanish National team, but his NBA career ended up being a big disappointment.

P.S. Speaking about CAVS, I really hope they find minutes for Kevin Pangos, as a Zalgiris fan, he is one of our greatest Euroleague heroes. I compere him to Jose Calderon, and tho I never liked Jose Calderon, but thats not a terrible player, definitely a guy who can play, so yeah, give Kevin Pangos some burn.

[jinxed]

He's been playing great on the Cavs. Nothing but respect for what he/mobley/allen/Garland are doing over there.

Harrison Barnes, Otto Porter Jr or Joe Ingles

Would be filthy with the Cavs setup. Sexton/Love is gonesky. Wade is actually a nice player.

My goodness though they have no real wings and are still well in the positive. In fact I reckon they’ve been underdogs for every game so far. Barely played at home too.

Hard schedule and passed with flying colors. Mad respect due

Mobley is the next one up!

Is Rubio having a late blossom into his career? He’s a streaky shooter but he’s still pretty young and in his prime for how damn long his being played professionally since 16.

Announcers often quote that Rubio started playing pro at 16, but actually, he started playing in the ACB, Spain's top division when he was 14!

It will be interesting to see if Cavs continue this winning streak at home.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I still think his rookie year is his best NBA season, which is crazy and a bit sad.

Not really. His first season was the flashiest by far, he lost quickness and agility after the ACL injury and especially after the high ankle sprain that really affected his ligaments in 2014 (you could still see early Ricky Rubio after the ACL, but it was pretty much gone after the injury against Orlando and the eventual ankle surgery), but when you add his experience running NBA offenses and how he's developed as a scorer (even if a very streaky one, and still not really efficient) he's had better seasons in Utah and Phoenix. And he's doing absolutely great so far in Cleveland.

Also, I have to say the guy still gets absolutely no love from the refs. It's amazing to me after more than a decade in the league. He's never been a guy to challenge defenders by driving into their bodies, so he just doesn't get any calls whatsoever despite being hacked and pushed so often when he drives. He's still one of the best at getting inside and probing the defense while keeping the ball away from his defenders, and he drives into the paint all game long, but his FTA and FTr keep dropping while he's fouled time and again. Considering he's an excellent FT shooter, his numbers would look quite better (higher PPG and FG%) if there was a bit more fairness in that department. Some small statiscal improvements can make a big difference, and if teams and fans were used to see him as a 15PPG scorer with average efficiency he'd be much more valued than he's been around the league.

Anyway, I'm happy for the guy once again. He's a class act and he's beloved by his teammates everywhere he goes. And for those of us who love pure PGs and hard working players, it will always be a blast to see him dish the ball with such precision, bring so much energy and leadership into every game, sacrifice his body for a charge or dive on the floor for a loose ball.

Hes been very good this year, but man rookie Rubio was great, his defense used to be amazing. I remember watching every Minny game that year, and I thought, am I crazy or this guy is most valuable player on a team that has PF putting 24 points and 15 rebounds. I remember being not the only one, cause on facebook a lot of fans thought he might be better than Kevin Love, but we didnt have a clear argument cause Loves numbers were just that crazy. But man Rubios intangibles were insane. I remember I checked Rubios +/1 numbers after like 25 games that season, and it was ridiculous, basically everyone on the Minny was in the minus, while Rubio had better +/- than Both Durant and Westbrook at a time, despite OKC being first in the west, while Minny being near the bottom, thats who rookie RUbio was.

Bill Simmons likes that ''if you simulate this guys career 20 times'' argument, but really, if you simulate Rubio's career 20 times, this is probably one of the worst versions we could have gotten, a shame. I mean he found redemption with Spanish National team, but his NBA career ended up being a big disappointment.

P.S. Speaking about CAVS, I really hope they find minutes for Kevin Pangos, as a Zalgiris fan, he is one of our greatest Euroleague heroes. I compere him to Jose Calderon, and tho I never liked Jose Calderon, but thats not a terrible player, definitely a guy who can play, so yeah, give Kevin Pangos some burn.

The old Rubio vs. Love argument was a big one in Minnesota.* I think part of it was the "potential" of Rubio. If he was already making that impact as a rookie... just imagine what he could do with a jump shot! Never happened.

- Remember, Rubio shot 35.7% fg as a rookie.



* Not just with fans. Love was an All NBA player who was improving and more importantly, wanted to stay and play for the worst franchise in NBA history. The Wolves response?

"Nah. We're good."

They refused to give him a max deal, instead "saving" it for Rubio. Of course, he never deserved it... so after Love grew increasingly frustrated and asked out... the Wolves instead finally gave that elusive max contract to a guy who had only proven to be an underachiever... Andrew Wiggins!

And years later, the Wolves are even more firmly entrenched as the worst franchise in NBA history.

[UcanUwill]

The old Rubio vs. Love argument was a big one in Minnesota. I think part of it was the "potential" of Rubio. If he was already making that impact as a rookie... just imagine what he could do with a jump shot! Never happened.

- Remember, Rubio shot 35.7% fg as a rookie.

Yeah, I know, but scoring was always at the very bottom of what he really provides, he was running offense, turning dead possessions into something with his vision, making hes teammates better, his defense was insane, he was fun to watch.

[jinxed]

I still think his rookie year is his best NBA season, which is crazy and a bit sad.

Not really. His first season was the flashiest by far, he lost quickness and agility after the ACL injury and especially after the high ankle sprain that really affected his ligaments in 2014 (you could still see early Ricky Rubio after the ACL, but it was pretty much gone after the injury against Orlando and the eventual ankle surgery), but when you add his experience running NBA offenses and how he's developed as a scorer (even if a very streaky one, and still not really efficient) he's had better seasons in Utah and Phoenix. And he's doing absolutely great so far in Cleveland.

Also, I have to say the guy still gets absolutely no love from the refs. It's amazing to me after more than a decade in the league. He's never been a guy to challenge defenders by driving into their bodies, so he just doesn't get any calls whatsoever despite being hacked and pushed so often when he drives. He's still one of the best at getting inside and probing the defense while keeping the ball away from his defenders, and he drives into the paint all game long, but his FTA and FTr keep dropping while he's fouled time and again. Considering he's an excellent FT shooter, his numbers would look quite better (higher PPG and FG%) if there was a bit more fairness in that department. Some small statiscal improvements can make a big difference, and if teams and fans were used to see him as a 15PPG scorer with average efficiency he'd be much more valued than he's been around the league.

Anyway, I'm happy for the guy once again. He's a class act and he's beloved by his teammates everywhere he goes. And for those of us who love pure PGs and hard working players, it will always be a blast to see him dish the ball with such precision, bring so much energy and leadership into every game, sacrifice his body for a charge or dive on the floor for a loose ball.

Hes been very good this year, but man rookie Rubio was great, his defense used to be amazing. I remember watching every Minny game that year, and I thought, am I crazy or this guy is most valuable player on a team that has PF putting 24 points and 15 rebounds. I remember being not the only one, cause on facebook a lot of fans thought he might be better than Kevin Love, but we didnt have a clear argument cause Loves numbers were just that crazy. But man Rubios intangibles were insane. I remember I checked Rubios +/1 numbers after like 25 games that season, and it was ridiculous, basically everyone on the Minny was in the minus, while Rubio had better +/- than Both Durant and Westbrook at a time, despite OKC being first in the west, while Minny being near the bottom, thats who rookie RUbio was.

Bill Simmons likes that ''if you simulate this guys career 20 times'' argument, but really, if you simulate Rubio's career 20 times, this is probably one of the worst versions we could have gotten, a shame. I mean he found redemption with Spanish National team, but his NBA career ended up being a big disappointment.

.

Rubio was an incredible defender to start his career. If you look at his Defensive adjusted plus/minus numbers they were at one point, the best in history for a PG. But then all the injuries piled up and he lost his quickness. Such a shame.

If Rubio never tears his ACL, never hurts his ankle, what kind of career are we looking at?

[AbeVigodaLive]

The old Rubio vs. Love argument was a big one in Minnesota. I think part of it was the "potential" of Rubio. If he was already making that impact as a rookie... just imagine what he could do with a jump shot! Never happened.

- Remember, Rubio shot 35.7% fg as a rookie.

Yeah, I know, but scoring was always at the very bottom of what he really provides, he was running offense, turning dead possessions into something with his vision, making hes teammates better, his defense was insane, he was fun to watch.

Sure. He was immensely fun to watch.

But that shooting was a problem and limited the team's success no matter how much fun Rubio was to watch.

We all have signature moments we remember about the NBA... and discussing the NBA. I still remember a discussion after Rubio's first NBA game...

The Wolves lost a close one to OKC. Everybody in Minnesota was raving over Rubio. I remember arguing with people who claimed Rubio had outplayed the opposing team's PG who played a reckless style that led to 7 TOs.

Rubio shot 2 - 3 for 6 points and 6 assists. He looked great. He was fun! But he had 6 points and 6 assists...
Westbrook was wild. But he scored 28 points with 6 assists, including 5 points late after the Wolves took the lead.

[Karate Diop]

MSG is where average players go to have career days. MSG from a basketball standpoint is more famous for what opponents have done to the Knicks than anything the Knicks have done

[AbeVigodaLive]

MSG is where average players go to have career days. MSG from a basketball standpoint is more famous for what opponents have done to the Knicks than anything the Knicks have done

At least the really old Knicks Hoops Heads had their moments.

Watch on YouTube

[Note: Walt Frazier's masterpiece (36/19) must be mentioned too... of course.]

[JonFromVA]

One advantage Ricky brings the Cavs is that he's always played well with quality big men, and not just throwing up lobs to them ... alas it's an anachronistic trait that fits just fine with an anachronistic team like the Cavs.

Which teams (other then the Cavs_ could use that? The Lakers? Perhaps the Bucks? Would he work with the Sixers, or would they struggle with their spacing and end up having to put him in the "dunkers spot", lol?

[sisibilio]

Rubio' s basketball IQ has always been off the charts, one of the top in the league. His skill (shooting skill) level has of course not matched it, particularly in the modern NBA that requires consistent outside shooting. Other than that any team should be happy to have him in the role Cavs are using him as a 6th man and as a mentor to young players especially at PG.

In his younger days, even more detrimental than the poor 3 pt shooting was his horrid touch finishing around the basket IMO.

[Red_man1]

Rubio has become a specialist in running inexperienced teams. He was a great choice for Minny a while back, then the Suns, and now the Cavs.

The Jazz even, I believe?

[sisibilio]

He's been playing great on the Cavs. Nothing but respect for what he/mobley/allen/Garland are doing over there.

Harrison Barnes, Otto Porter Jr or Joe Ingles

Would be filthy with the Cavs setup. Sexton/Love is gonesky. Wade is actually a nice player.

My goodness though they have no real wings and are still well in the positive. In fact I reckon they’ve been underdogs for every game so far. Barely played at home too.

Hard schedule and passed with flying colors. Mad respect due

Mobley is the next one up!

Is Rubio having a late blossom into his career? He’s a streaky shooter but he’s still pretty young and in his prime for how damn long his being played professionally since 16.

Definitely. He's been pretty consistent since his Jazz days, the oddity was his performance last season.

[JujitsuFlip]

Great performance by him.

Sidebar, wonder what his trade value is.

Probably a decent bit higher than Taurean Prince and a second.

Haha I agree. Why Cavs should think about moving him while his value is high. Koby Altman has a really bad habit of holding onto assets too long though.

[SkyhookinUrMom]

Great performance by him.

Sidebar, wonder what his trade value is.

Probably a decent bit higher than Taurean Prince and a second.

Haha I agree. Why Cavs should think about moving him while his value is high. Koby Altman has a really bad habit of holding onto assets too long though.

maybe Cavs prefer to keep winning games?

[JujitsuFlip]

Probably a decent bit higher than Taurean Prince and a second.

Haha I agree. Why Cavs should think about moving him while his value is high. Koby Altman has a really bad habit of holding onto assets too long though.

maybe Cavs prefer to keep winning games?

I mean, hopefully whatever they get in return helps them achieve that and sustain it for longer, no? Holding onto an expiring 31 year old PG smells an awful lot like holding onto an expiring Drummond, an expiring partial guaranteed JR, and trading away a young point forward on a cheap rookie deal for a top 55 protected 2nd rounder because they refused to play him.

[LesGrossman]

Once upon a time, he was best 17 year old hooper in the world hands down. Never fixed that shot, it still looks ugly, no elevation, low arc, slow release, looks like a bigmans shot. For years looked like he peaked in his teen years, but in last few years we finally saw some improvement on the scoring end, even tho his defense regressed already. By just looking in his FIBA game, he used to be terrible FIBA player, but he was great in 2019 and 2021, improved his finishing in the NBA too, for years he was not only non shooter, but terrible finisher at the rim. I still think his rookie year is his best NBA season, which is crazy and a bit sad.

Have you seen the game or at least the highlights? Or are you repeating an outdated and superficial impression?

[UcanUwill]

Once upon a time, he was best 17 year old hooper in the world hands down. Never fixed that shot, it still looks ugly, no elevation, low arc, slow release, looks like a bigmans shot. For years looked like he peaked in his teen years, but in last few years we finally saw some improvement on the scoring end, even tho his defense regressed already. By just looking in his FIBA game, he used to be terrible FIBA player, but he was great in 2019 and 2021, improved his finishing in the NBA too, for years he was not only non shooter, but terrible finisher at the rim. I still think his rookie year is his best NBA season, which is crazy and a bit sad.

Have you seen the game or at least the highlights? Or are you repeating an outdated and superficial impression?

I have seen highlights yes, which part of my comment seemed wrong to you?

[BarbaGrizz]

Still remember the greatest statline I´ve ever seen:

51/24/12/7 and a buzzer beater from the half-court to tie the game and send it to OT

Edit: this was at the Euro U16 Final. In the semifinal he was a little bit slower and had a statline of only (19/10/13/11)

https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/53827/sid/4752/tid/362/_/2006_U16_European_Championship_Men/index.html

[ShootersShoot]

Haha I agree. Why Cavs should think about moving him while his value is high. Koby Altman has a really bad habit of holding onto assets too long though.

maybe Cavs prefer to keep winning games?

I mean, hopefully whatever they get in return helps them achieve that and sustain it for longer, no? Holding onto an expiring 31 year old PG smells an awful lot like holding onto an expiring Drummond, an expiring partial guaranteed JR, and trading away a young point forward on a cheap rookie deal for a top 55 protected 2nd rounder because they refused to play him.

The guy's the only playable vet on a roster full of guys all younger than 25. I would argue him being on the team helps them immensely. What exactly would you expect in return anyways? He is an expiring contract 31 year old. They might get a late first round pick at best for him.

[John Murdoch]

Once upon a time, he was best 17 year old hooper in the world hands down. Never fixed that shot, it still looks ugly, no elevation, low arc, slow release, looks like a bigmans shot. For years looked like he peaked in his teen years, but in last few years we finally saw some improvement on the scoring end, even tho his defense regressed already. By just looking in his FIBA game, he used to be terrible FIBA player, but he was great in 2019 and 2021, improved his finishing in the NBA too, for years he was not only non shooter, but terrible finisher at the rim. I still think his rookie year is his best NBA season, which is crazy and a bit sad.

Same with Tyreke Evans