Ricky Rubio Watch

[Patr1ck]

I just hope the league doesn't baby him into being a star if he turns out to suck.

[Dee.]

Hes way too hyped

[Fresh8]

Rubio won't be an All-Star but I reckon he's going to be a pretty good NBA player. A few months ago I was thinking that the pass-first PG doesn't exist anymore. Rubio is one of a kind. Perhaps he will bring a part of the game that has been missing for a long time!

[benji]

Define pass-first PG.

Or name a few.

[shadowgrin]

A few months ago I was thinking that the pass-first PG doesn't exist anymore. Rubio is one of a kind. Perhaps he will bring a part of the game that has been missing for a long time!

He's a pass first PG not because he wants to, it's because he sucks at shooting and passing is the only thing that he can rely on. Big difference.
Doesn't exist anymore? One of a kind? Rondo (which is a good example of what I wrote above)? Chris Paul (ast% is double than that of his usg%)?

[hova-]

Rondo's a good example for a pass first - but also the perfect example for "pass-first-because-can't-shoot".

[benji]

Am I supposed to wait for Sit or not?

Because using Rondo as a baseline there's 12 players 38+ assist%. Six are active. Two more have played since 2008. (8/12)

Wait, this just in, 35+% apparently. 29 total, ten active, four more since 2008. (14/29)

Maybe none of that counts as pass-first though.

[Fresh8]

I don't have the use of statistics but what I meant was a player who preaches a 'team-first' approach and is actually a willing passer but also with the potential to be a huge difference maker from doing just that. Yes, he can't shoot but his style of play is more than that. Once he gets a consistent jump shot, he will be a true threat.

If he could hold his own against Team USA back in 2008 at the age of 18 then I am pretty sure he's capable of playing at the NBA level. Whether he would find the 82 game season too grueling, I cannot say for sure.

[shadowgrin]

a player who preaches a 'team-first' approach

Rubio doesn't 'preach' it, a team-first approach is what most euro teams do.

actually a willing passer

Willing because...

He's a pass first PG not because he wants to, it's because he sucks at shooting and passing is the only thing that he can rely on.

the potential to be a huge difference maker from doing just that.

That word gets thrown around like a rag doll on draft day and more often than not it doesn't pan out.

Yes, he can't shoot but his style of play is more than that.

How more than 'that'? How more than Rondo for example?

[dada]

Ricky is such a pathetic name. I foresee mediocrity for his entire NBA career.

[shadowgrin]

What? You have something against gays now dada? Besides, Ricky can be an awesome name.

[NovU]

Ricky is such a pathetic name.

Best argument in this thread. Step up, veterans.

[air gordon]

I think he's going to surprise all the Euro haters. His basketball IQ is better than that of some All Stars in the NBA. Just hope he can adjust to the athletic play.

Is something hostile or hating if it's true? I don't like pizza- does that make me anti italian? I'm not talking stereotypes here. Are there any euro pgs that are stellar defenders? Have any made all nba defensive team?

How is basketball IQ measured!? I'm curious to see your top ten list of players with the highest bball IQ

And if someone knows the game so well- wouldn't one be inclined to have a great all around game? If you're so smart- you should know to shoot. Or play defense.

I don't get the praise this guy gets. He hasn't shown anything and he had a chance to prove himself a few years back against other pg draft prospects at the time but refused. Has he even worked out for a nba team yet??

[Andrew]

Good to see you drop by again, dada.

[Phil89]

phpBB [video]

[The X]

I like Rubio so hoping he has a good NBA career.

[Fresh8]

Who else saw Rubio's exhibition debut? (Apart from The X)

Without the shackles applied by his old coach at Barca, Rubio looked pretty good out there. Hope to see him back it up with a solid effort in Milwaukee.

[Patr1ck]

I bet those shackles were his own so he didn't risk injury before his nicer payday.

[bowdown]

Saw some highlights. I am definitely looking out for him and Minnesota

[Mavs4Life]

Ditto to that, Minnesota has enough talent to make the playoffs IMO, and last night's game supports that.

[shadowgrin]

It's the preseason.
Preseason, the time where scrubs can drop 40 points.
Preseason.

[Houndy]

JJ Barea's gonna start over him...

[Mavs4Life]

I see your point completely Shadow, but I still stand by my statement. Sota has good talent IMO..

[The X]

It's the preseason.
Preseason, the time where scrubs can drop 40 points.
Preseason.

Hater

[Nick]

I got to see Rubio play (thank you firstrowsports.com), he looked amazing. His court vision is crazy. If he can develop a 3pt threat, look out...