Opinion
Ricky Rubio dominates for T-Wolves
February 3, 2012
OK Justin Bieber fans, move over. The new phenomenon has arrived and conquered: Ricky Rubio.
Rubio averages 11.1 points per game, 8.8 assists per game and 2.3 steals per game. Even Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers was impressed with Rubio’s performance when they were matched up on Jan. 30.
The T-Wolves have not had the best reputation since Kevin Garnett, currently a Boston Celtic, was on the team from 1995 until trading him in 2007. Now it seems like the roster is complete.
Sure we acquired Kevin Love in the 2008-2009 season. Then for the 2010-2011 season we got big time scorer and small forward, Michael Beasley. It seemed like the T-Wolves were starting to rebuild their roster and reputation but were not quite there yet. Let’s face it, we were all skeptical when Rubio was announced to join the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2011-2012 season. Most Minnesotans were probably wondering, “who is this Rubio kid?”
Rubio was drafted from a European team. Not only did we get the “Spanish Sensation” but we also hired a new coach, Rick Adelman. At the supposed start of the 2011-2012 NBA season, Minnesota Timberwolves fans were ecstatic when Rubio landed in Minnesota. Part of me speculates that the T-Wolves were hosting their own practices during the lockout just to make sure they were starting to bring their “A-Game” this season, with no affiliation with the NBA of course because of the lockout.
When this season started, the first few teams that played the T-Wolves in the preseason and regular season were shocked at how Rubio managed the court and helped the other players on the court play to their potential.
They may not have won their first three regular season games but they pulled it around and now they are 10-11. This is the best record they have had since trading Garnett.
Ricky Rubio was not expected to be a starter or even play in the beginning of the season because of Luke Ridnour, the TWolves point guard before Rubio joined the team. Rubio shows heart and determination when he is on the court and obviously Adelman saw that in him, and now plays him over Ridnour. Despite injury and sickness, the T-Wolves are pulling it together and are showing the other NBA teams that the T-Wolves are a threat, so don’t underestimate them.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching the Rubio beast yet, you better make time to watch. It is definitely worth watching with Rubio’s unbelievable passing and drives down the court.
The Bieber fever was so last season. Now it’s all about Rubio, the “Spanish Sensation.”
Ashley Hall is a senior majoring in journalism. She is a huge Boston sports fan; the Celtics are her favorite.