http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/07/02/freeagency.update/index.html
There are reports that Ricky Rubio will be playing in Spain for the next two years.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA.com Notebook: Rubio reportedly staying in Spain
By John Schuhmann and Art Garcia, NBA.com and David Aldridge, TNT analyst
Posted Jul 2 2009 9:48PM
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IS IT THE WEATHER, THE PLAYING TIME OR THE BUYOUT?
That's the follow-up question we all want to know the answer to after hearing a report from El Periodico, a Barcelona newspaper, that Ricky Rubio will complete his contract with DKV Joventut and play the next two seasons in Spain, rather than come to the NBA.
The Timberwolves gave up two starters to get the fifth pick in this year's Draft. Now, they've got nothing to show for it, unless you think Oleksiy Pecherov, Darius Songaila or Etan Thomas are going to make an impact this season. Rubio may eventually play in Minnesota, but at this point, this is looking like a Fran Vazquez situation and David Kahn isn't looking like much of an improvement over Kevin McHale.
Of the three possible obstacles keeping Rubio out of a Timberwolves uniform, the most likely factor is the buyout, reported to be $6 million. Whenever (or if) he comes to the NBA, the 18-year old point guard is set to only make $5.7 million in his first two seasons combined.
Before the Draft, Rubio said that it was his dream to play in the NBA and he was willing to do that for free, as long as knew he would be getting enough playing time. But when the Timberwolves selected Syracuse's Jonny Flynn right after Rubio, playing time became a big question and Rubio was admittedly perplexed as he made his way around the media circuit at Madison Square Garden. And of course, after he was selected, Rubio didn't exactly say that the Minnesota weather would not be a concern. So what's keeping Rubio in Spain? Maybe it's a combination of the three. No matter what, the Timberwolves and their fans will have to wait ... and hope Rubio eventually makes it over.
-- John Schuhmann