I really believe Kahn had a plan when he jumped at the opportunity to grab WAS's 5th selection.... You had to believe it was to draft his future backcourt. Right?
He got rid of 2 guards for a bunch of backup BIGS, with contracts beyond 2009...
You thought a PG plus Evans or Hardin?
I'm sure those plans were dashed when both were off the board by the 5th pick. This is when Kahn switched to Plan-B.
He knew he had options if he grabbed Rubio. AGAIN, if Rubio wasn't available that probably was good for MInny- for, most likely, Evans or Hardin would have been there (along with their target in J-Flynn).
So, he knew he could grab Rubio and then pawn him off for his SG. No doubt this was his plan. I'm sure a guy like Hughes or Chandler would be a nice fit in Minny, along with a David Lee or Nate Robinson.
It just makes more sense.
Etan Thomas would come over to NYK as well, and we'll send Mobley over.... THAT WASHES AWAY 9 million dollars- maybe some money to sign a HT (who just opted out) or another free agent?
SO, let's see what happens.
I predict Rubio & Thomas for Nate Robinson, Larry Hughes, Mobley & a first rounder in 2011 & 2013. Something like that.
Stern wants it to happen; Kahn & Walsh are buddies; Rubio wont report to Minny.... Makes sense.