You know you have an interesting draft when the most talked about player goes by the nickname “La Pistola.” In fact, judging from media coverage, Ricky Rubio might be the biggest Spanish import since Penelope Cruz. The 18-year old guard first jumped into the international spotlight at the Beijing Olympics (helping lead Spain to a silver medal), his buzz increased when videos of his “say what!?!?!”-level passing abilities hit YouTube, and now the kid looks like a sure-shot top five pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Cool, Rubio knows how to generate hype and pull off moves that look straight out of a video game, but the real question remains: Will he be a mop-topped superstar or a lottery bust?
Pro: Experience
True, Rubio’s work experience comes soley at the international level (aka your average European dude ain’t your average NBA player), but the dude still earned a paycheck from b-ball while most people his age where playing video games or going to summer camp. Ricky started playing professionally at the age of 14 (with the Spanish club DKV Joventud) and last year became the youngest person to participate in an Olympic basketball final.
Con: Experience
Still, international basketball remains a distant second to the NBA. (Kind of like Casino and Goodfellas. Both good movies – and share a decent amount of similarties – but come on, GF wins by a landslide). How many European “stars” crossed over to the Association only to look slower and more outclassed than Oscar De La Hoya versus Manny Pacquiao (The Mexicutioner!).
Pro: Stealing Ability
While Ricky’s face-up defense might still be a question mark, his ability to intercept passes and create turnovers looks like the real deal. Based on basic statistics per 40 (right now Ricky only plays around 20 minutes a game), last year Rubio averaged 3.8 steals per game in the Spanish league and 5.5 per on the international level. At only age 18, R.R. will get faster and stronger, and if his minutes on the court increase with experience, he possesses the genuine potential to turn into a steal machine.
Con: The Jump Shot
A HUGE concern. At the NBA level, in order to be more than a role player (aka a superstar worthy of a top five pick) you need to be multi-dimensional. For a point guard, that means the ability to pass AND shoot. Chris Paul and Deron Williams can do both. Tony Parker went from good to upper echelion with the development of his J. In his last season at Joventud, Ricky averaged less than 2.5 jump shots per game. Considering scouts question his ability to score off one-on-one situations, Ricky needs an offense arsenal that includes more than just lay-ups.
Pro: Pass First
Dish before swish, baby! Paul, Williams, and Derrick Rose all find ways to involve their teammates and Rubio shares that characteristic. The days of the “score, score, score” point guards ended with the flame-outs of guys like Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis. Rubio fits into the new PG model, and averaged 6.1 assists last year with Joventud (10.6 on per 40 statistics). While his J develops, Rubio will keep his teammates happy, and the fans entertained, with his passing ability.
Con: Size
The height is no problem, but the frame/weight looks a little too “elongated Marc Anthony.” Rubio’s build limits his ability down low and in the rebound game, again causing concerns regarding his versatility. Yes, homeboy will get bigger and grow stronger, but the issue is…will he grow big and strong enough?
Pro: Fun to Watch
He plays like a character in NBA Street. In no other sport does a little flair matter more than in basketball. Whether on a good or bad team, Rubio possesses the ability to put butts in the seats and highlights on SportsCenter. Enjoy!
Final Analysis: Too many red flags and holes in his game to be an NBA star. That being said – please prove me wrong Ricky.
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