Rubio's Words of Wisdom

Not every pro athlete takes their situation for granted.  Check out Ricky Rubio giving advice to rookie, Alexy Shved, during the Wolves 116-94 loss to the Lakes last night.  Pretty cool stuff.

Don't look now, but the Lakers are only 2 back of the 8 seed out West. 

Ricky the Kid up to his old tricks

Last night, while Minnesota was en route to their 8th loss in 9 games, this time to the Spurs, Ricky the Kid found the time to embarrass former Pitt Panter, DeJuan Blair, with a nifty little pass through his legs to my boy, Steimsma, for the layup.  Lately, former Pitt Panthers have made a living being embarrassed by younger, more talented players.

The Spurs are once again boasting the best record in the league at 39-11, 1.5 games better than the Thunder, and are winners of 11 straight.  No idea how it is possible that a team this good could be considered "under the radar" but that is exactly what they are.  Coach Pop just gets in done year after year with whoever he has on the court.

The Best and Worst of Ricky the Kid

Though the Timberwolves fell to the Nets last night 91-83, Ricky had another highlight moment when he made one of my least favorite players in the league, Deron Williams, look like a fool with the pass below.

The Kid's trickery did not go unpunished as later in the game Joe Johnson extracted his revenge by exploiting Rubio's tendency to go for the steal, making him look like a complete fool.

I have no rooting interest for the 'Wolves, but some part of me really wishes they would've been healthy this year.  Would have really liked to see what they could do.  As it stands now, they're sitting in 10th at 17-22, 2.5 games out of the 8 spot.

PS HOLY SHIT, the Nets are only 2.5 games out of first in the East!?

Ricky the Kid should stick to passing

Ricky the Kid sure isn't a scorer but even Ron Artest could make this shot...

Rubio is one of the most gifted young point guards in the league but his knee really seems to be effecting his play.  As of last night's game, he ranked dead last in the league in field goal percentage at the rim, making just 25 percent of his attempts. What's even more concerning is he's making just 21 percent of his jumpers.  Those numbers coupled with the absence of Milk Chocolate spell doom for the 'Wolves and make my early season prediction look like crazy person talk.  (In my defense, the 'Wolves have been good when healthy.)

Minnesota's Last Hope: Ricky Rubio

With Kevin Love out 6-8 weeks, there isn't much sunshine on the horizon for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  During OKC's 106-84 demolition of the 'Wolves last night, there was one, fleeting bright spot, a between the legs pass from Ricky Rubio between 2 Thunder defenders to Lou Amundson.  Unfortunately, the bright spot went dark as soon as the ball hit Lou's hands.  The resulting shot attempt was one of the ugliest layup (hook shot?) attempts I have ever seen.  If only that pass was to Milk Chocolate...