Apr 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) dribbles against the Utah Jazz at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
1. Ricky Rubio
With Kevin Love on his way to Cleveland, Rubio will have his opportunity to take the reigns and prove he’s ready to be “the guy” in Minnesota. It’s been reported by SI.com that Rubio wants a max contract. Who doesn’t these days? Flip Saunders will have to make some major decisions about Rubio’s future with the Wolves.
Other than his shooting and scoring, Rubio is a great point guard in the NBA. His playmaking skills and passing are as good as any point guard in the league. He shoots such a low percentage from the field, 34 percent last season, that teams often don’t have to guard Rubio without the ball and can sag off him so much to easily stop his straight line drives to the basket.
If he worth a max contract, probably not right now, but he has an entire season to prove himself. The problem is that the Wolves have no leverage over Rubio. I believe some team is willing to give Rubio max money because of how well he can play defense and get teammates involved. The Dallas Mavericks would love a guy like Rubio and would give him a similar three-year, $45 million deal that they gave Chandler Parsons, which is outlined by Joseph Zapata of Bleacher Report.
Personally, I don’t see Rubio forcing his way out midseason, but if it’s clear the Timberwolves don’t want to offer Rubio a five-year extension that he’s seeking, Minnesota might be a similar situation they were this summer with Love.