NBA: Ranking Every Team’s Starting Backcourt Heading Into 2016-17

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Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

12. Minnesota Timberwolves

Starting Backcourt: Ricky Rubio and Zach LaVine

Although I believe that Rubio will be traded before the end of the season, for now, he is the projected starter next to Zach LaVine in Minnesota and, boy, doesn’t it look exciting in Wolves Land.

He may not be as young as his counterparts but Rubio is still just 25 and he is an exciting ball handler and passer, averaging 8.7 assists per game in 2015-16.

On the other side, I expect LaVine to take a huge step forward this season and compete as one of the most explosive shooting guards in the NBA. With Thibs now as his coach, let’s hope that he keep LaVine at shooting guard, where he plays his finest and can improve at the best rate.

Next: No. 11