Let's attempt to look at Rubio somewhat objectively. Defensive stats don't seem to paint the full picture, so I'll rely on what journalist and experts have said. He is at least an average defender, if not better. 2nd in the NBA in steals per game, and 1st in steals per minute. 5th among PGs in rebounds per game, and that's playing with Love and Pekovic....both are above average rebounders (Love is elite). 2nd in the NBA in assists per game. 5th in points created off assists per game. 6th in assists to turnovers ratio. 13th in time of possession, which is less than Lowry (who the rockets were targeting in free agency) He is above average to elite at every facet of the game except one....shooting. Now I'm not saying we should overlook shooting. He's terrible from everywhere inside the arc. He has shown some promise from 3-land though, and that is something to build on. He is a horrendous mid-range shooter....but that's ok because he won't be shooting those on the Rockets. Finishing at the rim is a huge problem. So really, when we get down to it, we have this mountain of good things and one significant bad thing (finishing at the rim). I'd take the risk that he can improve as a shooter, and I imagine that's exactly what he's trying to do this summer.
Rubio on the Rockets would make some of the sweetest plays you've ever seen, but Minny will want too much, so it's a moot point. Regardless of whether he's overrated or not, he's a star, and teams just don't cough them up for nothing. Well, except for OK.
BTW, here's an article by Kirk Goldsberry on Rubio's shooting woes. He doesn't make excuses for him, but does put Rubio's problems in context. Goldsberry concludes with: "The critical issue here is player development. Unlike other young point guards like Damian Lillard or Steph Curry, Rubio is not getting better. At a critical stage, when you’re supposed to blossom, Rubio’s growth has stunted. That’s on the organization as much as it’s on the player." http://grantland.com/the-triangle/courtvision-whats-the-matter-with-ricky-rubio/
Do pretty passes make someone a star now? The dude averaged 9.5 PPG on 38% shooting with 8.6 APG. That seems incredibly far from star level.
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." Now, think about it. A month ago, if you'd trusted what we said ( or at least kept an open mind)....you could have enjoyed/been excited about this as it unfolded/ developed. Instead, it's almost as if some folks feel locked into a position (or are hard core cynics) and feel like they have to root against it....saying it's impossible...we're full of it...blah, blah, blah If you had watched this unfold from a different perspective...and we were HERE...where we are now.You wouldn't be saying this. Perhaps you would have recognized all the posturing...in the press lately..The Lakers "offer"......the desperate Hibbert "offer"..C'mon...This latest, very obvious (and pathetic) attempt at some kind of leverage...regarding LOVE. He's had his bags packed for Cleveland for a month. Roll with it all. It always has been a fluid situation. Obviously, we've been in talks with PHX for awhile. My response when people would ask WHEN was...watch Bledsoe's contract negotiations. It didn't reach this point with PHX or any of these other teams that are on the hook overnight. The fact that we've reached this point is pretty cool. You ALL know there are a multitude of things that can happen to gum up the works. But there are contingencies...It's been that way since FA started. Daryl's got this....Don't worry... Do all you cynics really believe we're going to waste our window with a bunch of non rotation worthy ex Rockets on NG contracts? I know plenty get it, but the rest of you need to buck up. Life's to short...and besides, all shall be revealed.......soooooon....VERY SOON!
I'm not so sure about that. Rubio is a Kahn guy, and Kahn is gone. Also, Rubio is not a star at this point. He has that potential, but as Goldsberry points out, he's actually regressed over the last few years. I could definitely see a 3 team trade like BBH suggested. Rubio to Houston, Bledsoe to Minnesota, and assets to from both Minnesota and Houston to PHX.
Don't you all think it's been waaaay to quiet at Rocket HQ considering the situation. The calm before the storm..... There's a hurricane just off Antigua headed into the Gulf .....and it's headed straight for the Toyota Center.
Y'all don't really think Morey is going to give up assets for the right to overpay Ricky Rubio, do y'all?
Too much. I might do DMo, NOP 1st, and Capela. Johnson is possible only because we get to keep Beverley. The future protected 1st is absolutely too much.
Rubio shooting is not a big issue if we get a 4 who can shoot, Rubio can do a lot of other things & plays D. Howard & harden having spacing In the lane is a bigger issue, than spacing for harden at the top of the key FYI
