Rubio would play for SAC, OKC, but just NOT MEM? So, it's not a "big market vs. small market" deal. Is there some beef between Dan Fegan and the Grizzlies ownership that I don't know about? Does Ricky have something against ribs or the state of Tennessee? Or is Memphis just that much more dysfunctional than any of the other bottom-dwelling teams?
The reason I've heard is because of how Pau Gasol and J.C. Navarro hated it there and/or had a bad experience during their tentures there. Other than that, I dont know. Rubio needs to understand though, you cant pick where you play in the NBA. That's not how things work. Of course if they draft you, you dont have to sign, but still.
I've heard it's the bad experiences of Spanish players like Pau and Marc Gasol and Navarro. Plus, has there ever been a more dysfunctional team? High schools get larger attendance than the Grizzlies.
Dunno why he doesn't want to play in Memphis. He would instantly become the number one option as a ROOKIE. Plus, Marc Gasol IS there. It's not like all the Spanish players who play in Memphis have bailed, or wants to bail.
Have you ever been? It pretty much sucks aside from Beal Street. I wouldn't want to live there. I'd live in Badalona (on the coast, 5 miles north of Barcelona) before I'd live in Memphis 10x out of 10.
Maybe Rubio saw that Memphis likes to give up their best players and get squat in return, and thought "yeah, I don't want to play in Memphis." Just another reason to move them to Seattle.
Memphis has Mike Conley at PG. Sacramento has Beno Udrih but can easily be replaced by Ricky. Thunder has Westbrook BUT can use him at the two guard. Also, Memphis has OJ Mayo. So he pretty much wants a lot of playing time, imo.
What's wrong with Memphis? 1) They made one of the worst trades in NBA history last year and all the principle decision makers of the trade are still in charge of the team. Either Chris Wallace is a moron and the owner keeps this moron in charge, or the owner is a greedy moron who hides behind Wallace; either way the people in charge of the team is messed up. 2) The ownership situation is messed up, the owner tried to sell the team unsuccessfully, his other businesses are reportedly in trouble as well. It all adds up to a team that's very cheap, probably cheap all the way, cheap coaches, cheap trainers, cheap hotels, cheap travel, cheap meals, just 2nd class all the way for the players. Imagine the exact opposite of the way guys are treated on the Mavs and you'll get the Grizz experience. 3) The team had the worst attendance in the league and ownership obviously wants to move the heck out of Memphis. Any one that plays in Memphis can look forward to years of empty arenas and any crowds that do show up will cheer for the opponents (like when Kobe and LBJ are in town). 4) Their track record developing point guards: Drafted Kyle Lowry in the lottery, yanked around his minutes and eventually gave him away. Drafted Mike Conley 4th overall, yanked around his minutes for 1.5 years before giving him the starting job. Any guesses on how Rubio would be treated by Memphis? 5) OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay. Gay is a ball hog, Mayo will pass, but he wants the ball in his hands at all times. Not good for a young PG. 6) Who is the coach and what is his philosophy? I don't know and I don't think anyone else does either, it seems like both are in flux.
Marc is disgruntled, too? He spent a couple years in high school living there, I think. Is their problem about the city or the management/ownership?
I thinks its a organizational thing. Memphis is a good city. They do have a lot of black people like atl and dc, but there is a lot of history there. Most of the athletes live in olive branch,ms which is like sugarland in terms of distance and feel. When the team was winning, they drew great crowds and the arena was pumped. They gave gasol away and the team is struggling and people refuse to give their money away.
Unlike other college players though that is how it works for Rubio. That is until he has his signature for his first NBA team.
The Rubio camp probably sees the Grizzlies for what they are: a hapless organization with no identity and little devotion to building a winning product. I know I wouldn't want to play there.
If you want to know whats wrong with Memphis...just watch The First 48 on A&E. If I were Rick R....I would stay away...far away form Memphis. http://www.aetv.com/the_first_48/
Wow, I totally forgot Mayo was on that team... *facepalms self* Rubio would be close to the first option though, but not on defense. How's that? They need a playmaker in the worst way. Conley won't be able to get it done.
