Absloutely correct, knote32. Kindly note, that players such as Sarunas Jasikevicius, Sergio Rodriguez and Vasileios Spanoulis all came into the NBA with high expectations. These expectations were based on their accomplishments against slower players in the European leagues. When they arrived in the NBA, they were all relegated to spot-up shooters.
Yet players like Dirk Nowitski, Pedrag Petrovich, Sarunus Marchalinas, Jose Calderon, etc...etc...etc..... Did just fine. I am sure the failure rate of Euros coming over is about the same as the failure rate of college kids in the NBA as well. DD
Let us compare point guards, rather than power forwards and a swingman. Calderon has benefitted from being a high percentage field goal shooter, which teams have to respect, which opens up the passing game for Mr. Calderon. However, his quickness and open court instincts are not what accounts for his success in the NBA. Ricky Rubio, however, is the opposite. He is not known as a shooter, hence the passing lanes will be occupied by much quicker and rangier fellows. This will be a major detriment to his success. Please take the time to review videos on youtube.com of Sarunas Jasikevicius and Sergio Rodriguez. You will note similar highlight reels of open court magic, along with a few selected half court sets. However this is fools gold, as those players simply were overmatched upon their arrival in the NBA.
Well, I do have to back DD on this one. Yeah there has been Euro busts, just like their has been American busts. Some isnt even the players fault from either side. I think sometimes it has to do with fitting with your team, getting along with your coaches and players. I'm sure it is a harder task to "fit in" when you are from another country. Some guys dont even speak English, so the breaking in period might take a little longer. Its a difficult culture clash at times. I think my favorite player growing up, before his death was Drazen Petrovic. Guy was such a baller before he got killed on that Autobahn. All in all, I doubt Minnesota, would just waste such a high draft pick (one they knew most likely wouldnt come over right away), for Rubio. Just like a few other speculated teams like NY and Hou, Minnesota saw promise and possibly the "it" factor in this kid. I think when he makes the transition to the NBA, he will need 2-3 years to get used to the strength of the game. After that, I think he will be another great point guard.
I wonder if their size has anything to do with their successful crossover from Euroball to NBA - by that, I mean as opposed to smaller ball players, like Rubio appears to be. Scola's not as tall as some, but he's very solidly built and physically quite strong; he can impose his will on opposing players and they just have to like it. I suppose the opposite of him would be David Andersen, who while tall doesn't seem to have the bullish strength of Scola. He didn't appear to need it; prior to coming here, if the few euroleague videos I have seen are any indication. Is that perhaps the major difference between Euroleague and the NBA, the sheer physicality of the game, particularly in the paint?
Minny won't add Rubio. A Mark Blount, Damien Wilkins and Brian Cardinal for T-Mac deal saves Houston roughly $12 million. Although I'd prefer Brewer or Hollins, I would still pull the trigger. I'd prefer we acquire something of value but if we're sitting near the trade deadline with subpar offers, it is definitely something to consider. The only problem is that Kahn wants Houston to add an asset, which could be the deal breaker.
If this deal goes, I will be very dissapointed. I'd rather them take the Butler/Jamison deal if push comes to shove.
Hold up, where you get this info from, is it just your own speculation!?!, or is it from an article some where!?!?! -RB
Highlight videos can make anyone look good. How many of those behind the back passes sailed into the crowd or were turnovers?
Honest question, how many of Rubio's games have you actually watched to make this determination of perrenial all star?
It's a gut feeling for DD, and he has quite a gut. I happen to share his feeling and said so quite a while back, except I'm skinny. Don't know if I can rely on my gut or not!
