PG | 6-4, 192 LBS
2014-15 season: 22 games, 22 starts, 10.3 points, 8.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 35.6 FG%, 25.5 3P%, 80.3 FT%
You could argue that that Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff chances started and ended with Ricky Rubio last season.
The Wolves looked good in the first four games, going 2-2 against the Grizzlies, Pistons, Bulls and Nets. Three of the four were playoff teams in 2013-14. And Rubio looked good as well after a summer with shooting coach Mike Penberthy. But 13 minutes into game five on the road against the Orlando Magic, Rubio went up for a layup and sprained his left ankle after landing on the foot of Nikola Vucevic.
He wouldn’t play again February 2. By that time, the team was way out of the playoff hunt and had gotten rid of the core of the roster.
Rubio had some solid games last season, despite playing in just 22, including seven double-doubles and a triple-double. On the season, Rubio averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 assists (career-high), 5.7 rebounds (career-high) and 1.7 steals. That’s a pretty solid stat line for a pass-first point guard. We’ll get to Rubio’s shooting a bit later. That’s certainly something we can’t ignore.
It’d probably be weird to say that Rubio’s career is at a crossroads. He’s only 24 years old. But he’s had just one healthy season as a pro and his shooting percentages haven’t increased. The Wolves hope that year five is the leap year for the former European star.
Top Three Games Of The Season
3.) March 7 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Rubio did a little bit of everything in this 121-113 home win over the Trail Blazers. The Spaniard finished with 13 points, a game-high 15 assists to go with eight rebounds, which tied for the team lead. What might have been more impressive, though, is that Rubio had just one turnover in the game – unheard of for a player with the ball in his hands as much as Rubio. He shot 5-of-12 from the field, 1-of-3 from the three-point line and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line.
This pass from Rubio to Wiggins is something Wolves fans hope they see for a very, very long time.
2.) November 5 at Brooklyn Nets
Fans might remember this game, because it was the game before Rubio went down with that gruesome injury. We saw what Rubio was capable of and most fans thought it was a sign of things to come.
Rubio finished with 14 points, a game-high 12 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in 34 minutes and 29 seconds of play. He shot an efficient 6-of-11 from the field, one coming from the three-point line.
1.) March 2 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Rubio’s best game, without a doubt, came in a home loss to the Clippers. Sure, the Wolves lost, but Minnesota got a spectacular performance from its point guard. Rubio finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and one steal. It was Rubio’s fourth triple-double of his career and first since March 19 of the 2013-14 season.
He shot 5-of-11 from the field and 1-of-4 from the three-point, which isn’t great, but he was able to get to the free-throw line. He finished shooting 7-of-9 from the charity stripe.
This was one heck of a game if you’re a fan of point guards. Chris Paul didn't disappoint, either.
Top Offseason Objectives
The biggest concern going into the offseason for Rubio is his health.
He has played just one full season (82 games in 2013-14) since his arrival into the league. In his defense, his torn ACL and sprained ankle aren’t related. These aren’t career-ending injuries, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a bit alarming if you’re a fan of the Wolves. Rubio needs to fully rehab is ankle and make sure he’s at 100 percent before he starts full 5-on-5 practices. He’s the catalyst for the Wolves’ offense. When Rubio is on, the team is on. That was on display in the four games before Rubio got hurt and again after he returned. Minnesota was a better team with Rubio on the court. The Wolves were 7-15 with Rubio on the court and 9-67 without him. That certainly says something.
He’s part of the young core that the team plans to build around. He’ll need to be on the court for that to happen.
And then there’s the elephant in the room that we obviously saved for last.
Rubio’s shooting.
Rubio’s form looked better with the assistance from Penberthy. He seemed more confident and after the first five games of the season, Rubio shot 20-of-47 from the field, good for 42.5 percent. That would mark a career-high. Obviously it’s a small sample size, but it can’t be ignored.
He ended up shooting 35.6 percent from the field and 25.5 percent from the three-point line. Both were career lows.
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On a positive note, Rubio tied a career-high shooting 80.3 percent from the free-throw line.
This again is a small sample size – just 22 games. Only 13 of those games came consecutively. It was also made clear at the end of the year that Rubio’s ankle wasn’t at 100 percent when he returned to play.
There’s no doubt that Rubio will work on his outside shot this offseason, while also putting a focus on finishing near the rim, something that he’s also struggled with throughout his career (just 13-of-41 last season). He’ll come into Training Camp and will likely look better, but the true test will be over the course of an 82-game season.
They Said It…
“I want to clear the air that him not playing has nothing to do with him not wanting to play or not working to try to play. He’s doing everything he can. We as an organization have been the ones that have tried to hold him back.” – President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Flip Saunders on Ricky Rubio’s desire to come back from his ankle injury last season.