In an interview with Spanish reporter Jorge Quiroga, Ricky Rubio (through translation) opened up a vein about his time in Minnesota. And it wasn’t all positive.
“In this league, we know we are professionals, and that feelings are left on the side. It was a team I was happy in, but we had four or five coaching changes, that was hard to endure.” Rubio continued, “In the end, I really do believe this trade was a good thing for both sides. Things just did not work out for the last six years.”
Last month Tom Thibodeau traded Rubio to the Jazz for a first round pick, and signed PG Jeff Teague to take the reigns at the one-spot for the Wolves.
It’s understandable Rubio’s feelings were hurt. Ricky had been with the club for six losing seasons, and his name was brought up in several trade rumors since Thibs’ takeover in 2016. He may be right that it could be a positive thing for both sides for a change of scenery.
For Wolves fans though, it is fair to wonder if Ricky’s claim “things did not work out” was more a product of a poorly run organization or because of his own shortcomings on the court.
Either way, Rubio is embracing a new life as a member of the Utah Jazz, and the Wolves have moved on to focusing on a playoff berth for the first time since 2004.
