The Timberwolves have not gotten off to great start with just six wins near the quarter-mark of the NBA season.
There have been rumors floating around that the Minnesota could deal one of its young stars if they don’t turn things around.
Ricky Rubio is currently the longest-tenured player on the roster but he’s really struggling this season. His best game was Saturday night against Charlotte when he finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.
But he’s a player that has an affordable contract and could be packaged in a trade.
Here are 3 reasons why the Timberwolves could move on from Rubio.
1. Still can’t score
Throughout Rubio’s tenure in the NBA, the six-year veteran has averaged just 10 points per game. This season, he’s averaging a career-low 6.4 points.
He’s also struggling to knock down 3-pointers, hitting just 23 percent of them including 2 of 20 entering Saturday’s game against Charlotte. There are 37 point guards in the league who are making more field goals per game than Rubio.
2. The wins haven’t come
It’s been a long time since the Timberwolves made the playoffs – 13 years to be exact – which is the longest drought in the NBA.
In the six seasons Rubio has been with Minnesota, the team has averaged 28 wins per season. In the five years before Rubio arrived (2006-2011), they averaged 24 wins per season. Although there’s been a four-win improvement during Rubio’s tenure, is there really much of a difference between a 24 win and 28 win team?
3. It’s the same team with Rubio off the court
Most supporters of Rubio in years past have pointed out that the Timberwolves are a better team with Rubio on the court compared to him being off it. But is there really much of a difference?
Here’s how the Wolves and opponents have performed with Rubio on the court, compared to him off it since his arrival in 2011.
- Rubio on the court, MN shoots: 48%
- Rubio off court the court, MN shoots: 47%
- Rubio on the court, opponents shoots: 51%
- Rubio off the court, opponents shoots: 51%
Not much of a difference there.
The Wolves have spent two first-round picks on point guards – Tyus Jones and Kris Dunn – over the last two seasons. The big question going forward is how long Dunn and Jones will stay on the bench while Rubio leads the Wolves.
