With an established face of the franchise, in Anthony Edwards, and complemental All-Stars in Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves have just about everything they need to compete for an NBA Championship. Except, they could really use another veteran point guard…

Ricky Rubio stepped away from the game of basketball in August of 2023, to focus on his mental health. That led to a contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then in January of 2024, he announced his retirement from the NBA.

Roughly one month later, Ricky inked a contract with FC Barcelona, in his native Spain. He played 15 games with Barca before their season ended and his contract expired. Now, Rubio is a free agent who appears to be keeping his options open, while he recalibrates his future.

Ricky Rubio taking summer to focus on mental health, weigh future basketball options

The 12 year NBA veteran hasn’t given Barcelona any sort of commitment for next season and will not compete with the Spanish National Team at the Olympics. Rubio recently told reporters that he is taking this summer to decide if professional basketball is still in his future.

“Last Monday they started training, I think I didn’t have enough time to be 100% ready because my sporting career depended on this summer, in terms of keep playing or not.”

“I think it would have been selfish, for me, playing for the national team without being 100% ready for them. I also needed to think about myself at that moment.”

Ricky Rubio on why he isn’t playing with the Spain National Team for Olympics (June 14, 2024)

Now 33 years old, Ricky Rubio is far from being ‘too old’ to play in the league. In fact, he’s only one year older than his former teammate, Rudy Gobert, and three years younger than another former Utah teammate, Joe Ingles, who just signed with the Wolves.

A Ricky Rubio return to Minnesota Timberwolves makes too much sense

And if he is going to return to basketball, and wants to play at the highest level again, there’s only one situation that seems downright perfect for Ricky Rubio. Almost too perfect to believe he would land anywhere else. The Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ricky Rubio en su primera etapa en los Timberwolves era una delicia verle.
pic.twitter.com/VZJxZZTzFD

— Timberwolves España 🇪🇸 (@TWolvesEspNBA) January 4, 2024

After being aggressive during the NBA Draft, where the Wolves hope they found their PG of the future, Tim Connelly, hasn’t had much success finding veteran help in the backcourt. Instead, they’ve seen the opposite. Monte Morris signed with the Phoenix Suns and Connelly executed a sign-and-trade that shipped Kyle Anderson to Golden State.

Aside from signing Joe Ingles on a veteran minimum deal, and somehow bringing back a fan favorite in Luka Garza on a two-year contract, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been mostly quiet. And if there is one need on the roster that stands out above the rest, it’s point guard. MN has lost Morris, Anderson and is still likely to move on from Jordan McLaughlin. All three brought the ball up for the Wolves last season.

Related: 10 Greatest Minnesota Timberwolves Players Of All-Time; Does Ricky Rubio Make the Cut?

Why can’t they find PG depth? Because point guards are expensive and all they can offer is a veteran minimum contract. But you know who would be a veteran minimum PG, if he decided to return to the NBA? You guessed it.

Ricky Rubio’s returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves makes too much sense not to explore. There haven’t been a lot of rumors linking the Wolves to free agent point guards, since Morris signed in Phoenix.

Rubio may not be able to give an answer yet, but Tim Connelly needs to call and check in on him; at least kick the tires and see if he might be interested, or if it is something that he has at all thought about. Because the fit is too perfect.

Did you know there are six current Timberwolves who have been teammates with Rubio?

• Rudy Gobert – Played with Rubio for two seasons in Utah
• Joe Ingles – Played with Rubio for two seasons in Utah
• Anthony Edwards – Played with Rubio in 2020-21
• Jaden McDaniels – Played with Rubio in 2020-21
• Naz Reid – Played with Rubio in 2020-21
• Karl-Anthony Towns – Played with Rubio for three seasons

That’s a lot of chemistry and experience between Rubio and several Timberwolves players, in an organization that he knows and feels comfortable with. Edwards and Towns have previously spoken glowingly about their special bond with the talented Spaniard.

Related: John Calipari Guards Drafted in Top 25 Hit Every Time, So Go Ahead and Doubt Rob Dillingham

Towns thanked Rubio for “making him a better man.” Edwards credited Rubio with “making the game easier,” specifically relating to defensive coverages he’d face. Meanwhile, Gobert said he “learned a lot from” Rubio, who “always made people around him better.” Wouldn’t these traits be a worthy addition to any sports team?

Imagine what Ricky Rubio and Mike Conley can teach Rob Dillingham?

It’s fair to say that Rubio never lived up to his superstar potential in Minnesota or throughout the rest of his NBA career, but he’s no longer looked upon in that role. If he were to return, he’d be coming to the Timberwolves as a veteran third point guard who brings invaluable experience off the bench.

He, along with Conley, would be critical in helping Rob Dillingham reach his full potential. As Tim Connelly noted, Dillingham is a “bucket,” but there’s plenty of room for growth as a floor general, which is Rubio’s specialty.

Fuck it, Rob Dillingham highlights pic.twitter.com/HHszTCKrig

— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) May 26, 2024

Rubio’s passion for the game could be re-ignited during Olympic play. While he won’t participate, he’ll witness several others, including former teammates, competing at the highest stage. If there is anything that will remind him of the love he has for basketball, it’s watching his best friends compete against each other on the world’s biggest stage, right?

That’s where the Timberwolves come in. Rubio isn’t going to just return to basketball without a purpose. But he’s never won an NBA Championship, and as long as he’s mentally ready, it’s hard to say he doesn’t have plenty of gas left in the tank.

Bring Ricky back?

But again, he’s not going to come out of retirement just to join the Detroit Pistons or another non-contender. No, Rubio is a true competitor who likely would want to join a championship effort, and there’s no place like his second home, with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who could provide comfort than any other team in the world, aside from maybe playing in Spain.

Related: Timberwolves Have Reported Interest in Trading for Blossoming Utah Jazz All-Star Forward

The Timberwolves likely wouldn’t call on Rubio to play heavy minutes, heck, he might not even crack Chris Finch’s immediate rotation as they prioritize getting minutes for Dillingham. But just as Jordan McLaughlin found a way to get on the floor, you can bet Rubio would find a way too, especially if the big personalities of Anthony Edwards and Dillingham can re-create that passion to play basketball again.

If Ricky Rubio wants to play, there’s no better fit than with the Minnesota Timberwolves. You heard it here first.

With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching (March 25,) rumors involving the Minnesota Timberwolves have been flying. Most reports involving the pups surround their veteran players. The list includes Ricky Rubio, Jake Layman, Ed Davis, and Juancho Hernangomez.

Pictured: the man who told hoopshype they were receiving calls pic.twitter.com/dnwQQF87ZK

— Trenton Hassles Carmelo (@TrentonHassles) March 14, 2021

The Wolves will make moves. How big will they be?

The Wolves currently own the worst record in the NBA at 8-30, so trying to sell off veterans to playoff teams at the deadline should be no surprise at all. But how much are these players truly worth? Gersson Rosas traded a second round pick for Ed Davis before the season and he hasn’t played since early February. Layman and Hernangomez have both been in the lineup a bit more of late but both had terrible starts to their seasons. Right now, Ricky Rubio is the only player with any value and he hasn’t been very good either.

One way or another, a couple of these players will probably be moved in the next couple weeks for marginal assets, like late second round picks or younger, non-rotation players. But the other, and more exciting way for the Wolves to unload some of these veterans, would be as salary filler in a blockbuster trade for a legitimate cornerstone player. Those rumors were flying last week and revolved mostly around John Collins (Hawks) and Aaron Gordon (Magic).

Timberwolves love John Collins

If Rosas were to go blockbuster at the deadline, his likely target is John Collins from Atlanta. The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly “dying” to trade for Collins.

“People keep telling me The Timberwolves are dying to have John Collins & want him BAD”.

per Jackie MacMullan on the Bill Simmons podcast.

— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) March 12, 2021

A trade for someone like Collins isn’t as simple as Ricky Rubio plus Ed Davis and a late pick. Why in the hell would Atlanta do that? To get John Collins the Wolves would have to part with someone like Malik Beasley or Anthony Edwards, at the least.

Could the Wolves part with someone like Malik Beasley (plus salary-filler veterans) to get Collins? If you’re wanting fireworks over the next couple weeks then you’d better hope so. These veterans alone won’t net the Minnesota Timberwolves anything significant in return. The logistical route to acquiring Collins is a nightmare, reportedly, so we’ll see how BADLY Rosas and Co wants to make a deal.

Time to say goodbye to Rubio?

As mentioned earlier, Ricky Rubio is the most interesting veteran trade chip Rosas holds. Minnesota acquired him to be a backup point guard and strong mentor for their many young players. He is clearly excelling at the latter half of that equation. Anthony Edwards sang his praises this weekend.

Anthony Edwards is trying to take over a leadership role on this team.

Said he’s taken bits and pieces on leadership from watching Ricky Rubio

Ant said Rubio is the best leader he’s ever been around

— jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) March 12, 2021

A big reason Ricky Rubio was brought in this offseason was to help Anthony Edwards

Ant tonight on how Rubio has done that pic.twitter.com/86tVPkkAKa

— jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) March 12, 2021

If Rubio really is important to the any type of development for the younger pups, does it make sense to flip him for a (likely) worthless 2nd rounder? This team is already the youngest team in the league. On paper, trading Rubio has made sense for a while now. But after reading that quote from Anthony Edwards, trading Rubio could do a lot more harm than it could good. Ricky has another year on his deal. Hold out on trading him unless you get an offer that blows you away.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Ricky Rubio during the November 2020 NBA Draft, everyone celebrated. The prodigal son was returning.

Then, the season started and reality dropped on this franchise like an anvil in a cheap 1990’s Saturday morning cartoon.

Now, we are 35 games deep and you couldn’t have dreamed up a bigger disaster. Karl-Anthony Towns was hurt for a good chunk of the early games and then D’Angelo Russell went down right before KAT returned. DLo has now been a Wolf for over one year but he and his best-KAT-friend have only played five games together.

Better with Karl but not good enough

No matter the excuses, the Wolves 7-28 record sits last in the NBA. Poor play led to the poorly-timed firing of Ryan Saunders, which has rubbed many the wrong way. Throw in a bunch of legal trouble for Malik Beasley, who is now suspended for 12 games, and you really couldn’t make up a worse start to this season.

The Wolves have been better since Karl-Anthony Towns returned to the lineup but it hasn’t led to wins. The losses have, in fact, gotten worse since Chris Finch took over but that shouldn’t be a surprise (more on that shortly).

But fans are done with the excuses… and they aren’t the only ones. Ricky Rubio had a few licks of the success popsicle when he left town for a few years and he didn’t return so he could lose another heap of games in a Wolves uniform.

Just ask him…

Ricky Rubio, thank you for the brutal honesty. #Timberwolves #RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/krdm5acWZy

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) March 1, 2021

I can’t blame Rubio for how he feels and I appreciate his honesty. There isn’t a Minnesota Timberwolves fan out there, who’s been around since the KG era, that still follows this team like they did 15 years ago. You can’t. There isn’t a hole dark enough to handle that depression.

Trust the P-Rosas?

If Ricky is this concerned about the culture Gersson Rosas is building… then I am concerned too. I really think these comments are damning and I’m not sure how the Minnesota Timberwolves front office will take them.

But when the dust settles on 2021, Rosas isn’t going anywhere. And because of that, even if he wasn’t trying to, I think Ricky Rubio asked to be traded last night.

I’m not saying Rubio is wrong. But if Rosas believes in the culture he is building, which I hope he does, then how can he keep someone like Rubio around? He pretty much just threw Rosas’ entire “process” under the bus.

Others on the team have noted the upbeat nature that most are keeping even through all the turmoil. Even the most critical fans/experts understand the heartbreak KAT has dealt with this offseason and the aftershock that seems obvious from afar.

That’s before you even get into the shit-storm a blind Chris Finch was walking into when he was hired in unprecedented fashion just last week…

Rosas is going to get one more season after 2021, no matter how sideways things get. We’ll know a lot more about where things are heading this time next year. It just doesn’t sound like Rubio is willing to wait that long.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Anthony Edwards had another massive performance last night, this time vs LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Ant carried the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 4th quarter last night, as the Lakers charged back and took control of a back and forth game. Without Edwards standing in the way, who knows how ugly that last period would have gotten.

Lotta Ant 3-pointers in here

Anthony Edwards scored a career-high 28 points with five treys in the @Timberwolves loss to the Lakers.

Highlights ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3x6bkySds5

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) February 17, 2021

Anthony Edwards tonight:

28 PTS
7 REB
5 AST
5 3PT
10-20 FG

He’s the 2nd Wolves rookie to put up 25/5/5 and 5+ threes in franchise history (Wally Szczerbiak). pic.twitter.com/DBWnhpjCUq

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 17, 2021

More Ant.

This isn’t the first game where we’ve seen Anthony Edwards elevate his game. Saunders and the Wolves confirmed over the weekend that they are drawing up more plays for Ant and making sure the ball is in his hands more often.

He’s flourished with the increased opportunities. The clear uptick in minutes started vs the Golden State Warriors on January 25. In the 13 games since, Edwards is averaging 18 pts, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He’s started 11 of those contests.

He’s been even better of late, averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in his last six.

Rubio impressed before Ant’s rise

Ricky Rubio, however, was impressed by Anthony Edwards long before he started getting more run from Rosas and Co. Unlike other high draft picks of nightmare’s past, Edwards has never been worried about where he slots into the lineup or how much of the game plan is catered toward him.

He’s come in, raised locker room morale and put his nose to the grindstone. And with that, he’s earned everything that comes his way. I can’t get enough of these Rubio quotes.

Ricky Rubio couldn't stop smiling during Anthony Edwards' 4th quarter surge.

So I had to ask: Why does Edwards' success bring his teammates so much joy?

Ricky Rubio explains: pic.twitter.com/YzjXyfcyTe

— jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) February 17, 2021

Ant on Ant

You don’t have to watch very many Anthony Edwards interviews to know why he so well liked within the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room. I’ve already blogged about how perfectly he fits into this team’s puzzle.

Here’s what he had to say after Tuesday’s loss, his best game of the season. Remember, the Wolves were DOMINATED the last time they played LeBron and the Lakers (127-91).

Ant has way more fire than he was ever given credit for coming out of college.

"I just took it personal and took it upon myself to show that I don't care who I'm going against."

Hear from #Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards after his career night ???? pic.twitter.com/z6rAxgZFqO

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) February 17, 2021

Ant + Dwayne Wade

Anthony shouted out Dwayne Wade, when asked who he styles his play after. Wade was working live on TNT last night and responded to Edwards in real time. He’s very high on the former Georgia Bulldog.

"I definitely think he can be a better player than I was. He has all the tools."@DwyaneWade has high hopes for Anthony Edwards. pic.twitter.com/0CcSdPM3eK

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

After a couple of nice wins to start the season, things have completely fallen apart for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns has a dislocated wrist and his return timetable doesn’t look very promising.

Josh Okogie started the first three games of the season, but had to sit out game 4 with an injury as well. The now 2-2 Wolves need both guys back, especially Towns. Still, their absences can’t cover for a complete lack of energy in two straight blowout losses.

Ricky Rubio agrees.

Here's Ricky Rubio's getting critical of the #Timberwolves awful play the last two games. (????️: @Timberwolves) pic.twitter.com/PUdIRlc6RH

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 30, 2020

– “When things not going our way everybody started playing selfish. We gotta learn. You can put in a lot of excuses,’we are young, blah, blah, blah. This and that.’ But once you step on the court, you’re playing for an NBA team and the last two games, it’s been ridiculously bad. There’s no other words to put it.”

Rubio: We're 2-2, which is a good record. But it doesn't show where we're at right now. We are way worse than 2-2.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 30, 2020

Ricky Rubio was very blunt tonight. Didn't pull punches about the defense…

"We didn't play good defense. We didn't play defense at all."

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) December 30, 2020

A leader the Wolves desperately needed

If there is one positive to take from these last couple games, it’s that Rubio is going to get on guys for poor performance. The Wolves haven’t really had a key veteran leader like that since… Jimmy Butler? Luckily, Ricky is nothing like Jimmy.

Hopefully Rubio will be find ways to connect with these younger players in a way Butler never could. We will certainly find out, especially without Karl around for the foreseeable future.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ next game is on New Year’s Day (Friday) against Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards. Both teams are struggling right now, so it would be a good time for the Wolves to get back on track.

Then again… so were the Clippers.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

The longest offseason in Minnesota Timberwolves history is finally over. After 276 days without the Wolves, they took the Target Center court on Saturday night vs the Memphis Grizzlies, in the first of three preseason games. Not only are they back, but there is more optimism and hope surrounding this team than we have seen in years.

With the regular season bearing down on us (December 23rd), there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Here are three, along with any answers we got last night.

1. How will the D-Lo/Rubio combination look while sharing the floor?

Since being away from the Minnesota Timberwolves, all Ricky Rubio has done is make those around him better, especially young stars. Over his last three seasons, Ricky has had a positive (+/-) when sharing the floor with 79% of his teammates (23 of 29) according to Basketball Reference. Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell, two players similar in talent to D-Lo, were at their best when Rubio was on the floor.

Rubio has shared the floor with other really good primary ball handlers during his career. Unlike his first stint here though, Rubio is now capable of hitting the three ball (36.1% in 2019-20) when defenders leave him to guard Russell.

Here’s proof:

It’s #Timberwolves game day! I’m excited to see Russell and Rubio share the floor.

With Rubio being much better behind the arc, I expect him to be a big help for Russell. Here he is being left open as Booker has defenders drawn to him. pic.twitter.com/CTtaiU3Q0q

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 12, 2020

In preseason game 1 last night, their minutes together were limited but Rubio did hit Russell for an open three pointer. Hopefully they get much more time together in the next two preseason games. (vs Grizzlies: 12/14, @Mavs: 12/17)

2. Can Jarrett Culver develop into a solid role player?

The number six overall pick in last year’s draft, Jarrett Culver, looked like a bust after one season. But, he wasn’t traded and it’s never wise to completely write off a player after his rookie year.

Culver showed a bit of improvement after the All Star break last season, averaging 9.8 points, 1.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds with a .494 FG% and .424 3P%.

One minute of Jarrett Culver post-deadline last season #Timberwolves https://t.co/1pLliSTGof pic.twitter.com/ODmu0Mg8TM

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 12, 2020

In these three preseason games, Culver will be fighting for minutes. As of right now, it is hard to project a role for him unless he shows substantial improvement on both ends of the floor.

Culver looked both good and bad in his first game. He got substantial minutes and played the wing and even some point guard. The Wolves are definitely trying to get him reps in these preseason games.

3. How will the power forward position be handled?

Before last night, Juancho Hernangomez seemed to default as the starting power forward, when the regular season begins. Who else would play there? Are the Wolves willing to consistently stick with the small ball approach, leaving Layman/Okogie to battle some of the bigger 4’s across the league? Can you imagine Josh Okogie matching up on Rudy Gobert regularly?

Rosas and Saunders will need to be creative with their lineup combinations. Expect all of Hernangomez, Layman, Okogie and Hollis-Jefferson to get the bulk of those minutes. Culver, Vanderbilt and Davis could see some run there as well. It’ll be a group effort

Last night, we actually saw a lot of hope at the power forward position, thanks mostly to Jake Layman. He surprisingly got the start and was probably the Minnesota Timberwolves’ best player, scoring 10 points and posting a +11 in 20 minutes.

Jake Layman is playing an excellent game tonight. Knocks down a 3 and immediately gets a block. #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/Pah23IlJ8H

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 13, 2020

Defensively he showed up too, grabbing two steals and a block. The chemistry between Layman and Towns remains really good and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him steal the starting power-forward position going forward, if he can hold it down defensively. 

BONUS: Can Charlie Brown carry the Wolves to the finals?

NEWS: Timberwolves Sign Charlie Brown Jr.

Full Release: https://t.co/SSNWqXuQ0c

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) December 11, 2020

The Minnesota Timberwolves play their first regular season game on December 23rd and there are still a bunch of unanswered questions. This season, the questions aren’t sad and destitute like they have been in years past, but they need to be answered nonetheless. The first, and main question, is a simple one: who is going to start?

We know for sure that Towns and Russell will be there, but who will fill the other three spots? Here are all the players who could potentially start for the Wolves. Sorry Jarrett Culver, but you’re just not very good.

• Malik Beasley
• Ricky Rubio
• Juancho Hernangomez
• Josh Okogie
• Jake Layman
• Anthony Edwards

Embarrassment of riches?

From those six spots, Rosas and Saunders need to find 3 starters. Beasley was just given $15 million/year, but faces a potential suspension. Rubio is a top-4 player on this roster but could be very useful leading a young bench too. Hernangomez is one of only two capable power forwards, but he can’t defend (do we care?).

Okogie plays solid defense, with great energy, but would also make for a good spark plug off the bench. Layman is valuable but doesn’t have the same breakout potential. Edwards is only 19 and loaded with talent but he hasn’t had an offseason and won’t have much of a preseason.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves were smart enough to hire me as the guy who makes these major roster decisions, here would be my starting-five.

• PG: D’Angelo Russel
• SG: Malik Beasley
• SF: Jake Layman
• PF: Juan Hernangomez
• C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Why Beasley?

Malik Beasley, while his off-the-court antics are highly questionable (and allegedly criminal), did more than enough in 14 games on-the-court last season, to prove he belongs in the starting lineup. He’s also a 3rd shooting threat next to Towns and Russell, which should help all three of them get decent looks at the basket. He isn’t good at defense, but who needs defense, right?

Why Juan Hernangomez?

I believe Juancho Hernangomez is as much a lock as anyone to be in this starting lineup, mostly because there’s nobody else. JH is talented enough to do it on offense and, I’m feeling like a bit of a broken record at this point, but we don’t care about defense in this blog. Lastly, Juancho Hernangomez is really annoying to spell. Can we get this dude a nickname?

Why Jake Layman?

I love me some Jake Layman and I believe he is best suited for this spot. Is he the most talented out of him, Rubio, Edwards, and Okogie? No, he may even be fourth on that list… but I think he fits in best with the other four starters.

Although it comes in very small sample sizes, he was one of the only players to have a positive +/- two-man rotation with both DLo and Towns (according to basketball-reference.com). When playing with Russell, the Wolves were +10.8 in +/- last season. With Towns, it was a +7.2. Layman provides stability both offensively (and defensively for those who care). He’s another outside shooter, too.

Bench of Stars

There are pieces of the second unit that have me more excited than the first. A bench of Rubio, Edwards, and Okogie sounds pretty damn good. They’d certainly be a lot of fun to watch. Nobody knows how to run an offense better than Rubio and he’s the perfect side-piece to a young and blossoming Anthony Edwards, Josh Okogie and Jarrett Culver.

It’s not always about who starts the game, though. Who is playing in crunch time? It will obviously depend partly on game flow and who is playing well, but you’d have to think we’ll see both Russell and Rubio on the floor in key late-game situations.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

Gersson Rosas and the Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the local basketball world when they brought Ricky Rubio back to Minneapolis via trade, during the 2020 NBA Draft.

Both Ed Davis, who was also traded to Minnesota on draft night, and Ricky got on a Zoom conference with Gersson Rosas, Ryan Saunders and media this morning. During the call, both Rubio and Rosas talked about prior interest in each other that dates back to last offseason when Rosas took the job and Rubio was a free agent.

Ricky Rubio back to the #Timberwolves was clearly just a matter of time. pic.twitter.com/PFEp1XrQKG

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 1, 2020

Clearly, Gersson likes what the friendly Spaniard brings to a Timberwolves table full of (hopefully) rabid scorers, but low on defense, leadership and distribution. I can’t blame him. Rubio is elite at two out of those three categories, even if his defense is a bit overrated.

An overrated (but still good) defender will upgrade a Minnesota club that may have to score 150 points to win. They need any and all help they can get on that end of the floor.

Seriously, the fairy-tale nature of this trade makes you overlook how much real sense it makes.

The perfect fit

Minnesota badly needed a gel-piece to help feed all of the (hopefully) rabid scorers in the lineup. Rubio fits that mold better than just about any puzzle piece in the league. But, that doesn’t mean Rosas and Co are getting a watered-down version of a younger Ricky Rubio. In fact, they’re getting quite the opposite. After leaving the Wolves, Ricky improved as a player, specifically his shooting.

Whether he starts or not, Rubio vowed to help this team in any way possible. As of right now, leadership is at the top of this team’s priority list. This is a Timberwolves franchise desperately craving the type of front-line leader that Ricky is.

His constant positive energy and never-give-up attitude is a meatball right into the wheelhouse of what Gersson Rosas is trying to build, after Tom Thibodeau and Jimmy Butler blew the entire organization to smythorines before being traded and fired.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Last night, the Minnesota Timberwolves did something I would have laughed at a week ago. They brought Ricky Rubio back to Minneapolis in a trade that sent their #17 pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, netting the Spanish Stallion along with the #25 and #28 picks in the first round.

The Wolves would end up moving around a bit more but here is what the final product looked like. It helped make for a fun night.

Final outcome:

Wolves receive:
• Ricky Rubio
• Leandro Bolmaro (via NY)

Thunder receive:
• James Johnson
• Aleksej Pokusevski (via MN)

Knicks receive:
• Immanuel Quickley (via MN from OKC)
• 2023 SRP (via LAC from DET)

Clippers receive:
• Daniel Oturu (via NYK from MN) https://t.co/srpepbkBfA

— Jack Borman (@jrborman13) November 19, 2020

Who is 2021 Ricky Rubio?

While the symbolism of bringing Rubio back can’t be denied, we don’t know what his role will be on this new version of the Minnesota Timberwolves. We do know he won’t be the linchpin of this offense like he was for a large part of his 1st stint with the Wolves.

While his role won’t be as big as it was the first time around, it’d be difficult to argue against the now 30-year-old Rubio being better than what the Wolves had from 2011-2017. After leaving Minnesota, something clicked in Ricky’s confidence as a shooter. He started taking more attempts and hitting them more often.

Who knows exactly what clicked in Utah but he was able to carry it over to his time in Phoenix too. The differences are big enough to see with the naked eye, that’s for sure.

So while the Timberwolves hope to not rely on Ricky Rubio as much this time around, he’s clearly proven he can handle it. The more selfish he is offensively, the better his numbers get. Honestly, I did not realize how good Ricky Rubio was with Utah and Phoenix… and they pretty much just gave him back to us. These stats show that Rubio is far better than your average declining veteran.

Where Does Ricky Fit In?

This is the big question. We can slot KAT in at 5, DLo at 1 or 2 and Anthony Edwards at one of the wings. After that, the starting lineup is up in the air.

The first domino that needs to fall is Malik Beasley. There’s a lot going on when you dive into that side of the pool. Obviously, Beasley showed out after Minnesota traded for him last season. Some were even calling for a max deal this offseason. Then, Beasley was arrested for allegedly pointing a rifle at a car parked on the curb outside his Plymouth, MN house, where he happened to be holding A LOT of pot.

If Malik is on this roster and active when the Timberwolves start playing games, he will be starting at a guard/wing position. If not, the door to Rubio starting could swing open.

Leadership + Everything Else

Ricky Rubio clearly still brings more to the playing court than many, including myself, realized. As discussed earlier, we may be getting the best and most productive version of Ricky Rubio, the basketball player, that we’ve ever had in Minnesota. That’s exciting.

But he means a lot more than that to this team and this fanbase. For teammates like Karl Anthony Towns and other youngsters who are trying to figure out how they make it in this league and how they win games regularly, Rubio is a perfect leader to guide them. He’s now seen both sides of that equation.

For the fanbase, Rubio tugs at heartstrings like we haven’t seen since he left. Fans are drawn to him like they haven’t been to KAT or anyone else who has graced this roster after him. More people will watch and cheer for this team strictly because Ricky Rubio is playing on it. And we all know the Wolves need plenty of help in that department.

Here’s a Ricky Rubio + KAT highlight tape just for the fun of it…

Flashback to Ricky Rubio & KAT wreaking havoc in Minnesota ? pic.twitter.com/ALbNiVbIyx

— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) November 19, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Ricky Rubio is coming back to where it all started.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) November 19, 2020

Ricky Rubio is returning to where it all started, before Tom Thibodeau casted him away for next to nothing. Rubio and Saunders have an excellent relationship and the Wolves have been trying to bring him back for over a year. He can play.

Last season Rubio had a career high 3P% of .361, which would be huge if it can continue. He averaged 13.0 points and 8.8 assists per game. If you wanted LaMelo Ball over Edwards, hopefully Rubio meets your needs.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan