Ricky Rubio Out for Season with Torn ACL
According multiple sources, including Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio is out for the year with a torn ACL.
Rubio was injured in the closing minutes of a home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, dropping the Wolves to 21-20.
Ricky was a key part of the Wolves’ emergence as a possible playoff team and contender for Rookie of the Year.
Rubio had played in all 41 games this season, averaging 10.6 points and 8.2 assists. He also put up strong rebounding (4.2) and steals (2.2) per game.
The Wolves, under the guidance of Coach Rick Adelman, began to flourish when Rubio was moved into the starting lineup (31 games).
It remains to be seen how the team progresses from here given their first-round pick in the 2012 draft is in possession of the New Orleans Hornets (via the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chris Paul trade). There’s absolutely no benefit in tanking.
The Wolves were contemplating moves, possibly sending out guard Luke Ridnour for a player like Jamal Crawford, but Ridnour (who started alongside Rubio) likely becomes even more important to the team.
Free agent acquisition J.J. Barea has struggled to stay healthy this year (just 23 appearances) but he too could see an increased role.
Rubio will likely miss the Olympics, a blow to the Spanish team who is typically a top contender.
More as it develops . . .
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