HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

For two years the Minnesota Timberwolves have been very patient and committed in their pursuit of Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who they selected fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. They’ve passed on trade offers for his draft rights, having faith that he would eventually sign with them. Finally, the wait is almost over.

According to sources the Timberwolves are as optimistic as they’ve ever been that Rubio will be joining them for the 2011-2012 season. Signing Rubio this offseason has been Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn’s plan for over a year and he’s on the verge of seeing it through. Nothing is signed or finalized yet, but it should be in the coming weeks.

The 20-year-old Rubio has been widely regarded as one of the top point guard prospects in the world for over three years. At 6’4 Rubio possesses phenomenal court vision and creativeness that has drawn comparisons to Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash and former NBA star Pete Maravich.

When the Timberwolves originally drafted Rubio he played for DKV Joventut. That same summer Regal Barcelona paid his lofty buyout in its entirety, something that the Timberwolves couldn’t do due to restrictions in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, and signed him to a multiyear contract. The first year of that contract with Barcelona did not have a buyout option, but now he can get out of it for reportedly $1 million or slightly more, which the Timberwolves can pay $500,000 of.

Rubio’s development hasn’t progressed at the rate that many were expecting it to with Barcelona. In fact, some say he’s regressed. His 2010-2011 averages of six points, three rebounds and three assists on 39% shooting from the field and 22% from beyond the arc aren’t exactly impressive. That hasn’t reduced the Timberwolves’ interest in him at all, though.

{AUTHOR_BOX}They believe that his game is better fit for the NBA, where defenders aren’t allowed to be as physical on the perimeter as they are overseas, and that he’s still very far from peaking. He’ll be surrounded by some solid offensive weapons in All-Star Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, Anthony Randolph and Wayne Ellington, who will all greatly benefit from his playmaking abilities. The Timberwolves were ranked 25th in assists per game as a team last season. His jump shot definitely needs to improve, but Rubio’s biggest challenge in the NBA will be on the defensive end where he’ll be facing tough matchups on a nightly basis.

If Rubio does indeed sign as expected, point guard Jonny Flynn’s days in Minnesota are numbered. Sources also indicated to HOOPSWORLD that Flynn is almost sure to be traded in that case with the Toronto Raptors being one of the most probable destinations. There could be some competition for his services as the Charlotte Bobcats and Detroit Pistons could also use some help at the lead guard spot. Flynn is a first-class individual with incredible character, but he hasn’t produced as hoped in Minnesota and Rubio’s arrival makes him expendable. At the age of 22 he still has some upside and his price tag is not very high at all.

Where Rubio makes things really interesting is in this year’s draft. The Timberwolves have the best chance statistically to win the lottery. However, this is being projected as one of the weaker draft classes in the last few years. It’s really lacking in star power and there are only two players that really warrant consideration for the top selection: Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams.

If they win the lottery, the Timberwolves aren’t going to draft Irving right after ending a two-year quest to sign Rubio. Williams is an intriguing player with nice versatility, but ideally what they would like to do with the pick is trade it. After winning only 32 games combined over the last two years there is a demand to start winning a lot more regularly from the fan base and ownership.

They’ve been rebuilding for several years now and there is no lack of young talent on the roster. The need for proven veterans is far more pressing than another high draft pick who would come in with a lot of pressure to be a major contributor immediately. The pick will be shoped heavily whether they win the lottery or not. Amongst the things the Timberwolves would be looking for in a deal for their top first round pick would be an experienced point guard to mentor Rubio and an upgrade at the center position.

Yannis Koutroupis is a senior NCAA and NBA analyst for HOOPSWORLD. You can follow him on twitter.