Ricky Rubio is finally coming to the NBA

A. Isaac Senior Editor

Ricky Rubio 285x214 Ricky Rubio is finally coming to the NBA

Spanish basketball star Ricky Rubio, the fifth overall draft pick in the 2009 draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, has finally decided to grace the NBA with his presence next year. Phew! The nightmare is over Wolves fans, you can breathe easy now. Barring catastrophe, you should see Rubio suit up for the team this fall—you know, provided there’s a season and all.

A person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday night that Rubio will be here next season, given the woebegone Timberwolves a much-needed dose of good news. The person requested anonymity because neither Rubio nor the Timberwolves planned to make an official announcement while he continues to play for Regal Barcelona in the Spanish league playoffs.

The Timberwolves drafted Rubio fifth overall two years ago despite a buyout of his Spanish contract that topped $6 million. The enormity of the buyout caused Rubio to stay overseas rather than immediately come to the NBA, and there was talk that the precocious teenager did not want to play in Minnesota.

If you’re not familiar with Ricky Rubio’s exploits in international basketball, well then, shame on you. He’s arguably the most talked about European prospect since the venerable Darko Milicic. And yea, as a lifelong Pistons fan, I know all too well how that ended up.

Aside from that, his game closely resembles that of Steve Nash. Let’s hope for his sake his defense is just a tad better.

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