Is Ricky Rubio really an overrated player?
By abbypringles
@abbypringles (1613)
Philippines
March 5, 2011 8:14am CST
Since he was drafted during the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves and chose to stay in Spain, a lot of people have fixed their eyes on Ricky Rubio. In 2009-2010 season of the Euroleague, he has won the Rising Star Player award in the EUroleague. In the same season, his team (Regal FC Barcelona) also won the title. But there are also a lot of criticism on Rubio;s game, most especially his shooting skills since he is averaging only about 6 points per game.
However, I think that he plays a different role for his team since he is a point guard. He is an unselfish player who thinks about passing first and would take the opportunity to shoot whenever the situation permits it. So, this explains his low scoring averages and I think anyone who thinks he is 'overrated' just because he is not scoring around the 20's apparently do not understand enough of basketball to make such claims. I also believe he has a bright future in the NBA, if given the chance to play.
4 responses
@squaredsoft (93)
• United States
5 Mar 11
If Rubio is overrated, he is not glaringly so.
He has very modest stats, but he plays for a very good team in Spain and the way they count assists over there is much more strict. I think with the way the NBA counts assists, the way he defends willingly, and the way the game is refereed to encourage penetration from the perimeter, he'll be fine. He just has to adjust.
@abbypringles (1613)
• Philippines
5 Mar 11
I agree with you 100%! Of course, there is a lot of adjustment to be done since the style of play in the Euroleague is completely different from the NBA. But he has enough basketball skills and experience to handle the pressure, regardless of which team he is in.
@austin501011 (15)
• United States
6 Mar 11
I personally feel that Rubio will have to work on his shot in order to be a really good player in the NBA. Sure he can pass and will probably be valuable but if you can't shoot it's gonna be alot harder.
@squaredsoft (93)
• United States
7 Mar 11
There are plenty of players who lack his defensive and passing abilities that are solid players in the NBA. A lot of players develop jumpshots several years after they are drafted and start playing.
If you need an example of what he could become as he is, look at Rajon Rondo. Kid still can't shoot but he's an All Star.
@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
13 Mar 11
It depends on who's rating him.
If you believe he will be the next John Stockton, then you are over rating him, perhaps a rajon rondo or deron williams, good but not great. he is still a prospect after all. For now his worth is all about his potential rather than his current skill though hi current skill is not that bad.
He is a good player but is he NBA ready?
If you believe he can make it in the NBA you are right on the spot. He will make it, but it remains to be seen how far he will get. Will he develop into a derrick rose who is capable of leading his team or will just be another all star that can't make his teammates reach their potential?
But as for potential? He has a lot of it.
@abbypringles (1613)
• Philippines
14 Mar 11
I don't think I would be able to make that comparison yet. After all, Ricky is only 20 years old. he has a lot more to learn, which is why I think he should spend another year in Barcelona before joining the NBA so that he will be able to gain more experience and skill.
@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
14 Mar 11
I think if he stays in Barcelona for another year he won;t gain the necessary skills to succeed in the NBA. He should go to the NBA already. Last year staying in Barcelona was a good choice. But another year? He already has good ball handling skills. Unless he decides to dominate the Euroleague and Barcelona with his scoring, then I think he should play in the NBA.
Yes he is just 20, but its just a reference point. If you think he would be an all star, you are not over rating him. If you think he will be great in the NBA however, is another story altogether, is what I'm saying.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
22 Mar 11
Well, most point guards do have high assist averages, Jason Kidd, Derek Rose, Steve Nash. This Rubio fella sure sounds good from your discussion. I'm gonna have to see though how he plays because even though the player only averages a few of any stats, anyone could tell that that's a good player.
@abbypringles (1613)
• Philippines
23 Mar 11
Sadly, he is not having his best season right now. But he has been playing a huge role for his team's success so far, although his contributions isn't something that is often seen on the statistics or box scores. He is very good at drawing the defense when he drives on the inside and also create plays wherein the big men are able to find their way in for an easy layup or dunk. He is not the best athlete around or the highest scorer but his basketball IQ is impressive, especially for his young age.
@abbypringles (1613)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
I agree. He can make an impact but I don't think he can really be that big of a star.. who knows what's in store for the future, but that is it for now. I wish him good luck in his career, though!
@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
13 Mar 11
I actually agree with this, he could be an all star, but will he be an MVP candidate remains to be seen. IF he decides to play in the NBA at all.
