this is from draft express:

Word on the Street: Who’s In and Out of the 2009 NBA Draft
April 7, 2009
Back on the DraftExpress 2009 mock draft, after a four month stint where he was projected for 2010. Sources close to the situation indicate that Rubio’s family is now in favor of him entering this year, and that will almost certainly be on the early-entry list when it’s released on April 27th. His buyout still needs to be negotiated, which is easier said than done, but a final decision on whether to stay in likely won’t come until very close to the pull-out deadline, on June 19th. Unlike college players who are bound by the more restrictive NCAA rules, International players can enter the draft up to three times, which gives him plenty of wiggle room.

i'd be pretty surprised if we didn't somehow end up with Rubio. he's the engine/spark D'Antoni will covet. not sure i want him, but i'd be pretty surprised if he's not our pick via trading into the top three somehow. (bye bye Nate)

if we could be so lucky... A highly athletic 2 way PG who has played againt and wowed NBA players. He's big and long at 6'4 190 (6'5 220 in Briggs measurements).

He's so clearly the #2 pick I dont see how we have a shot. Our only change is MDA and DW convince him to not work out for anyone and threaten to sign in Europe if any team but NY picks him. It probably wont work but worth a shot

Posted by fishmike:

if we could be so lucky... A highly athletic 2 way PG who has played againt and wowed NBA players. He's big and long at 6'4 190 (6'5 220 in Briggs measurements).

He's so clearly the #2 pick I dont see how we have a shot. Our only change is MDA and DW convince him to not work out for anyone and threaten to sign in Europe if any team but NY picks him. It probably wont work but worth a shot

i think i agree with everything you said, but i feel like i haven't seen him play enough. and he's awfully young and needs muscle.

but i really see him coming here. it just seems destined. far more than lebron. i think it's very likely some workout shenanigans happen with mr rubio. i think we trade our pick, likely 8/9 and nate for #3 or so to get ricky.

Posted by crzymdups:

Posted by fishmike:

if we could be so lucky... A highly athletic 2 way PG who has played againt and wowed NBA players. He's big and long at 6'4 190 (6'5 220 in Briggs measurements).

He's so clearly the #2 pick I dont see how we have a shot. Our only change is MDA and DW convince him to not work out for anyone and threaten to sign in Europe if any team but NY picks him. It probably wont work but worth a shot

i think i agree with everything you said, but i feel like i haven't seen him play enough. and he's awfully young and needs muscle.

but i really see him coming here. it just seems destined. far more than lebron. i think it's very likely some workout shenanigans happen with mr rubio. i think we trade our pick, likely 8/9 and nate for #3 or so to get ricky.

That's going to be complex because you'd have to do a Nate trade in August, and by that time the other team's fanbase is going to be excited about Rubio.

I wonder if we would move Chandler if it really came down to it.

Maybe the #8 + Chandler for the #2 and a 2010 pick.

nice thing about his is your not waiting for some critical skill to be developed. There will of course be a learning curve but he's already regarded as the best passer in the world in any league, a great shooter, great handle, great defender and he's 6'4. Even if he's still 185 thats OK for PG in the NBA. His second year we are a playoff team.

You get this guy and add some length in the front court and we have something.

Posted by orangeblobman:

I hope so. This guy is going to be like Nash times 20. If we could get Nash to back him up and mentor him, even better.

i think that'll be the plan. i don't think we get bron. i think in 2010 we get Bosh for the max and Nash for something resembling a MLE contract.

Possible 2010 lineup:

PG: Nash/Rubio
SG: Wilson/???
SF: Gallo/Harrington
PF: DLee/???
C: Bosh/Jefferies

Is that a contender? I guess it depends on how good Gallo and Rubio are.

Euro League stats Ricky Rubio

5 games played

13.5 minutes per game

avg 2.4 points 2.4 rebounds 2.8 assits steals 1.8 FG% 30% from 2 point range 29% overall

Euro League stats Branden jennings 16 games

19.6 minutes

7.6 1.8 1.6 steals 2.3 2 point range 46% overall 39%

I think this is a far-fetched fantasy this player will be starting NBA basketball any time soon.

Posted by BRIGGS:

Euro League stats Ricky Rubio

5 games played

13.5 minutes per game

avg 2.4 points 2.4 rebounds 2.8 assits steals 1.8 FG% 30% from 2 point range 29% overall

Euro League stats Branden jennings 16 games

19.6 minutes

7.6 1.8 1.6 steals 2.3 2 point range 46% overall 39%

I think this is a far-fetched fantasy this player will be starting NBA basketball any time soon.

What are we supposed to take from these stats? The Euro league stats never translate. The assists are judged completely different over there to begin with.

Briggs, if your boy Calhoun says he's the best PG prospect he's seen in a decade, then are we supposed to think that he fell off in the last year?

[Edited by - johnwallace44 on 04-09-2009 12:48 PM]

Posted by JohnWallace44:

Posted by crzymdups:

Posted by fishmike:

if we could be so lucky... A highly athletic 2 way PG who has played againt and wowed NBA players. He's big and long at 6'4 190 (6'5 220 in Briggs measurements).

He's so clearly the #2 pick I dont see how we have a shot. Our only change is MDA and DW convince him to not work out for anyone and threaten to sign in Europe if any team but NY picks him. It probably wont work but worth a shot

i think i agree with everything you said, but i feel like i haven't seen him play enough. and he's awfully young and needs muscle.

but i really see him coming here. it just seems destined. far more than lebron. i think it's very likely some workout shenanigans happen with mr rubio. i think we trade our pick, likely 8/9 and nate for #3 or so to get ricky.

That's going to be complex because you'd have to do a Nate trade in August, and by that time the other team's fanbase is going to be excited about Rubio.

I wonder if we would move Chandler if it really came down to it.

Maybe the #8 + Chandler for the #2 and a 2010 pick.

MDA would murder Walsh if he tries to trade Chandler. I am more convince that MDA and now Walsh view him as untouchable. Especially when he is talking about building around him. Rubio isn't worth what you are suggesting. He's a nice prospect. He isn't the second coming of Magic Johnson.

rubio is the joint...

BRIGGS, i can't believe you are knocking the guy.

did you not watch the olympics?

he's easily the #2 pick, imho, although if the clippers, thunder or wiz end up at 2 they might be willing to trade down given their rosters.

the guy is PERFECT for us.

he needs to work on his jumper, but he is definitely athletic, has amazing court vision and a killer instinct. he is not afraid of the big time at all.

he's D'Antoni's wet dream.

i'd love to get him.



[Edited by - PresIke on 04-09-2009 1:03 PM]