For a guy who is given so much hype, he sure was a disappointment in FIBA play. 4.4ppg, 5.1 apg on 27% shooting. He's a gimmick player.
Teams figured out how to defend him and it was quite easy to figure out: he can't shoot a lick so play him loose and force him to shoot it. Exactly like Sergio. It was almost eerie watching him, like a better passing version of Sergio.
In the World Championships, he did play somewhat like Sergio- but this was a Sergio with adequate defense. He may turn out to be not worth the pick or the wait, but he'll be better than Sergio.
Supposedly his game will translate better in the NBA. I hope he comes over in 2011 so we can all see if that is true. Realistically he has little chance of success with the T'Wolves since they hired a coach that implemented a system almost specifically designed to make Rubio look bad.
He did have a surprisingly sucky championships, I'll grant that. Still, he had a very good season for Barcelona. He really needs to work on his jump shot. Also last year, in Eurobasket, he looked a lot better, so I don't know if they're using him wrong or he's injured or he's gotten worse. I'd still rather have him than Teodosic (who made the all-tournament team at PG and who is a FA) who can certainly shoot but is too slow. And, sucky as Rubio's stats look, check this out -- which also should remind us, if we're bashing players on the basis of their performance in this tournament, it looks pretty crappy for Batum and Claver.
Well considering I think Claver sucks ass, and I am not nearly as high on Batum as most on this board, you aren't really saying a whole lot to me. Rubio will be one of those guys that can thrive if the matchup is right, and will struggle when he plays against smart defenders. Often times players look really good. Until they get scouted. Kind of like Rodrique Beaubois.
This is the third summer I've watched Rubio and I'm still waiting for a good game. Like I said a year ago, he's Sergio plus 2 inches. I feel sorry for Khan.
