No regrets here, as I would gladly take Rubio’s rights over Miller & Foye or any of the available picks beyond Rubio….but…

Was Rubio entering the draft, just a ploy for him to get out of his DKV contract? Did he ever have any intention of playing in the NBA this season?

I hear David Kahn does a killer rendition of Dead or Alive’s You Spin Me Round" at the karaoke bar…

All along, I expected that Rubio wouldn’t play here this year. But never in a million years did I think THIS would be the reason.

After I spend countless hours reading, thinking, and discussing how Kahn could potentially get Rubio out of his buyout, and determining that it was pretty much impossible, he actually manages to do it… but then Rubio says no thanks.

WHAT?! I thought it was assumed all along that Rubio wanted badly to be in the NBA, but couldn’t get there because of the buyout. This is a much, much worse scenario then not being able to solve the buyout. It was solved. He could have been here. He didn’t want to. Ouch.

…empty handed? Supposedly he would only collect a commission on Rubio’s playing and endorsement contracts in the United States. Or does the beginning of Kahn’s statement indicate that Barca threw Fegan a bone as well?

The buyout was “solved”, but we still don’t know how much of that solution came out of Rubio’s pocket. My guess is that it was still a substantial amount of money, money he doesn’t have to part with under the Barcelona deal.

I’ve held my tongue until now, waiting for the official word. There is nothing good about this situation.

First of all, Kahn did kind of throw Rubio under the bus by announcing that they reached an agreement, but that it was nixed by Rubio. Of course, Peyna had already said the same thing.

Second, for reasons I’ve noted before, it would be vastly better to have Rubio here getting better and growing with this team.

Third, all summer SnP and others insisted this was a math problem. The issue was the buyout, buyout, buyout. If they could get that solved, Rubio would be here. Well…no. They solved the math problem, and Rubio isn’t coming here.

There is at least some chance he never will. I know, I know, the Wolves hold his rights. He’s never said no to Minnesota. He wants the NBA. Still, he had the chance, and he isn’t here. Further, as someone who has negotiated agreements, when you get something you want, you finalize it. Now, it’s at least 2 years. A lot of things could happen; notably, Rubio could change his mind (something he seems to do with some regularity).

Do I think that’s likely? No. I’m not a complete pessimist. But things happen. Further, the reality is he could have been here, but chose not to be. The situation will be the same in 2 years—he’ll have the choice again. Who knows whether he’ll come to a different decision then?

Of course he said he looks forward to playing here…after he decided not to. It’s the only PR thing he could say.

It’s a bad situation. He had the chance, and he passed. That doesn’t make me feel good.

After this, Ricky deserves to be thrown under a semi-truck (figuratively, of course. I’m not a psycho). This was a bold, blatant, stiff-arm.

Why does Minnesota get stuck with the prima-donna athletes that can’t make up their minds?

So you say all along that you dream is to play in the NBA then when a deal is in place for you to live out your dream you turn it down??if you come in 2011 you better impress me because right now I hope you turn out to be Darko Millicic 2.0

…no. What was true is July is still true today: he has a lot more value to the Wolves than he does for any team that might trade for him, and thus there is no way to come to an agreement. I want more than any team would reasonably give, and so I wouldn’t trade him.

Frankly, as we talked about in the early days after the draft…I would rather keep his rights for 10 years and wish him luck in his European career than trade him for what I consider to be less than he’s worth to the Wolves.

no his contract is grandfathered in under the current CBA he could lose everything by doing this

in other words he decided winters were too cold in minnesota as he had originally complained….

I, for one, give him a break.

If he were my 18 year old, I’d want him in Barcelona for two years, making more money than if he came to the USA.

My guess, his parents had a big influence on this decision. Look at it from a parent’s point of view:

- He makes more money staying at home.

- He has an easier schedule and good coaches.

- He avoids the distractions of NBA road games and NBA lifestyle for now, when he is 18 & 19 years old.

- He gets to go to the NBA when he is 20, and make tons of money.

- He will be better prepared physically, emotionally, and with better knowledge of the game.

- He stays at home with his family, visits his gramma, helps his sister play pro ball in Europe and gets ready to break the knot.

Clearly, from a parents point of view, it is better for him to stay in Barcelona — I say that as a parent of grown kids who did crazy stuff when they were 18 to 20 years old.

It’s not just Ricky that has to grow up. We do too. This is not all about us, it is also about a young man and his family.

I try to keep my perspective. We are all acting like the worst stereotype of parents pushing their kid to be a star.

As for Kahn tossing RR under the bus: I don’t see it that way. He is being factual, and the situation deserves it. Ricky deserves to see those words, and Kahn deserves to get the story out.

I’m sure he sees what we all see — RR may never come over, but that is a very low probability event, IMHO. The real worry is that by 2011, Fegan will have created a situation where RR may want to go elsewhere.

Big deal, we will get compensated, and the development of our team will be well down the road.

I’m relaxed. I hope we all are in a day or two.

Right now to me Rubio is like a girl who agrees to go to prom with you then after you arrive at the house with the limo to pick her up she tells you that she’s going with her exboyfriend instead. The ex then promptly shoes up and plants a kiss on her lips in front of you. You make yourself feel better by her telling you “I promise we will go next year.” Babe your words are like the weather in Minnesota with the same reliability.
Sorry I have been an adamant Rubio supporter but right now he can F off for all i care.

He doesn’t make more money staying at home

I agree with you loveto, I agree totally

rubio wolves money this year 3.3 million minus 700k to buyout =2.5 million

rubio barcelona 1.4 million

umm simple math

This math was all over the DKV boards. It was why thier fans all thought he was coming here. he makes after all is said and done almost a half million more in the us than in spain. This isn’t about money

Sam Amick, King’s beat writer
http://twitter.com/sam_amick/status/3692067015
Kings derailed Rubio’s plan. His people swore all along he would’ve played in NBA this season if Sac took him.

there’s a point if you read the twitter…

yes the kings were the only team he worked out for

First: I don’t think Rubio was thrown under the bus. And not in the “it’s factual and the fans deserve the truth” way. If you read Rubio’s statement you can see that he says the same thing as Khan. As someone else who has worked around the dark arts of media, this definitely was a coordinated statement, meaning that Rubio’s camp was fine with this being the stated reason. Note: I am not saying it is not the reason, but this isn’t Khan just shooting Rubio from the hip. Additionally, if the stated reason is true (that Rubio didn’t think he was ready for the NBA) than kudos to him for owning up to that and getting more seasoning. I don’t think it’s any more special than a college player delaying a year or two before entering the draft, but if the reason is true, than I think it’s actually speaks well of him.

Second: The response to this by the national media proves how absurd they are. First they beat up on Khan for drafting two point guards. Now they’re going around beating up on him because he won’t have two in camp. It’s ridiculous. Personally, I think it’s part of a belief that we are entitled to see Ricky Rubio play major minutes in the NBA this season. for an excellent example of this, check out Bill Simmons twitter statements. It’s pretty dumb, though “Question for David Kahn’s press conference: ‘Do you think the next Minnesota GM will be able to sign Rubio in 2011?’” makes me laugh. Anyway, no one is entitled to see Rubio this in any league this year.

Third: Khan probably realized that there was going to be trouble getting Rubio over here, hence going with Flynn with the very next pick. So people may want to hold off on referring to him as a disaster, just yet.

Fourth: When referring to Khan as either a disaster or a genius, remember that the Wolves have yet to play a single game under his direction. They are currently 0-0. Whether you think this year’s team is his first team, or next year’s, or even the one after that, the fact is we don’t know how this is going to shake out yet.

Fifth: Ricky Rubio is going to be good. Remember, at 18 he won defensive player of the year. That’s no joke.

Sixth: While I am not sure if this was the best outcome for the Wolves, I think it is the safest. Check out Britt Robson’s stellar article for an excellent breakdown of how this benefits the Wolves.

Seventh: Because of this the Wolves have an additional $3 million to play with this year. If they’re smart and only tender a 1 year to a wing, they will have an additional $3 million to play with in 2010. That’s going to be useful.

Eighth: Rubio’s road to the NBA still goes through Minnesota.

So when the dust clears – the 09 offseason to date yields the hope of Rubio 2011, Songaila, Pecherov, Wilkins, Hollins, and likely buyouts of Atkins and Blount at the expense of Foye, Miller, Telfair, Smith Madsen and a 2nd round pick. Hard to believe we get criticized nationally.

“Rubio was introduced by his new team in Barcelona today and said going to Minnesota would have "complicated" his life significantly and called it a "risky" move. He also said he didn’t see the Timberwolves as a team where he could grow as a player and win championships.”

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wolves/

this entire Rubio saga has made me think really highly of David Kahn.

First, trading Foye and Miller for pick 5 was a gutsy, proactive move. Second, drafting Rubio (although that was a no-brainer). Then, starting the day after draft day, having a clear plan, communicating it to the fans (he went on SO many radio/TV shows the day after to explain himself), and executing it.

He went to Spain three times, negotiated, by all accounts, relentlessly. He somehow came up with a buyout agreement. All this in the face of almost inexplicable national ridicule. He has remained steadfast in his refusal to part with the Rubio asset, and has generally come across as a calming, authoritative voice who explores all options and won’t be pushed around.

The difference between him and McHale is alarming. There is no comparison. That may be the most significant thing to come out of this stupid situation. Kahn, so far, despite a disappointing result, has been a fantastic ambassador and boss of the Timberwolves franchise.

Bad teams should always take the BPA. If the Wolves have the #1 pick in the 2010 draft and John Wall is by far the BPA, we take him. Kahn made the right call picking Rubio. If we trade Rubio, I don’t see it until the 2010 or 2011 draft.

Hey guys, did you miss me?
So RR said playing for the Wolves would’ve been risky huh? Now why would he say that?
Better yet…why would he have Kahn fly over there, take care of the buyout and then say he doesn’t want to play for ya’ll?
I’ll tell you why…..like I said before….he doesn’t want to play for the Wolves.
Sad day for Minn!!!!!

1. This is bad news- however you slice it. He’s not better off further playing against ACB, and Euro League competition that he’s been playing against for 4 years. The Wolves need him to be closer for development sake- so they have more say in developing skills and attributes for their system. If he lacks the mental toughness- he can’t take playing minutes- next year- it’s fair to question long-term value. This also hurts the team ticket wise. I know I’ll probably be less likely to make the drive to see Jonny Flynn and Chucky Atkins than Jonny Flynn and Ricky.

2. We can’t ignore Da Joka’s points. I question if Kahn really believes Ricky is coming ever. This seems to be indicated in the change of language from draft night. Where as on Draft Night (Ricky was the starting PG the second- he walked in) to he’s going to be behind Jonny in 2 years. I doubt Flynn’s summer league performance indicated such a change in tone.

3. Do we look to trade him? This depends on the offers presented. The reality is if we think he could be a Jason-Kidd type player- we’re not going to come close to getting anything resembling value. Wilson Chandler’s (Medicore), David Lee’s (A pretty nice player), Nate Robinson (A 5’8 Rhino). It’s possible Lee could be worth the 5th pick in the draft. WOW had him as the 9th best player in the NBA last year- factor in D he’s probably a Top 30 player in the league. Granted- The Wolves have no real use for David Lee.

4. This could very well be the worse day to be a T-Wolves fan since they lost in the WCF. We have a player that fans had been clamoring for a long-time (Choose to play further overseas after Kahn’s extensive efforts).

5. I’m mad at Ricky for jerking us around this way. SNP said it best “Who the hell does he think he is?”

6. I have a hard time disagreeing with Britt who sees this in a totally different way. I’m skeptical at best that Ricky is ever going to be in a Timberwolves uniform. Granted a lot of this is reading between the line of Kahn’s statements from Draft Night to today. I don’t tend to be overly negative as any regular poster from here can attest.

The only hope that this becomes a good thing is if Ricky becomes a more dominant scorer in the next 2 years (I just don’t see this happening in his game). So I tend to doubt he’ll really raise his trade value before ever stepping foot on a NBA Court from this off-season.

has played at the Highest levels of International Competition. I tend to think the jump between the NBA and the ACB league is greater than the difference between different teams at ACB. His learning is better served here rather than another 2 years in Spain. He’s also better served adjusting to the more demanding NBA schedule and NBA game (Floor-Spacing).

I’m not trying to say Rubio will be a Knick. The only reason I even said that is because EVERYBODY KNOWS (including the bloggers here) Rubio and his ENTIRE TEAM (yes that includes Rubio) wanted to play and live in NY. Guess what….the Knicks didn’t get him. Oh well….to bad!!! That’s not our headache and we’re glad because the NY Media would’ve chewed Walsh a new one if he went through this and made the same (sorry) idiotic move that Kahn made. It’s always good to look at it in a positive light but Jose is 100% right. No matter how you spin this….this was a bad move by Kahn. Rubio showed absolutely NO INTEREST in going to Minny. Like I said before…..every other prospect in the lottery worked out for all the teams except Rubio. Kahn and his team had NO CONTACT with Rubio and his team. Why….again I ask…..WHY would you draft this kid? You’ve essentially wasted a draft pick, you lost 2 STARTERS and you added 18 million in payroll. You can’t be serious right now. Kahn goes to Spain not once….not twice….but three times (maybe 4) to try to negotiate a buyout for this kid. Once Kahn is able to work out the buyout by doing God knows what……what does Rubio do? LOL…OMG……this is the funniest part…..he says to Kahn….“hey thanks for all your hard work and showing me what you would do to bring me to Minny but I think I’m going to pass on your offer (after the agreed buyout) and stay in Spain to play ball…but I still want to come to the NBA.” How can you guys let that pass? Rubio said he wants to play ball in the NBA and it’s his “dream”. Kahn worked out the deal to allow Rubio to live his “dream” and Rubio says….“no thanks”
What does that tell you?
It means….Rubio doesn’t want to play on the Timberwolves.
That was my whole point from the very beginning.
Rubio can wait as long as he wants to before he comes over.
You won’t have his rights forever because Kahn will eventually be fired in my opinion.
All I’m doing is reading between the lines.
I’m didn’t come on here and try to disrespect anybody. All I was doing was looking for basketball conversation.
This is actually light though….you should check out what we say on the Knicks blog. You guys are like angels compared to us lol.
Anybody want to chat I’m here all night.

had to draft him. I’m unsure who they’d take with Flynn. What happens if Rubio becomes a Superstar if he slips to 7.

Listening to Kahn on with Danny B. I stand by my take that I’m skeptical that he plays for us ever.

Kahn spoke openly about Ricky’s trade value increasing in the next 2 years. This goes along with my earlier theory about Kahn changing his tune regarding Ricky being the starting point- the moment he walks in the door.

I rated Ricky number 1 in the draft. Once Sacramento passed on Ricky was the most exciting 5 minutes of my Wolves Fandom since 2004.

 For Ricky to do this to us-makes me mad as a fan. I get the sense- Kahn’s also furious at him for this. The pause when Danny B. asked him this question says it all.

would love to listen to that interview. You didn’t have to draft him Jose….you don’t just draft a player that also has a 6.6 million dollar buy out. You just don’t and can’t do that. Not to mention him losing 2 starters whose contracts expired after this year and adding all those millions in payroll. Kahn could’ve got a nice package for Foye and Miller…..a real nice package.
Now he’s stuck with nothing. Sure he has some cap room next year but are you really willing to bet a big time free agent comes to the Bucks? Especially with all those other teams that will have cap space next summer.
For the fans sake…I hope he’s right man.
His first move as GM could be the one that gets him fired in the end.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-44-2/Ricky-Rubio-in-Barcelona—the-Timberwolves-in-the-Cold.html