FanPost

Some reasons for hope in rookies...seen by other's

From David Thorpe on ESPN on Wes Johnson:

With George off the board, Johnson would be the choice here. He's starting to figure out how to use his athleticism to make defensive plays, and has become a very reliable shooter from a few spots on the floor.

For me, the question for Johnson has always been his willingness and ability to attack the rim. It looks as if he's making progress there, too. If that continues, he has a chance to be a top-5 player in this class within a few years, if not sooner.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=thorpe_david&page=Rookies-110309

..and from Mark Cuban! on Rubio:

Cuban would trade for Rubio

5:15AM ET Dallas Mavericks

The Minnesota Timberwolves are expecting Ricky Rubio to join them next season after he completes a buyout with his Spanish club. The team has said on many occasions that Rubio is not available. If that should ever change, one team that will be calling is the Dallas Mavericks.

"We're very high on him," owner Mark Cuban told the Pioneer Press. "If they want to give him up, we're very interested. We would do that in a heartbeat."

Rubio is averaging only 5.9 points and 4.3 assists this season, but that doesn't concern Cuban.

"The thing about Europe is it doesn't necessarily translate in terms of points and assists," Cuban said. "You've got to look at talent, you've got to look at game IQ and you've got to look at age. I don't think if he came in now he would dominate the league or anything like that. But I think he would have a big impact here."

Rubio was the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NBA draft.