Can anyone shed any light on the specifics of how a lockout would effect Rubio?  If he decides to stay in Europe over the lockout scare, is he committed to a whole season there?  Or, could he buyout his contract, sign a new one with stipulation that he comes over after any potential lockout?  I have no idea if something like that is within the rules, but if it was, I'd imagine it would have to be negotiated up front.  I guess an equivalent would be an American player like Kobe signing to play in Italy during the lockout.  Would that commit him to play the whole season overseas?

To me this draft is looking like a one man show at the top.  Irving or bust.  If we're lucky enough to pick #1, Rubio becomes an obvious trading chip.  Rubio hasn't developed the way we'd have hoped, but he's still a guy that projects much better in the NBA.  If he can/will come over this offseason, his trade value is much much higher than if he's staying in Europe.

Alec Burks hasn't officially declared yet, but he's an intriguing prospect with his production and athletcism at a position of need (Iguodala like?).  His deficiencies (shooting) can be improved upon and would be complemented by Irving's skill set.  Irving/Burks would be a nice tandem to build around in the backcourt IMO.

Depending on how the lottery shakes out, I could see Toronto being an interesting trade partner.  The city has an international flair and has drafted/signed international players frequently.  They're currently slotted 3rd, but are more likely to pick 4th or 5th which would be the range for a guy like Burks in this draft.  Toronto needs a PG and Rubio's style would seem to fit with their core of Derozan, Ed Davis and Bargnani.  Would you trade Rubio to Toronto to draft a guy like Burks?

If we could pull off Irving/Burks, keep Ridnour, Webster and Tolliver as useful backups and roster balance/consolidate talent at SF and C using any combo of #20, the future Utah pick, Beasley, Johnson, the remains of Flynn and potentially Darko or Pek we could look a lot better next year.