Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio practices in full on Friday
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been without their starting point guard for each of their first four preseason games this season.
That could change this Sunday.
Ricky Rubio sat out the first four games of the preseason as a precautionary measure as he deals with some ankle and quad issues. It appears as if Rubio is on track to lace up his sneakers for the first time in the 2015-16 season.
Ricky Rubio practicing in full today. #Twolves
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) October 16, 2015
Sam tells the media that Ricky looked good in practice today. Will practice tomorrow and if he comes through alright, will play Sunday.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) October 16, 2015
Rubio tells the Twin Cities media that practice went well today and he feels good. Practiced 5-on-5 today #Twolves pic.twitter.com/R3jASQbGVx
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) October 16, 2015
Here’s a short clip I found on Twitter of Rubio addressing the media with his thoughts on Friday’s practice. Overall, he seems pretty optimistic about his chances of seeing game action on Sunday.
Video: #Twolves point guard Ricky Rubio hopes to make his exhibition debut Sunday if everything goes well in prac... http://t.co/SGw4kP5gqL
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) October 16, 2015
In Rubio’s absence thus far, Tyus Jones, Andre Miller, and Lorenzo Brown have seen significant minutes at point guard. While each of them have filled in nicely in their own way, there’s no debating the positive impact Rubio has on the Timberwolves. If you’re an analytical/statistical kind of person, you’ll like this nugget from Zach Harper of CBSSports.com
Difference in net rating with Rubio:
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) October 13, 2015
14-15: -1.5 on, -11.5 off
13-14: +5.3 on, -6.7 off
12-13: -2.9 on, -2.8 off
11-12: +1.7 on, -5.2 off
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In other words, aside from the 2012-13 season, Rubio has repeatedly been the difference between the Timberwolves being a competitive team and the Timberwolves being a laughingstock of a team. The most eye-opening number there is the difference in net rating in the 2014-15 season. Without Rubio, the Wolves were dead last in the NBA at -11.5. With Rubio, the Wolves were a middle of the pack type of team.
Additionally, the Wolves’ perimeter defense has been subpar thus far, and that’s probably putting it nicely. I mean, Kyle Lowry was able to drop 40 points on the Wolves the other night. Rubio’s presence should make a pretty big difference on the defensive end.
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday for their fifth preseason game of the 2015-16 season. Check back with Sporting Sota for updates on Rubio’s status as well as a recap of Sunday’s game.
Next: Wolves Recap: Strong second half helps Wolves defeat Raptors