This is Ricky's team now

[12218085 bestfour [enjin:6592537]]

Flip's recent comments and drafting style seriously suggest so. Ricky was at his best several years ago when he could run the floor with athletic wings that were capable of knocking down the occasional three. LaVine and Robinson were drafted to do exactly that, with the potential to seriously build on it. Not proof enough? In the midst of this Love debacle, Ricky traveled down to LA on his own to sway Love's interests. That's not an activity role players will be leading. Something like that is reserved solely for a team ambassador. Maybe the organization made the decision to save the 5-year deal for Rubio several years ago because they saw the leadership ability of Ricky early on?

[TheGrey08]

Very interesting. Where did you hear that he went down to LA to see Love?

[foye2smith [enjin:6593248]]

It wasn't recently, between Love hitting Boston and then the Philippines and Rubio going to Brazil they would have had to have met before the whole "sources say Kevin Love wants out" ordeal happened.

[TheGrey08]

Well in early June (reported June 8th) Rubio was interviewed and said he hadn't talked to him yet, but said he'd be calling him.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11051766/ricky-rubio-call-kevin-love-wants-stay-minnesota-timberwolves

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24583487/ricky-rubio-will-talk-to-kevin-love-says-he-doesnt-want-to-rebuild

[Monster]

You know what guy fits really well with Rubio? He can really shot plays well with and without the ball is a good passer etc. You might be familiar with him Kevin Love.

Your main point is that Flip is likely going to turn Rubio loose and also have expextations on him to be the leader of the team. I say that because that's what Flip has said a couple times on radio spots. That's always been what Rubio is saiid to be good at. Hopefully Flip still has a touch in developing PGs he did a pretty good job with some variously talented guys when he coached the Wolves. I'm trying not to get too excited.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I think this phrase still rings true. I've always said it, and I'm sure a lot on this board have as well. Kevin Love is our best player. Ricky Rubio is our most important player.

[TAFKASP]

I think this phrase still rings true. I've always said it, and I'm sure a lot on this board have as well. Kevin Love is our best player. Ricky Rubio is our most important player.

It rings true in an offense that's built around Rubio's talents. I'm excited about next season simply because I expect to see a more wide open offense much like Rubio's rookie season!!

[mrhockey89]

Camden, I mostly agree with that comment you just made.

I think Kevin Love is our player with the highest individual skill, but Rubio is our player with the highest team play skill (and leader qualities). I think one could construe our two opinions as saying the same thing in different ways, but I think there's a distinction there because Rubio's ability to make everybody else better is what makes him "our most important player" as you said it.

[Monster]

I think this phrase still rings true. I've always said it, and I'm sure a lot on this board have as well. Kevin Love is our best player. Ricky Rubio is our most important player.

Just like KG and Marbury they need each other. They fit really well together although we honestly haven't gotten to see a lot of it due to them having injuries.

One thing I'll mention here is that we haven't done well in the draft but that 2nd year significant injury curse was some pretty crazy bad luck for what like 10 years? Derrick Williams amazingly broke it and if he did (cross your fingers) maybe he was worth the #2 pick. Lol Just saying those consistant significant injuries in the 2nd year didn't help and worth noting.

[Jester1534]

I think this phrase still rings true. I've always said it, and I'm sure a lot on this board have as well. Kevin Love is our best player. Ricky Rubio is our most important player.

I would also say that Ricky makes his team mates better more than Love.